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Meet Alyssa

Alyssa was frightened for the safety of her child. Over the course of pandemic, her husband’s behavior had become increasingly erratic. He had barricaded himself and their 4-year-old son Caleb inside his friend’s home, boarding up windows and claiming it was too dangerous to leave.

Alyssa was frightened for the safety of her child. Over the course of pandemic, her husband’s behavior had become increasingly erratic. He had barricaded himself and their 4-year-old son Caleb inside his friend’s home, boarding up windows and claiming it was too dangerous to leave. As Alyssa described, her husband had a history of abuse, and he was becoming more “unhinged.” With no access to an attorney, she called LIFT’s Helpline. A LIFT staff attorney helped Alyssa submit an emergency petition. Alyssa received a hearing the same day. The judge ordered an investigation of the home and appointed an attorney for Caleb. The judge also ordered the father to allow daily video chats between Alyssa and Caleb while the case was under investigation. The father still refused to let Alyssa see Caleb in person. Alyssa reached out again to LIFT and this time met the attorney through our Family Legal Connection platform. The attorney helped Alyssa draft additional petitions, including a petition for custody. The judge entered a temporary order of visitation, reuniting Alyssa with Caleb in person. Another hearing is scheduled to determine custody. LIFT will continue to monitor the progress of Alyssa’s case — providing her with legal guidance and support as she navigates this challenging next phase. Throughout the pandemic, LIFT’s Helpline has received a record-breaking number of calls. We are here for families like Alyssa with nowhere else to turn.

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