The hardest thing I have ever done is ignore my husband’s phone calls — because a court ordered me to.
My husband, my best friend and partner in life, has been diagnosed with dementia. The signs began around 2018 or 2019 — confusion, anger, suspicion, and emotional outbursts that were completely unlike the loving man I know. At the time, we didn’t understand what was happening. We only knew something was wrong.
During severe episodes, he filed for divorce multiple times. In moments of fear and heartbreak, I filed for a restraining order. But none of it was ever carried through. Deep down, I knew this was not truly him — it was a brain disorder taking control. I believe he forgot many of those episodes entirely.
In court, the judge ruled that we should not be put back together because of those past divorce filings and restraining orders. I stood there and explained that those actions were symptoms of his undiagnosed dementia. I pleaded with the court to see that this was an illness, not intent. My explanation — and my plea for my husband — was ignored.
He is now in the VA Hospital’s psychiatric unit after being admitted for treatment. While he was hospitalized and vulnerable, the first time he was admitted, his sister presented an alleged Power of Attorney claiming control over him and his finances.
When I saw the document, I was alarmed. I hired a certified document examiner for a professional review. She found serious flaws — no notary stamp, no commissioner number, conflicting dates — and concluded that my husband likely did not sign it. She could not exclude his sister as the possible signer. The judge refused to allow the document examiner to testify, despite the significant amount I paid for her to appear in court.
The court also ignored the fact that his sister filed for bankruptcy, has several property judgments against her, and tricked my husband into signing divorce papers while he was still in the psychiatric ward. Most heartbreakingly, the court ignored my husband’s repeated statements that he does not want his sister involved in his life on any level.
Instead, the court ordered that I have no contact with my own husband.
He does not understand why I won’t answer his calls. When I don’t respond, he panics and calls the police to check on me. Being forced to ignore him during his confusion and fear is devastating beyond words.
We built a life together. We share a home, memories, and our beloved dogs. Now I am being kept away from him at the very moment he needs familiarity, love, and stability the most.
I am not fighting for control. I am fighting for my husband’s dignity, his wishes, and his well-being.
I am seeking help to hire an experienced appellate attorney to challenge this ruling and pursue guardianship/conservatorship so I can bring him home and ensure he is properly cared for. It would mean everything to have him home again, surrounded by love and comfort.
I have until March 16, 2026, to file this appeal, so time is of the essence.
I am asking for your support to help me fight for my husband’s well-being and bring him home. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in our lives. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing our story.
Thank you for caring and for standing with us during this painful chapter of our lives
Ready to Ask For Funding for your company?
Post a Funding Request