Hello friends, family, and anyone who believes in protecting children and giving a loving parent a fair chance:

My name is Chris Milligan, and I’m a devoted father fighting to stay in my four incredible children’s lives. These kids are kind, well-behaved, and full of love—we all know them well, and their bond with their dad is unbreakable.

For years, I’ve homeschooled all four kids while balancing personal health challenges, continuing my education, and performing as the drummer (“DaFunk”) with my band, The Hibachi Heroes.

I poured everything into being the best dad I could be—until a difficult divorce turned into endless legal battles. I now pay $1,600 per month for supervised visitations just twice a month. It’s heartbreaking, but I do it because my kids mean everything to me.

To try to end the fighting and reduce costs, I dropped my child abuse related motion. I hoped this gesture of good faith would lead her to drop hers. She has been unresponsive to messages from me and others (including friends trying to broker peace).

Now we’re at a critical point: Both parents must pay $5,000 each toward Guardian ad Litem (GAL) fees by May 19th. I’m representing myself (no attorney) to save money, but if I can’t pay my share, the court will find me in contempt and send me to jail—again (as happened last November for unpaid GAL fees). My ex and her family are also reportedly out of funds for this fight. If she can’t pay hers (and I have reason to believe she can’t), she could face the same consequence.

The stakes couldn’t be higher:

• If I go to jail, I lose precious time with all of my children.

• If both parents end up incarcerated, our four children could enter foster care or “the system”—a nightmare outcome no one wants for these amazing kids.

• But if I raise my $5,000, I avoid contempt, can address her motion in family court, and accept whatever the judge rules. The legal war could finally end, allowing focus on rebuilding and more time with the kids.

I’m a loving father who has always put my kids first. The kids light up around me—(our friends and family have seen it firsthand.) I tried to bury the hatchet to protect everyone from more pain and expense. Now I need your help to stay out of jail and keep fighting for my family in North Charleston, SC.

100% of funds raised will go directly to my share of the GAL fees. I’ve been assured by the court/process that paying this prevents the contempt finding. If we don’t reach the goal, all donations will be refunded to donors. I’ll post updates here, including proof of payment when possible.

For questions or to discuss, please contact me, directly, Rob Lowe (a close friend and bandmate helping manage this) or anyone else in the band.

Any amount helps—$10, $25, or more—and sharing this widely could make all the difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in second chances, fair outcomes, and keeping families together.

With gratitude,

Chris Milligan

North Charleston, SC