An Arizona dad named Joshua Palmer has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a video that appears to show his ex-partner repeatedly banging on the front door of his home during a heated dispute. The clip follows another viral video in which Palmer alleged the child’s mother dropped off their daughter, left the child’s belongings on the ground outside his home, and drove away. He said he wanted to explain the events leading up to the incident while continuing to focus on his relationship with his daughter.
The videos were shared on Palmer’s TikTok account, @jshuaplmr, where he has documented his experiences as a father and his efforts to obtain custody of his young daughter. Together, they have drawn millions of views and sparked widespread discussion about co-parenting and custody disputes.
In the latest video, the Arizona dad records what appears to be his ex-partner outside his home during a confrontation. While the footage captures the tense exchange, Palmer later used the video’s caption to explain what he says happened behind the scenes and to respond to viewer criticism.
According to the Arizona dad, he and the child’s mother separated before their daughter was a year old. During that time, his father and sister moved into his apartment after his father lost his home, leaving no room for his ex and daughter when they returned from California. Palmer claimed his ex moved in with another man while he tried to find a way to bring his daughter back into his life.
Palmer also said he was not listed on his daughter’s birth certificate, which he claimed left him without formal custody rights at the time. He said he believed the only realistic way to regularly see his daughter was for both her and her mother to move back into his apartment. According to Palmer, his father moved out in January 2024, allowing them to move in the following month. Although both had dated others during their separation, he said they attempted to repair their relationship for their daughter’s sake before deciding it could not be saved.
The Arizona dad also alleged that the breakup left him with about $7,000 in apartment damages owed to his former property management company. Palmer claimed the debt could make it difficult for him to rent another apartment for years. He said he has launched a GoFundMe campaign to hire a family law attorney as he pursues custody of his daughter. Palmer’s account reflects his version of events, and the child’s mother has not publicly responded to his claims.
Arizona Dad’s Story Sparks Support
The reaction to Palmer’s videos was largely supportive, with many commenters encouraging him to take legal action while commending the relationship he appeared to have with his daughter. One user wrote, “Call the cops, get a lawyer ASAP. Even if child services gets involved, make sure your child is placed with you, and get an emergency protective order for both of you.”
Others urged Palmer to document every interaction, preserve the videos as evidence, and establish a formal parenting plan through the courts. Alongside the legal advice, many offered words of encouragement, saying they hoped he would obtain custody and applauding his efforts to provide a stable, loving environment for his daughter. Several also commented on how happy and well-cared-for the child appeared in his videos, with the discussion largely centered on his well-being rather than assigning blame.
As the custody dispute continues, the Arizona dad says his focus remains on building a stable life for his daughter. For TikTok viewers, the viral videos have become less about the confrontation itself and more about what comes next for the young family.
