Help Wyatt Become a Hesse!

4/20/2024 GOFUNDME UPDATE:

Praising the good Lord above for the outstanding love and support that has come through since I created/shared this not even 24 hours ago. Over 1/3 of funds have already been given, and I am in awe. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I’m excited to continue sharing updates as we inch closer to our goal. Please continue spreading the word, and praying for this journey.

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4/19/2024:

Hi, friends and family. Many of you are already aware of our desire to make Wyatt a “Hesse”, and to make legal what always has been. The step-parent adoption process has proven to be difficult, and financially heavy.

In case you are not aware, Wyatt’s biological father has not seen him since November of 2016 (Wyatt was 15 months old, and is now 8 years old), and has never contributed. The next couple of years of his life were just him and I (and a wonderful set of grandparents). In October of 2018, I met Michael who shortly after accepted Wyatt as his own. We are coming up on our 5th wedding anniversary, and believe this step-parent adoption is long overdue. We would all love for this to be the year that things become official.

For the past 3 years, we have spent approximately $3,000 on consultation fees, filing fees, retainers, serving costs, etc. all to no avail. We’ve done what we can do on our own, and are now asking for your support.

I recently signed up for Legal Insurance which will help a great deal; however, I had a consultation yesterday (4/18), with an attorney who is ready to proceed but she is in need of $500 for advanced expenses/filing fees and a $1,000 retainer ($1,500 total). The $1,000 retainer will be refunded IF the adoptions remain uncontested, and if everything is completed in a required amount of time (I have attached the e-mail with this information).

That being said, I was also told that the judge may require two additional things 1) a home-study - which she would request to waive, and an 2) amicus attorney (or an attorney to represent Wyatt) - which she would also request to waive, but cannot guarantee either. I am starting with a request of $1,500, and will continue to provide updates based on what’s to come, and any additional estimated fees/costs. IF there are any excess funds once all is said and done, I will make that known and those will either go towards a "new name" celebration for Wyatt, or directly to him in some other form or fashion. I will be as transparent as possible.

Any amount monetary support you can offer is SO appreciated, but please know your prayers and words of encouragement are also wanted and needed as we continue on this journey.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Michael or myself.

All of our love,

Michael, Krista, Wyatt, & Leah