Our family is reaching out for help to support my son, Matthew, as he tries to safely leave an extremely toxic and emotionally abusive relationship and fight for custody of his daughter, Emberlyn.

For years, Matthew has been trapped in a situation where he has been isolated, controlled, and manipulated to the point that he lost his long-term job of 11 years because he was not allowed to work or even attend work without constant interference. He has been required to attend every appointment, monitored, and pressured in ways that have left him financially and emotionally broken down.

She has three other partners and four other children who are not biologically Matthew’s, and she is now pregnant with her second child with him. With so many young children involved, the environment in the home has become chaotic and unsafe. We have documented recordings and evidence showing concerning behavior, emotional instability, and neglectful situations that have impacted Matthew, his daughter, and the other children. It is heartbreaking to see multiple kids caught in circumstances that do not provide the stability they need.

Matthew now has a young daughter, Emberlyn, who he loves more than anything. He wants to provide her with stability, safety, and a healthy environment — something that is not possible while he remains under the control of someone who refuses to allow him independence or the ability to provide for his child.

She will not allow him to take a job, saying she needs his help at home, and anytime he tries, she threatens to leave with the kids. She also controls when he sees us, his parents and requires herself to be present or again threatens to leave and take his child.

He has tried every avenue he could on his own. CPS has been unable to intervene without a legal case. He cannot leave safely or protect his daughter without legal representation.

This GoFundMe is to help secure an attorney so Matthew can fight for custody of Emberlyn and ensure she is raised in a stable and safe home. Legal fees are expensive, and without help, he simply cannot afford the representation required to protect himself and his daughter.

We are asking for support from anyone who knows our family or understands how desperate and dangerous these situations can become. Every dollar will go directly toward attorney retainer fees, evidence preparation, and the court process.

Our family wants nothing more than to get Matthew and Emberlyn out of this situation safely and legally. Thank you for reading, sharing, or donating — truly, anything helps.