Support Joe's Battle to Be Beau's Dad

Hi, my name is Joe Dotson, and the handsome little guy in the photo with me is my son, Beau. He’ll be turning 8 this June!

Three years ago, I went back to court to fight for more time with Beau — to be a real, active father in his life, not just a weekend visitor. At that time, I was only allowed to see him two nights a week for just 3-4 hours at a time, and every other weekend from Friday to Sunday.

I worked hard to change my schedule so I could care for him overnight and still make it to work on time. With that change, his mother and I agreed that I could have Beau overnight one night a week, and every other weekend, dropping him off at daycare Monday morning. That time has meant everything to me.

Now, they are trying to take that overnight time away and go back to the limited schedule we had before. I’ve already spent nearly $15,000 fighting for just one more day with my son. I’ve sold my boat, my four-wheeler, and even my truck — everything I could — to cover legal costs.

Now they are demanding I pay another $500 retainer and $2,000 more for the Guardian ad Litem to testify at trial. If I can’t come up with this money, I face losing my case, not being allowed to testify on my own behalf, or even jail time.

All I want is to be an active father in Beau’s life — not a visitor, not a babysitter, but his dad.

If you can help in any way, no matter how small, it would mean the world to both of us. Thank you in advance for your support and love.

With love and gratitude,

Joe & Beau