Urgent: Help Heather in Legal Battle for Grandparent Rights

Hello family, friends, neighbors, community, colleagues, and anyone who is a grandparent. My name is Dorri Smith and my best friend, Heather Malovic, buried her 29 year old son after a tragic automobile accident on August 14, 2022. Since that time, in order for Heather to try and work and “do life,” she has had to maintain counseling three times per week for 2 years. One of the reasons this has been necessary is because, in addition to losing her son, her ex-daughter-in-law refused to let her 8 year old grandson (“B”) attend his father’s celebration of life service and then subsequently refused to allow Heather, B’s grandmother, to see him or have any further contact with him after March 12, 2023, until Heather — left without any other recourse — was forced to file legal action in July 2023 for Grandparent Rights in order to see and spend time with her only grandson. She had to retain an attorney, and we finally received a court date in February 2024. At this time, the Judge ordered a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to determine the best interest of B and this took another four months. For those of you who are unaware, a GAL is court appointed and usually another attorney and is paid by the plaintiff and defendant equally. This is separate from the monies that Heather is paying for attorney fees, court fees, and monies she has lost in wages.

GOOD NEWS: As of June 22, 2024, Heather and B were reunited for the first time in 15 months and were able to spend 8 hours together. They picked up exactly where they left off. It was so wonderful and heartwarming. They will now get to see each other every other weekend for 8 hours. It will mean that the GAL will be required to visit with Heather and B for several visits so of course that means additional costs will be incurred.

The expenses for the GAL will continue as we approach mediation, which will incur another $1500 fee, and the expenses will continue to incur until we reach a final hearing.

BAD NEWS: TIME IS CRITICAL! Of our $5,000 request, $1,500 is due and payable to the GAL on or before July 31, 2024 or Heather will be held in Contempt of Court, which means an extremely hefty fine will be imposed. We cannot let this happen, and we really are seriously asking for your help. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated, and we are thanking you in advance. We also love you for your continued prayers.