Hello, my name is Marquis Burton.

I’m the dad of two wonderful, joyful kids—ages 5 and 9—and I’m reaching out for help as we navigate a difficult chapter. For nearly a year, I’ve had my kids living full-time with me. Their mother, my ex-wife, recently pleaded guilty to child abuse. Despite that, I have yet to be granted legal full custody, and I’m still required to pay child support to her. She provides no financial assistance for our children, even though I know she has the means to help.

I’m currently working two jobs to keep our household afloat, but every dollar goes toward caring for my kids—food, clothes, school, and basic needs. I’ve received some assistance from legal aid, but the process has been complicated. They often tell you to file certain things or take certain steps on your own, and I’ve made mistakes that have cost me time and progress. Now, a lawyer has informed me that he’ll need to represent me for two half-day court sessions, and I simply can’t afford those costs on my own.

I’m trying to raise $10,000 to cover legal and court fees so I can secure full custody and ensure the court orders proper support for my children. I’ve tried to handle this without an attorney, but doing so has only put me in a deeper hole.

Any donations, no matter the amount, will go directly toward attorney fees and court costs. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this link or connecting me with a qualified pro-bono attorney would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your compassion, prayers, and support as I fight to protect my children’s future.

With gratitude,

Marquis