When a child custody battle makes it to trial, it’s never easy on anyone involved, but most of all it is heartbreaking on the child — especially when that child is already in a happy home. In a lot of states, this process is required to go through tedious and grueling steps, which necessitates an abundance of work for the parents and their legal team, a taxing and emotional situation which is only being piled on to a very had and mentally exhausting few years. Without having the luxury of being granted a free attorney, the cost of fighting for what’s best for the child has quickly caused financial havoc, for a family that is only trying to provide the right kind of life for their daughter. In some cases, it comes down to not a matter of evidence, expert opinion, and a parent being fit/unfit, but a matter of who has to financially tap first.

There’s a family in this exact situation, after spending more that $30,000 over the last couple of years on legal representatives, court fees, and other associated costs, they are preparing to go to trial. In preparation, the legal team needs $25,000 as a retainer for the trial which will cover the legal and court fees through trial. One final process and this family will remain whole. They are asking for your help in this process.

We are hoping this case gets dismissed before trial and for the money, so generously, donated to this fundraiser will be returned. This is not something the family wanted to resort to, but in the final days in an attempt to keep the daughter with her family, we are asking for the help of the community.

Thank you to all who understand.

**Disclaimer: due to this being an on-going case, the anonymity of everyone involved has been requested. Details of the case cannot be shared publicly. When it is both legal and safe to do so, the family would love to introduce themselves, give an update, and say thank you.

Update: Between the family and their legal team, it has been decided that in the best interest of the family, due to the financial burden, to separate. Thankfully, in an effort by the legal team and family, they were able to acquire a new legal team that will be able to work more with the family to ensure the best outcome for the child in this process. The new financial goal is $15,000 without deadline. The family is incredibly happy with their new legal team. They have also been driven to joyful tears as you all have been able to help them in this time, despite remaining anonymous.