Help Me Fight for My Son — Legal Support Needed

The Day Everything Changed

On Father’s Day 2022 — my very first Father’s Day — my life was shattered.

Without warning, my ex made a false accusation, claiming I had pushed her. Minutes later, I was in handcuffs, with my baby boy watching his father being taken away in the back of a sheriff’s car. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes. I was in total shock. I had never been in trouble with the law — not even a speeding ticket — and suddenly, I was being treated like a violent criminal.

That day broke something in me. And my life has never been the same since.

I spent nearly a year in court fighting to clear my name, and eventually, the District Attorney dropped the charges entirely. I was innocent — but the damage was already done. I lost job opportunities. My record was stained. To this day, I struggle with background checks, even though I did nothing wrong.

She Took Josh and Disappeared

Not long after the arrest, my ex took Josh and fled to Utah. She told me it was only temporary — that she needed to handle a custody issue with a previous husband and would be back. She never came back.

I filed for divorce in California, but she canceled my case online without my knowledge, and then re-filed in Utah, where I had no ability to show up and defend myself. At the time, I was caring full-time for my mother, who was dying. She passed away in February 2025, just days after I was told I could finally see my son again — if I paid for the plane tickets.

I bought them. I waited. But just hours before the flight, she told me she wasn’t coming.

⚖️ A Broken Agreement

Even though the Utah court granted her a default divorce, the official court order clearly states that we share 50/50 custody and that parenting time must be split equally. But since that ruling, she has done everything she can to keep Josh from me. She refuses to follow the court order, and I have no way to enforce it without legal representation.

She knows how to work the system — and right now, I’m left powerless while my son is growing up without his dad.

Josh deserves both parents in his life. Not just one. Not just the one with control.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I love my son more than anything in this world. I dream of taking him fishing. Teaching him to ride a bike. Tucking him in at night and making him feel safe. Just like my dad did for me.

But right now, I’m a dad with no voice in the system. And Josh is growing up thinking his father just disappeared — when the truth is, I’ve been here the whole time. Fighting. Waiting. Hoping.

I need your help to hire a family law attorney and enforce the custody order that already exists. The funds will go toward:

• Attorney consultation and retainer

• Legal filings and motions to enforce parenting time

• Potential travel for court appearances

• Any court-ordered mediation or hearings

Every dollar brings me one step closer to my son.

I’m not asking for pity. I’m asking for a chance — a chance to be the father I’ve promised to be. A chance to give Josh the love, presence, and protection he needs from his dad.

How You Can Help

If you can donate, even a few dollars, you’re helping a father fight for his child.

If you can’t donate, please share this story with someone who might.

Your kindness could change a little boy’s life — and help a loving father keep his promise to never walk away.

Thank you for reading and for believing in second chances.