Melinda’s Legal Fees Needed for her New Chapter in Life

As you probably know, I am going through the divorce process.  This is honestly the most difficult thing I have ever gone through.  Hearing someone I thought I would be with forever, tell the court that I am a bad mother because I am an activist, queer identified, and disabled has cut me to the bone.  The three things that I take pride in, that I believe make me a great mother, are being used against me.  Spending Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas Day without my son have really driven home how heartbreaking this process is, but also given me strength to continue this fight as I have never been so clear about what is in Drayden’s best interest than I am in this moment.  

We will be going to a full out custody trial before the judge that will cost roughly $20,000 in attorney fees.  You may also know that I have no money to pay her.  I cannot even pay the bills that are coming in right now for my own living expenses so it is impossible for me to continue to fight for custody of my son without financial support from my friends and family.  

So I am reaching out to each of you in the hopes that you can spare a little change, a $100 bill, a credit card charge, or whatever financial level you can donate to help me pay for my attorney fees.  My son is everything to me and I need to fight his most recent filings attempting to take Dray away from me.  I am going to need an additional $20,000, if not more so I am hoping that each of you can share this with others you know that might be able to help. 

I also have to pay for the majority of Drayden’s school tuition.  Dominic does not want to keep him in school and unfortunately, the judge won’t rule on schooling.  So Dominic doesn’t have to pay.  School is the only thing that has remained consistent in Drayden’s life since he was 3 months old.  He has close friends there, customized learning activities, and enjoys going to school each day.  Unfortunately his school does not offer a part-time option and I am not eligible for scholarships or financial assistance.  In order for Drayden to continue schooling (at least while he is living with me) I have to pay $800 a month.  That is one of my paychecks!  So, I am also asking for donations to go towards his school tuition.

How do we help?

Assist with Legal Fees:

My attorney, Natalie Alane, is accepting checks or credit card payments on an on-going basis.  All monies she receives will be credited to my account and go towards my fees.  You can make a one-time payment, weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly payments.  You can just drop off or send over money whenever you are able to do so.  There is no wrong or right way to do this and no amount is too small!!!!

To pay by check:

Send a check or money order to:

Alane & Chartier, P.L.C.

403 Seymour Avenue

Lansing, MI 48933

~~~ put Melinda Haus-Johnson case in the memo~~~

To pay by credit card:

Call 517.482.2000 and tell them you are making a payment for the Melinda Haus-Johnson case.  Speak with Natalie or Jackie.

To donate online:

Click the donate now button and use paypal to complete the process.  (This is the least preferred way, but it will work.  They just charge a small fee.  The other two ways of donating are free.)

If you make a donation any of these ways, please let me know so I can keep a total running and also follow-up with my attorney to make sure she received the funds.  

Assist with school tuition:

Send a check directly to me at my new address: 4060 Springer Way #1216 East Lansing, MI  48823

Or you can send a check to the school directly: Early Learning Children’s Community PO Box 40010 MC 3700 Lansing Community College Lansing, MI 48901-7210
~~~Make checks payable to Gretchens House and put Drayden Johnson tuition in the memo~~~

Thank you all so much!  I seriously couldn't do this without you!