My name is DavidJames. I am a retired & 100% disabled U.S. Navy veteran, and most importantly, the father of a beautiful little girl named Lucia.

For most of my life, I believed that no matter how difficult things became, I would always find a way to handle them on my own. Asking for help publicly is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But after years of trying to protect my daughter while navigating family court alone, I have reached a point where I simply cannot continue without legal support.

Over the last several years, my daughter and I have lived through ongoing custody litigation, domestic violence concerns, and painful court proceedings surrounding her safety and well-being. Throughout it all, my focus has remained the same: protecting my daughter, giving her stability, and making sure she grows up safe, loved, and cared for.

There have been multiple Child Protective Services involvements regarding concerns for Lucia’s safety. The other parent was formally determined to be a danger to the child, resulting in placement on California’s child abuse registry. There is also currently an active restraining order protecting both myself and my daughter.

One of the most traumatic periods of my life occurred when Lucia was taken to Mexico against existing court orders and remained there for nearly a year. During that time, I was separated from my daughter for seven months and seven days without being allowed to see her. I cannot fully describe the helplessness and fear that comes from not knowing when you will be able to hold your child again.

What made that experience even more painful was feeling as though my concerns were not always taken seriously because I was the father. At one point, I was even told that because I was the father, meaningful help or intervention was unlikely. That fear has never truly left me, and I still worry every day about my daughter’s safety and stability.

Lucia is only three years old. In her short life, she has already experienced more instability, separation, and conflict than any child should ever have to endure. More than anything, I want to give her a peaceful childhood filled with love, consistency, safety, and happiness.

As a father, and especially as a disabled veteran, there have been many moments throughout this process where I felt I had to prove that my concerns mattered or justify why I deserved protection. At times, it felt easier for people to assume I must somehow be responsible for the abuse or conflict simply because I am the man involved.

Even through all of this, I have done everything possible to remain respectful, cooperative, and child-focused. I have spent years carefully documenting communication, court proceedings, and incidents while continually trying to co-parent fairly and peacefully for Lucia’s sake. I only want my daughter to be safe and to grow up in a healthy environment where she feels secure and loved.

I have handled this case on my own for years, spending countless hours preparing evidence, filings, declarations, timelines, and court documents in an effort to make sure the court understands the full picture. But I have reached the reality that family court is incredibly difficult to navigate alone, especially when the other side has legal representation.

I searched extensively for help and was fortunate enough to find an attorney willing to work with me at a significantly reduced rate after reviewing the seriousness of the case and the amount of preparation I have already completed. Unfortunately, I still need approximately $5,000 to secure the remaining retainer before upcoming hearings.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

• Attorney retainer fees

• Court filing and transcript expenses

• Legal preparation and representation

• Custody litigation and family court proceedings

• Costs associated with protecting my daughter’s safety and future

One of my biggest fears in asking for help publicly is that people may view this as proof that I am somehow unable to care for my daughter because I need assistance affording an attorney. But needing help with legal expenses does not change the reality that Lucia has always been deeply loved and cared for.

My daughter has never gone without food, clothing, shelter, education, love, or support. She attends a wonderful school that I proudly work hard to provide for her. No matter how difficult life has become, she has always come first before anything else.

Lucia is the reason I continue fighting. She is the heart that gives my life meaning. Every decision I make is with the hope that one day she will be able to look back and know her father never stopped trying to protect her.

I am emotionally, mentally, and financially exhausted from carrying this alone, but I refuse to give up on my daughter or her future.

If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, it would mean more than I can express. If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser could make an enormous difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for helping a father continue fighting for his child.