I am writing to ask for justice of unlawful judges decision for myself and my only son, Elijah, who is 8 years old, as we continue to face an ongoing child custody matter in the State of Ohio.

My son is an innocent child, and I am a loving mother who believes I have been treated unfairly by the local court system in Mahoning County, Ohio. I feel that the handling of child custody cases in this county is a serious issue that deserves greater public awareness so that other families can better protect themselves and their children.

This case involves Judge Dellick and Magistrate Kilpatrick, who, in my view, have favored the child's father despite significant concerns regarding his history. The father has tested positive for drug substances, has been diagnosed with mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD, and has a history of physical and verbal abuse. Despite these concerns, in addition to  his history of all types of drug use, decisions have been made in his favor over a  loving mother who has no history of drug or alcohol use, has consistently passed all drug tests, maintains a stable home, and has worked as a paralegal for more than 25 years.

I believe the court's decisions were influenced by false statements and misrepresentations made by the father. I am currently gathering and presenting documentation that I believe will demonstrate these inaccuracies. I also have concerns regarding the father's history with another child and what I believe to be a pattern of behavior designed to manipulate the legal process.

I am originally from Florida, where my entire family resides and child’s father as well. When I became pregnant, I intended to return home to Florida to give birth and raise my child with the support of my family. However, my water broke unexpectedly three weeks early, and I was forced to give birth in Ohio. At the time, I had no family or support system in Ohio and had to drive myself to the hospital alone.

As an unmarried mother, I initially had sole custody of my son. However, in 2018, I agreed to a shared parenting plan after receiving legal advice that I now believe was inadequate. I had serious concerns about entering into a shared parenting arrangement, but I felt pressured to settle bad atty guidance. As a result, I was unable to relocate back to Florida, despite having no intention of remaining in Ohio permanently.

For the past eight years, I have repeatedly requested permission 4 times to relocate to Florida so that my son and I could be near our family support system. Throughout this time, the case has continued without a resolution that reflects our unique circumstances.

In November 2024, there was a documented domestic violence incident involving the father, which resulted in a police report. Additional evidence includes photographs, witness statements, and other incidents involving aggressive behavior, including the father coming to my residence in anger and banging on my door. These concerns were brought to the court's attention.

I believe this case has been unnecessarily prolonged and has prevented me from reuniting with my family in Florida. Despite my stable lifestyle, professional career, clean record, and commitment to my son's well-being, I feel that my relationship with my only child has been unfairly restricted without evidence that I am an unfit parent.

I urge others to recognize that children are innocent and deserve decisions that truly serve their best interests. There is no evidence that I am an unfit mother. I do not use drugs or alcohol, I maintain a stable home and career, and I have always acted in my son's best interests. Yet,  my only child has been taken away from me without just cause. I’m the type of mother who couldn’t wait to become a mother from a young girl. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and prayers for my son and me during this difficult journey.

Sincerely, A.L.