Standing Up For Father's Rights - Help My Brother

My name is Meredith Burkhall, and this is not what I ever thought I would have to do. My brother Trey has two children named Alonzo (four) and Alana (three); they are the light of our lives. He has been fighting a long treacherous custody case since March 2020. Last Wednesday, we received a biased, unfair, and discriminatory judgment. Throughout his life, he has overcome many obstacles and never asked for help, but NOW we need all the support we can get. The goal of this GoFundMe is simple; my brother needs help getting through this. Since this case began, he has spent over $20,000 in attorney fees fighting to get to SEE his kids. A judge just granted that he must pay within 60 days $10,000 of HER attorney fees. If this is not paid, he could be given a contempt of the court’s ruling and then the court could grant him to serve jail time of up to 90 days.

From the beginning, the second Alonzo was conceived, my brother took on the task of being the most devoted dad. He worked three jobs, morning, afternoon, and night, on the same day to provide for his growing family. After having Alonzo, he continued to be his family's sole provider. He paid for all expenses, rent, groceries, all utilities, necessities, etc. Like with many new young parents’ emotions got the best of both parties, and the relationship turned unhealthy. The relationship ended a few months after their second child Alana was born. This was when the mother removed the children from the state of Iowa without the consent of my brother, and due to her not allowing my family or my brother to see or speak to the children, this custody case began.

This court ruling was highly biased and acknowledged nothing that Trey has been through or what FATHERS and BLACK FATHERS must go through even to be a part of their children’s life when dealing with someone who is still angry about the breakup. It is evident from the ruling that from the beginning, he saw a young successful black man and portrayed him as a monster and her as the victim which is the furthest thing from the truth. There are two sides to every story, but only her side was given in this ruling; only her “truth” was told.

He continued to take Trey’s income and use it against him throughout this ruling because he works 50-60 hour work weeks and tries to create a decent living for himself. The verdict came back that he who does not live in California or work in California and did not want his children to move to California should be required to pay off a California child support order and off of California income guidelines. This ruling orders he pays her TWO times her yearly income in a single year of child support. Not only that, but the courts ordered he pay over $50,000 in back child support when throughout this time, he was unable to see his children speak with his children. Numerous times he had to call the police department to do wellness checks on his children to ensure they were okay due to being blocked or simply not allowing him to speak with them. In the trial, receipts were shown of text messages offering her $1500.00 to SEE THEM. Before this ruling was even given, Trey’s checks began to be garnished; after speaking with child support, she will not see any of this money due to her being on state-funded assistance. All this money that should be going to his children instead will continue to go to the state of California. Also, all the money he owes and will continue to owe this same court system only gave him four times a year to see his children here in Iowa and five times a year in California. Suppose roles were reversed... If roles were reversed, my brother would not request any assistance financially or physically to raise his children; this goes to show this system is BROKEN and completely disregards all fathers’ rights. This financially puts my brother in a situation where NOW he will be unable to take care of himself and his financial responsibilities in Iowa.

All I want to do is tell HIS side of the story; I want to speak up and give him a voice through me. My brother isn’t perfect, but he deserved BETTER than this. I’m standing up for all fathers and black fathers who the family court system systemically fails. We need your help; he needs your help to get through this. Please if you can find it in your heart to donate, please do so. Anything will help.

With love,

Meredith

Venmo: @Meredith-Burkhall

Cash App: $MeredithBurkhall