Reddit,

Eight months ago, I told you my story - imploring for advice. I asked not for financial contribution, but for advice on moving forward with getting custody of my daughter. I was labeled a troll by some, but given excellent advice by others.

I'm not going to re-read the story I told you before, so bear with me if some details are redundant.

In the past 8 months, much has changed. I got out of the stepping-stone job that I was in, and three months ago landed myself a nice career style job. My income went from $35k->$75k. I am powering through the debt that I've accumulated in the past several years, and I've even graduated with my first (of at least two) degrees. I have been in talks with lawyers on moving forward with getting custody.

Each lawyer I've talked to has done the exact same thing when I told them what county my case is in: cringed... then told me they normally wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, but would take it on for $10-15k. At least I have a financial goal to make -- and once I get my debt paid off (hopefully by March), I can start pushing toward that 10-15k mark full-speed.

Since I've got a bit extra income, I've been trying to make my daughter's life much better, because she deserves it. She begged and begged to read the Harry Potter series, and when Halloween rolled around, I went the extra mile, and pieced together the best costume I could for her. We have also started taking violin lessons together, and she practices for an hour each day.

Her teacher, violin teacher, and I have all noticed how utterly unfocused she is. She's absolutely brilliant, but she can't focus on what she's doing. It's really frustrating for all of us. I am currently pondering how best to deal with it, and my next phone call may be to the insurance company to see if my new insurance covers mental health. Since I'm putting all of my money into paying off old debt, I won't be able to afford it for a few months, either way.

Reddit, for those of you that thought I was a troll, I have nothing to say to you. For those of you that have been supportive thus far, I thank you. This post is for you, and I will continue to update you as I progress through this process. Getting custody is slow, expensive, and extremely difficult. Once I've got my past-due bills paid off, I think I can have the money to get the custody I need within 6 months. Hopefully this is the last summer she ever has to spend where she doesn't want to be. (She comes home Sunday night, and by Monday evening she tells me she's sad, because, "I have to leave in four more days.")

Hans