A Mom with a disability~ The system left her behind

Help Brittany Protect Her Sons in Family Court

My name is Yvonne, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my daughter, Brittany Clark, who is in the middle of a heartbreaking custody battle for her two young sons — one of whom is autistic and requires specialized care. We urgently need help to retain legal representation. We are working to get her hearing on July 30th continued and get her ADA protection for future hearings so the opposing party can't steamroll her. Though her trial date is set for 09/03/2025.

~A Mother Fighting Against the Odds~

Brittany is a loving, devoted mother doing everything she can to protect and support her children. Her oldest son is Level 2 autistic, and since relocating to Los Angeles County, both boys have been thriving: attending school, receiving therapy (including ABA), and finally settling into a stable, nurturing routine.

But Brittany faces an uphill battle. She has a lifelong, documented disability that affects her auditory and verbal processing, making it extremely difficult to understand fast-paced or complex information — especially in stressful environments like court. Without legal support, she is left vulnerable in a system that often ignores the needs of people with disabilities.

~Let Down by the System — Twice~

From February to July 2025, Brittany had a paid attorney with a $7,500 retainer. We began asking for an accounting of how that money was being used as early as March — and were ignored.

Although her disability was disclosed early on, her attorney’s office failed to accommodate her. They later denied ever being told. Brittany only spoke directly with her attorney once in five months.

We were told they were “saving the retainer for trial” — but when the trial was scheduled, the money was gone. No prep. No communication. No support. Just silence. Until the beginning of July. An email saying the retainer was exhausted and that they needed more money to continue.

Brittany was left completely unrepresented mere weeks before a major hearing and trial, facing an aggressive opposing party with full legal counsel.

~What’s at Stake~

Brittany recently received a disheartening message from her child. More is happening that cannot be placed in a public setting due to court proceedings.

Despite court orders, there are ongoing concerns and emotional stress being placed on everyone — particularly her older son, who needs consistency, patience, and structure.

And Brittany — a capable, caring mother — is being silenced by a system she cannot navigate alone.

~ Why We’re Asking for Help~

We’ve found a former attorney who knows the case and is willing to take Brittany back as a client. But to move forward, we urgently need to raise $6,000 to cover the legal retainer and filing fees.

Our family has already given all we can. My husband dipped into his retirement already. We are emotionally and financially exhausted — and we are out of time. Brittany is on a fixed and limited income.

~~~UPDATE: We Tried Legal Aid — and Tried to Settle~~~

We’ve pursued every possible avenue before turning to this fundraiser.

Unfortunately, because the Petitioner filed this case in Kern County through an Ex Parte hearing, and Brittany (the Respondent) is a Los Angeles County resident, we’ve been caught in jurisdictional red tape:

Kern County Legal Aid cannot assist because Brittany does not live there.

Los Angeles County Legal Aid cannot help because the case isn’t filed in their county.

There are waiting lists, and the most they can do is help prepare venue change paperwork — which could take months.

We have also made every attempt to resolve the matter peacefully. But even during mediation, the opposing party refused to cooperate, dismissing every effort to work out an agreement. They continue to dig in their heels, demanding trial instead of compromise — forcing this mother to fight alone, against all odds.

Meanwhile, the children are caught in limbo. It’s time to resolve this, place permanent custody orders, and give the boys the peace they deserve. It is the opposing party who continues to drag this out, and the judge is beginning to see that.

How You Can Help

If you can give any amount, or even just share this campaign, it would mean the world to us.

You’ll be helping:

~~A mother with disabilities stand up in court

~~Two vulnerable children stay safe and supported

~~A broken system be held accountable

Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with us.

With gratitude,

Yvonne & Brittany