Solei needs her Daddy

Hi Guys, 

I can't believe im doing this, but i literally have no other options right now.   

Let me start by saying that all ive ever wanted was to be a good father.  Ever since i was in the military and missed Dante's first birthday, Christmas, and countless other special occassions, i vowed i would never miss a special day again, and i would always be there for my kids.  

Without these funds i may never get to be a father to my little girl, Solei.  She just turned 2,  and i have not been able to see her for several months now.  I was denied seeing her on her birthday, as well as fathers day.  

Im going to try to explain the reason why im not able to see her, as summarily as i can.  

So, i was never married to Soleis mom, which by Florida law, means i am not legally her father and have no rights to see her, or have her for any amount of time.  A child born out of wedlock is in the sole guardianship of the mother.  

Ever since she was born, her mother has done everything she can to keep me at a distance.  I don't know the exact reason why she's doing this, but we are at a point now where she has completely cut me off and i am not able to see my daughter at all.  

Now back to the Florida laws.  As i stated above, i am not "legally" Soleis father.  However, despite this, i AM obligated to pay child support.  (great how these laws are set up). 

Child support is calculated based on my income, the mothers icome, how much she pays for day care, and how many overnights she has with solei.  

So, what she is doing is never allowing me overnights with Solei, despite my constant requests.  This ups the amount of child support.  She also borrowed money from my father to enroll her in daycare,  Which she did just long enough to claim it on the child support( she is no longer in day care).   This also upped the amount of child support.  If i were to have her 50/50,  this wouldnt even be happening.  She has played the system to her full advantage, and it completely caught me off guard.  

I did not find out about the child support until i owed almost $4,000 because it was mailed to an old address.  As soon as i found out, i hired a lawyer.  The next day, the state suspended my license.  The retainer for the lawyer was $3,500, which i have already paid.  I planned on continuing payments with my tax return.  However, after hiring the lawyer, the state garnished my entire return of $3,000 for the child support payments.  Despite this garnishment, my license cannot be reinstated until we get in front of a judge, which is going to cost in legal fees. 

Essentially, i am out of $6,500.  This blow completely crippled me financially.  At this point, not only can i not afford the legal fees, but i am in danger of having my car repossessed, eviction, phone service shut off, fpl shut off.  You name it, and im behind.  I make a little money from my VA disability and that is just enough to keep a roof over our heads, my car in the driveway,  and food in the fridge.  

The attorneys have estimated that the total cost of the case will be somewhere between 8 and $18,000.  I am setting a goal of 10k, if the case goes over that, i will do whatever i have to do to come up with the rest.  I recently sold a business, and all the money i got from that went to paying debt.  I also got a job about 2 months ago, but was laid off due to downsizing.  Ive been looking for work since, but almost nowhere is hiring. 

Like i said in the beginning, i cant believe im having to do this.  But please, if you have anything to spare.  Please help me keep my daughter in my life.  Anything will help.  All ive ever wanted was to be a good father and take care of my kids.  Unfortnately, with the way the system is set up, it cost alot of money for a man to be the father he wants to be.  Thank you for reading this far, and thanks in advance for anything you can offer to help.