Hi, my name is Kara Tirado. In a million years, I would have never thought I would be here on GoFundMe, but here I am. I am here because I am trying to be brave for my three kids, but at the end of the day, I am feeling so DEFEATED! I am going through a divorce, and it has been messy, bitter, and stressful. If you have been there, please tell me it gets easier. It’s been hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I live about 3 hours from my ex, but I have been instructed by the courts for me and my children to relocate closer to their father. To add insult to injury, I have to make this happen by the beginning of the school year. I just don’t have the money to do it. I have to find a new apartment, find a new job in this area, and I need a lawyer for representation during this process. I am a hardworking mom, and I am willing to try anything to keep my kids with me. I honestly need help financially. I am grateful for the support. Thank you all for letting me share my story.

He's a very street-smart, intelligent-sounding man, so it all sounded convincing. That's when it started getting bad. As the years progressed, he continued to go from job to job while I became the main financial provider for the family while he attempted to be the stay-at-home dad. While I was away at work, he supposedly was taking care of the kids when he actually wasn't. The kids were always clinging to me as soon as I walked in the door, crying they were hungry, begging for attention, etc. The controlling aspect really got bad after our second child was born. He had to know where I was all the time, what we were doing, where we were going, etc. He'd give me the silent treatment and ignore me. After I was made to sell my car and we were down to one car, I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without him, not even to the grocery store or even work. It became overwhelming, and then he started yelling and ignoring and yelling at our kids for being kids, as in playing. He wouldn't let them play outside, wouldn't give them proper meals, or actually act like he cared about how they actually felt. I had to do something. I called my parents, who I hadn't spoken to in years, and asked for help, and they came and got us after he left for work one morning, and we've been great since. Now, because of how I left, Mecosta County Friend of the Court is making me and the kids move back to his town of Adrian.

The money will be used for lawyer fees, court costs, moving costs, security deposit, and first and last month's rent, along with any necessary items I'll have to get the kids as we have to do this all over again. Anything will help and is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance from my kids and me.

Thank you