I'm reaching out to all my friends and family as I have some serious financial needs. I have to say, this is difficult for me to ask but I don't know where else to turn. 

As some of you already know, I've been married for the past 5 years to my wife who I thought was my "soul mate".  Turns out, I was very wrong. The red flags were there but I guess I thought it was a carnival. Lol.

Mid May, out of the blue, she tells me she wants a divorce. I was blind sided. There was no indication prior to this that she was unhappy. In fact, 2 weeks prior to her announcement we had a mini romantic getaway. 

I learned that she signed up for match.com recently while we were married and started dating different men. She actually brought one of the men, after only two dates, to our apartment to introduce him to our two young children. I came home to find this "new" man in our apartment visiting my wife and children. I politely told the man that WE were still married and still living together and to leave the apartment and not to come around her or the children until we were divorced. Most men would have not been polite but rather quite aggressive. I'm not that guy. Nor am I a drunk, an addict, cheater, nor an abuser of women or children.  These would be good reasons for a divorce. 

I AM THIS GUY......... A man who loved his wife unconditionally. Supported his wife in her career choices.

My wife's income was more than double mine as a postal worker. Childcare costs and then the Covid lockdown led us to the most logical choice, financially and in the best interest of the children, for me to be the primary care giver. Both of our children have special needs. I was happy to be Mr. MOM during the week and work part time on the weekends. My wife was the money manager. I trusted her to handle all financial matters. I learned that my trust was misplaced a little too late. We are thousands of dollars in debt. She has walked away from our apartment lease and has refused to pay a penny toward any of the expenses. 

She has now moved in with her boyfriend of 3 weeks and has taken the children with her.  Last week she got engaged to the "new" man with a wedding date set for a week after the divorce hearing which was scheduled for October but now has been moved up to end of August.

I fear for the safety and well being of my children and would like to pursue full custody. I currently do not have legal representation. I have reached out to NJ Legal aid and Rutgers Law School to no avail. I've been quoted by Attorneys that the divorce and custody could cost $12-15k.

I'm back to work full time. Sometimes 56 hrs a week. I'm "Pedalling" as fast as I can but can't seem to get the cash together for a lawyer and an apartment etc

I'm not one to beg, but I can't think of any other option at this point. My parents have helped me as much as they can but they're retired and on a fixed income.

If you could find it in your heart to help me out, I would be forever grateful.

If there is a NJ attorney reading this that could take a pro bono case or one with a drastically reduced fee, that would be most helpful and appreciated as well.

I've set the goal at $15,000

Thanking you in advance for your generosity.