Stand with Leisha in Her Custody Dispute

My name is Leisha Combs and I am desperately seeking financial support from my family, friends, and community to pay for an attorney and extended legal fees regarding the custody of my three year old daughter, Lyla.

On Monday, March 17, I was abruptly served by my daughter’s father with a petition to establish child custody and support of Lyla. Justin is asking the courts to grant him sole legal and primary physical custody. This petition comes after a long thirteen months of doing my best to co-parent, communicate, and support Lyla in any way she needs while in my care. I also try to provie support to her father where I can while maintaining my own sense of self and well-being. This has all been uncharted territory for me and I’ve been working every day to be the best version of myself regardless of what’s happening and learning along the way.

While it is in my nature to think I can handle things on my own, I acknowledge that is not the case in this scenario and I am seeking support from you! This petition has lead me to feel a devastating sense of sorrow. As the existing primary caregiver for Lyla since she was born, the woman that carried her for over 9 months, and the woman that was told for 12 years she would never be able to conceive -the idea of Lyla and I having limited interactions is absolutely heartbreaking and extremely devastating. I am a good mother and I deserve to be able to be in my child’s life to continue being that for her.

I have spent the last year working towards a better life for Lyla by maintaining multiple jobs, showing up for my daughter consistently, doing my best to have a constructive co-parenting relationship, being financially independent, volunteering within the community, and still showing up for myself.

I am calling on my family, friends, and community to support me now, as I do not solely have the financial backing to retain a lawyer and go through this custody dispute while also financially supporting Lyla and I to ensure that we are taken care of.

Please help Lyla and I be able to maintain our life together! Please help me seek the fair, respectful, and best outcome for my daughter’s well-being! As a woman that grew up with a single parent, I personally know the struggles that children face with this petition request. I absolutely do not want that for Lyla!

I sincerely appreciate your support and help in any way! If you would like to donate outside of this post, please contact me directly for other options. Thank you for supporting Lyla and myself through this tender time.

With the deepest gratitude,

Leisha