Discrimination Puts Kids in Danger

In December, I lost custody of my three year old twin daughters after my ex-wife alleged that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder made me an unfit parent.  The judge heard no expert testimony about my condition, did not consider that I have been in full remission since 2006, or that I have been the primary caregiver for the children-my biological children- since they were born. 

I have never been accused of abusing or mistreating my children in any way. Nonetheless, the judge decided that a parent with an admitted history of physical abuse is better suited to care for two young children than one with well-controlled mental illness. 

Since that ruling, my ex-wife has become increasingly violent and abusive. In February, she hit me so hard I ended up in the ER, and, in March, I began finding suspcious on my daughters and hearing increasingly disturbing stories from them about my ex-wife's anger and instability.

Now, I'm fighting on two fronts. I'm seeking full custody of my daughters and a restraining order that would protect us from her aggression. I'm also appealing the December ruling in the hopes of setting a precedent that will prevent judges in California from using well-controlled mental illnesses as a basis for custody determinations.

I have spent over $100,000 in the past six months to make sure my children are safe and that this doesn't happen to anyone else.  Unfortunately, there is no end in sight, and my resources have been almost completely exhausted. I am incredibly grateful for your support, whether that be financial or by sharing my story.

I am also writing regularly on Medium: https://www.gofundme.com/truthliketime