Help a Devoted Mom Reunite with Her Daughter and Defend Her Parental Rights

The court says I’m allowed to see my daughter — but only if I can afford to pay thousands of dollars each month to do it.

I’m not asking for help because I’ve failed. I’m asking because I’ve fought — and I’m still fighting. What’s standing between me and Ella isn’t a lack of love or effort — it’s a system that made parental contact conditional on how much money you can spend. That’s why I’m here.

Hi, my name is Ericka. I’m a full-time, loving mother of two — and I’m in an urgent legal battle to reunite with my daughter, Ella.

In 2023, due to complex legal circumstances, Ella was placed in the sole custody of her father. Since then, he and his new wife have taken active steps to block my contact, erase my presence, and undermine the deep bond I shared with Ella — despite the fact that we were inseparable for the first three years of her life.

I’ve done everything in my power to turn my life around. I’ve remained sober for over a year, completed a six-month parenting program, attend recovery meetings weekly, and care full-time for my infant son, Avan. I’ve complied with every court order and shown that I am a safe, stable, and devoted parent.

Despite all the documented evidence — months of blocked calls, nearly two years of denied visits (I haven’t seen Ella since December 2023), and clear signs of emotional alienation — the judge currently assigned to my case continues to overlook what’s happening. I am running out of time to restore my daughter’s right to have both of her parents in her life.

Why I Can’t Do This Alone

Right now, I’m raising my 8-month-old son full-time without any income. I don’t have a car or a valid license, and due to my legal history, I can’t pass background checks required for most jobs. I also can’t take overnight or out-of-home shifts because my son’s father is away for work every other week, leaving me as his sole caregiver during that time.

Even so, I’m doing everything I can — walking to recovery meetings, church, and the store, staying sober, and giving both of my children the safest and most consistent care I’m able to. But I cannot fund this legal fight alone — and I know my daughter needs someone to stand up for her, before more time is lost.

How Your Support Helps

I’m currently court-ordered to have professional supervised visits with Ella — five full days each month, eight hours a day. This is the only way I’m allowed to see her, and I’ve followed every rule and procedure to make that happen. But the cost is overwhelming, and entirely out-of-pocket.

Just one monthly visit costs an estimated $6,500, including:

• $3,200–$4,000 for a professional supervisor (they typically charge $80–$100/hr, and I’m authorized for 5 days of 8-hour visits each month)

• $600 for round-trip flights (I’m traveling with my retired mom, who also hasn’t seen Ella in nearly two years)

• $500 for Uber/Lyft (we have no car, and my mom is unable to drive right now)

• $900 for a week-long hotel stay

• $400–$500 for food

• $300 for basic outings and activities with Ella during the visit

In addition, a family law attorney experienced in high-conflict custody and alienation cases typically requires $20,000–$40,000 or more.

That means just one month of visitation plus legal representation could cost over $47,000. If I’m going to continue seeing my daughter monthly and have a real chance at restoring custody, the full need for the year could exceed $100,000.

I know that’s a lot. And I don’t expect one person to fix all of this. Even $10, $25, or $50 brings me closer to seeing my daughter again — and every share helps more than I can express.

Why This Matters

What I need now is legal representation — someone who can help me stand on equal footing in court and protect Ella’s right, under California Family Code § 3011, to maintain a meaningful, loving relationship with her mother. I’ve been representing myself and managing all the legal work on my own. But I can’t do this alone anymore.

On top of the legal and financial barriers, I’ve also had to defend my recovery and home life from outside interference. There have been attempts to contact people close to me — including my partner — not to support Ella’s wellbeing, but to disrupt my support system and weaken the home I’ve worked so hard to build. These actions haven’t been about concern for my daughter. They’ve been about control, retaliation, and silencing my voice.

But I’m still here. I’m still sober. And I’m still showing up. I’ve created a safe and loving home for both of my children, and I’m committed to giving Ella the future she deserves — one where she knows she was always loved, always wanted, and never forgotten.

I’m not asking for help because I’ve given up — I’m asking because I won’t give up. Ella deserves to know her mother never stopped loving her, never stopped showing up, and never stopped fighting for her.

Thank you for reading, donating, or even just sharing this. You are helping me stand up for my daughter — and that means everything.