I, [Marquona Tippens], am starting this petition to bring attention to the urgent issue of single mothers having their children legally kidnapped by the state of ALABAMA and being forced into unjust child support payments. This petition is personal to me because I have personally experienced the devastating consequences of this broken system.

In my own life, I found myself trapped in a domestic violence situation. I was shot at, had my door kicked in, and lived in constant fear from a violent person who was once my partner. Desperate for safety for myself and my child, I reached out to my child's grandmother on their father's side for help. Together, we signed a notarized document agreeing that she would care for our child until I could find a safe place to live.

After months of struggle, I finally managed to secure a stable home and employment. However, instead of being able to reunite with my child as agreed upon initially, I am now denied any access or visitation rights while being forced into paying exorbitant amounts of child support. This unjust situation has left me emotionally devastated and financially burdened.

This is not an isolated incident but rather an alarming trend affecting countless single mothers across our nation. The current legal system fails to consider the best interests of both the mother and the child involved in these cases. It is imperative that we take action now!

We demand immediate changes be made within our legal system to address these issues:

1) Reform Child Custody Laws: Ensure that custody decisions are made based on what is truly in the best interest of the child involved rather than favoring one parent over another without proper consideration.

2) Fair Assessment of Child Support: Establish fair guidelines for determining appropriate levels of financial support based on both parents' income levels while taking into account individual circumstances such as domestic violence history or other extenuating factors.

3) Protect Parent-Child Relationships: Enforce visitation rights for non-custodial parents, allowing them to maintain a meaningful and consistent relationship with their children, unless there is clear evidence of harm or danger to the child.

4) Provide Support Services: Implement programs that offer support and resources for single mothers, including counseling, legal aid, and access to affordable housing options. These services can help ensure a stable environment for both the mother and child.

It is time to stand up against this injustice! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of single mothers who have been unfairly separated from their children and burdened with unjust child support obligations. Sign this petition today to demand change within our legal system and protect the rights of single mothers everywhere!

[Marquona Tippens]