We are Dante and McKenzie and for years we have been navigating a painful and complicated custody battle in Ramsey County — not because Dante is anything less than a loving, devoted father, but because systems that were supposed to protect children have failed our family at every turn. Click here for updates about our case

Our attorney has stood beside for over a year, dedicating enormous time and energy pro bono because she believed in our family and in justice.

We requested a fee waiver for the official trial transcripts — twice — and were denied both times. Because no financial arrangements were ever made, we had no expectation of receiving them. The transcripts were sent to us anyway.

Now the court reporter is threatening to sue her personally for the full $5,000 if no payment is received by March 31 — a bill she never agreed to, for transcripts sent without any financial agreement in place.

We are not asking for much. We are asking for enough to make sure that the woman who believed in our family doesn’t carry a financial burden she never signed up for and that the boys get the chance to grow up with their father.

Please help us keep going.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward the transcript bill. Anything beyond our goal will support ongoing appeal costs.

With gratitude,

Dante & McKenzie Pearson