I've finally found the courage to leave an abusive 15-year relationship but face a contentious divorce with no resources to afford an attorney who can help me know my rights and keep me and my daughters safe.  It is hard for me to ask for help, but I do not have the funds to retain legal counsel and I have a tough road ahead.  I'm reaching out to friends, family, and strangers, to ask for a small donation towards attorney fees.

I have what I care the most about; my 2 daughters, Alyssa (15) and Alana (10).  We are safe and getting healthier every day as we stay with friends and have the love, support, and prayers of many community members and local churches.  I am working diligently every day to make sure they can receive the counseling, love, and support that they need to be healthy, happy, strong young ladies.

The man I'm leaving is in the rental home that we lived in for 6 years, and he changed the locks to try to keep us from getting our things. He keeps the bulk of the family money (around $12,000) in an account with only his name on it that I have never been able to access and has a monthly salary topping $8,500 before bonuses (I worked for him for 10 years but never drew a salary).  I asked for half the savings money in order to establish a new residence for me and girls, since he was saying he would not leave the home, but he refused. We left with not much more than a change of clothes.  He hired a "father's rights" attorney only 5 days after we left the house and took me to court to try to get full custody of our younger daughter.  He has written off my older daughter completely, declaring to the court that she is the "source of marital conflict" and saying he "cannot live under the same roof as her."  

It is only with the help and encouragement of a broad network of friends I've met over the years through volunteering with my daughters' schools and activities that I have been able to step into the unknown and leave our dark life behind.  These same friends have offered to help in any way they can, and have implored me to let others help, too.  Right now, my greatest need is for an attorney who can help me defend me and my children in court.  

Please pray for us, send positive thoughts our way, and if you can or feel it in your heart, make a small contribution to this fund so I can pay a retainer fee for an attorney to represent me and my children.

Thank you for the outpouring of love and for the support that has surrounded us like a protective hedge during these difficult times.