In that case, your arguments on the costitutional issues should be briefed in writing so that you are prepared. Constitutional issues cannot be based on "your feelings" that parenting is a fundamental right. You must cite constitutional authority and caselaw (federal and state) to support your position on the issue. In my opinion, you have a far greater chance at the state level than you do at a federal level.
I would suggest circling the wagons, begging and borrowing the respources now to hire legal counsel because this is the last best chance to prevail. The father down the line you get, the more difficult your burdens of persuasion become. Additionally, at the level you are at, there are many additional challenges to custody rulings. Those may not be available at other levels.
If you do not act strongly now, you may be spinning your wheels into the future.
