How do you start over when everything you helped build was never truly yours?

At 18 years old, I left home determined to create a better future through education, hard work, and perseverance. At 20, I met someone who appeared to have the stability and vision I hoped to build for myself. I believed in him, and I believed in the life we could create together.

Within months, we were expecting a child, and I fully committed to building our family. Over the next 18 years, I poured my energy, love, and dedication into our home, our children, and the business he was building. I supported his entrepreneurial dreams, even changing my educational path so I could help grow the company and contribute to our shared future.

While he built the business publicly, I carried much of the unseen work behind the scenes. I raised our children, managed our home, and created the moments that hold families together — birthdays, holidays, celebrations, and everyday life. I believed in partnership, sacrifice, and the idea that building a life together meant both people were investing in the same future.

Over time, however, I found myself asking for the most basic parts of a partnership — time, attention, and emotional support. Eventually, I was told something that deeply hurt me: that I was not worth chasing or pursuing, that I was ungrateful and held him back in life with all the things he could have accomplished.

After years of contributing to the business, I was suddenly told I was no longer needed and was removed from the company I had helped support and grow.

I still believed our marriage could be repaired. We went to counseling, and I held onto hope that we could rebuild our relationship and family. Unfortunately, while I was trying to save our marriage, plans were quietly being made without my knowledge.

On February 13th, I was told my spouse would be filing for divorce. I was told everything would be handled fairly.

Instead, while I trusted those words, assets were reorganized and protected. I was later served divorce papers in front of my children while their father is vacationing on his island.

In those papers, he requested everything — the homes, the business, the financial assets that were built during our marriage, and for me to pay his attorney's fees.

The only thing in my name jointly, is my car. A car I didn't choose or have my opinions acknowledged on. Not even the color I had a say in and I was present throughout the process of purchasing it because I was told I was assisting him in choosing a car for him. Instead, it was what he wanted to me to have but still his to control how and what I received. And yet, I praised him for it and continuously remained grateful for his gift.

For many years, I believed my role was to support and sacrifice. In 2024, I began reclaiming my independence. I returned to school to pursue the career I had always dreamed of and started learning how to find joy again in small moments — taking myself to the movies, focusing on personal growth, and rebuilding my confidence.

Now I find myself facing a legal battle against someone with significant financial resources. I do have an attorney, but continuing to fight for a fair outcome has become financially overwhelming.

I am not seeking revenge or excess. I am simply asking for the chance to stand on equal ground in a legal system that often favors the person with greater financial power. After years of contributing to the life and success we built together, I am hoping for the opportunity to protect my future and the well-being of my children.

The funds raised here will go directly toward legal fees and court costs so I can continue pursuing a fair and just outcome. Even a small contribution will help me continue this fight and move one step closer to stability and a new beginning.

If donating is not possible, sharing this page with others would mean just as much. Your kindness, encouragement, and support remind me that I am not facing this chapter alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me take the next steps toward rebuilding my life and my future.

Alexis Valencia