What This Is
You asked for help. The court didn't listen. Or you asked for an accommodation and were told it wasn't necessary. Or you navigated a system so fragmented, so hostile to people who think differently or move differently or communicate differently, that you couldn't participate effectively in your own case.
That's not a personal failing. That's a systemic failure.
Custody Crisis is a research and advocacy project collecting stories from people around the world who have faced barriers to participation in family court. We're documenting patterns—not to fix individual cases, but to expose what's broken in the system and build the evidence for change.
Patterns are what change law. When courts see one person struggle, they call it an exception. When they see a thousand people struggle in the same way, they have to call it a problem.
This is not legal advice. I cannot help your case right now. But I can gather evidence that will help the next person, and the person after that.
Resources
Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Disability Rights
Find your state's Protection & Advocacy agency through the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) for legal help with access issues.
Court Access
Many courts have disability liaisons or access coordinators. Ask your court clerk about accommodation requests and how to file them.
Legal Aid
If you can't afford a lawyer, contact your state's legal aid society or Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to find free or low-cost legal help.
DBT & Coping Skills
Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches practical skills for managing distress. Find certified DBT therapists through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification.
The Invisible Barrier
Katie Copeland's book documenting systemic failures in family court and proposing structural solutions. Coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this legal advice?
No. This is research and advocacy, not legal representation. Sharing your story does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Can you help my case?
Not right now. I'm gathering evidence that will help change the system so the next person doesn't have to go through what you did.
What happens to my story?
Your story is stored securely and reviewed for patterns. Depending on how you've consented, it may be used in research, the book, legislation, training, or advocacy. You control how you're identified.
Can I withdraw my story?
Yes. Email stories@katiecopeland.com and request withdrawal. Your identifying information will be deleted within 30 days.
Will my story be published?
Not without your consent. If you choose "Research only," your story is used for analysis but never quoted or identified.
Will you sell my story or email?
No. Your email is used only if you've consented to contact. Your story is never sold—it's used for research, advocacy, and change-making.
What if I'm in crisis?
This is peer support, not crisis intervention. If you're in immediate danger, call 911. If you're having thoughts of suicide, call 988.
How do I contact Katie?
Email stories@katiecopeland.com with questions, withdrawal requests, or additional information.