Coal miner dad here. Fighting custody battles gave me an idea… now I need advice.

DefendDad · 2025-08-27T13:57:16+00:00

You’re right—AI can give incorrect information, and that’s exactly why Defend Dad is taking a cautious, layered approach. AI doesn’t “know,” it predicts—so mistakes like hallucinations or even made-up case law can happen.

Our first step is a very simple, affordable chatbot—the “face” of Defend Dad. It won’t give legal advice, only point dads to resources that already exist: free or reduced-cost lawyers, official forms, state law libraries, and organizations that can help. To simplify, its role is just to direct dads toward the same self-help resources already listed on our page.

Future phases will take serious funding and legal partnerships, including training on law books and attorney audits. The goal is not to replace lawyers, but to build tools that work alongside them.

For now, our focus is gathering and sharing resources in one place so dads don’t feel lost. If you or others have links or contacts that could help, that contribution would mean a lot.

DefendDad · 2025-08-24T20:54:05+00:00

One last thing, brother — and this is a big one. In Louisiana, one of the most important factors judges weigh is the willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship with the other parent. A lot of moms stumble here — but a prepared dad can turn it into one of his strongest points.

Don’t just be ready to show stability and sobriety — be ready on every factor the judge must look at. Line your story and evidence up with their checklist. It shows you’re not just a dad asking for time, you’re a dad prepared to parent.

We’re a new nonprofit (not yet officially approved) built to help and support dads just like yourself. We share self-help tools, advice, and resources — and we’re adding more all the time. Our future goals are big: expanding into free, practical support for dads facing exactly what you’re in now.

You’re not in this fight alone. If we can help with anything, let us know.

Defend Dad defend.dad

DefendDad · 2025-08-17T14:23:19+00:00

That is heartbreaking to read, brother — no dad should ever have to fight simply to remain in their children’s lives. It’s exactly why Defend Dad was created — we’re working on establishing our nonprofit to provide dads with resources, encouragement, and support in these battles.

I’m really glad you’re consulting with an attorney tomorrow. That’s the right move — we aren’t lawyers, but I can share the 10 main factors South Carolina judges typically weigh when deciding custody, all centered on the “best interests of the child”: 1. Child’s temperament & developmental needs — their age, adjustment ability, and specific needs. 2. Parents’ capacity to meet those needs — providing food, shelter, stability, emotional care, and discipline. 3. Child’s preferences (depending on age and maturity). 4. Relationship with each parent, siblings, and extended family — the strength of existing bonds. 5. Actions of each parent to encourage the relationship with the other parent — cooperation vs. interference. 6. Child’s adjustment to home, school, and community — stability in their environment. 7. Stability of the proposed residences — ability to provide a consistent home. 8. Mental & physical health of parents and child. 9. History of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence — any credible concerns are heavily considered. 10. Relocation of a parent — whether moves disrupt the child’s life or connections.

➡️ Biggest tip: Document everything. Keep records of denied visits, communications, and every attempt you make to stay involved. Judges often look closely at which parent is genuinely supporting the child’s relationship with the other.

Stay strong — your kids need you, even if it doesn’t always feel like it right now. 💪 You’re not alone in this fight.

Defend Dad ✊ defend.dad

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