Navigating Custody Challenges Without Legal Support
James and the mother of his child shared the desire to have a baby and took steps to make it happen. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, the gay father and lesbian mother approached parenthood with excitement and careful planning. However, what began as a mutual plan turned into a legal struggle when the mother decided to raise the child without his involvement. James encountered challenges he never anticipated when the trial court found he had no parental rights. Without appellate guidance, navigating complex custody laws proved to be overwhelming and critical opportunities to protect parental rights were missed.
Watch James’s story and learn why having appellate support early can make a crucial difference in custody cases.
How Appellate Support Changed the Outcome
After an unfavorable trial outcome, James sought appellate support to challenge the trial court’s decision and fight for his parental rights. In his search, he found Shannon McLin, a board-certified appellate lawyer with a deep understanding of family law appeals and a track record of handling complex legal issues. With decades of experience representing clients in appellate courts, Shannon guided James through the appeals process with a clear strategy and attention to detail. With her guidance, he was able to present his case effectively and ultimately reunite with his daughter. Reflecting on the process, he shares, “I saw hope. She knows what she’s doing and she believed in me.” The appeals process provided James with an opportunity to address the legal errors and advocate to reverse the outcome. His case highlights the importance of appellate support in securing parental rights when trial outcomes fall short.