Main fundraiser photo

Best Buy Out or Bust

Donation protected
Friends,

As most of you know, my ex has been putting me through a series of ridiculous lawsuits during the last six years. The Summer 2018 campaign consists of him suing me for child support, and suing to have me evicted from the apartment he lived in with me before we separated. These mark the 18th and 19th lawsuits he has put me through since 2012.

Doyle believes he shouldn't have to pay child support. He has always believed, even though the judge made the calculation based on financial information, wages, tax returns, etc. that we provided, that his support obligation is unjust, unfair, and unbearably onerous. He has tried countless times to appeal the decision, to re-litigate it, and to have his support payments reduced.

And just as Doyle failed in his many attempts in support court, he has failed several times to get me evicted. The first time he sued to evict me, in 2012, the case was laughed out of court, and dropped. When the landlord sued to evict me in 2016, and lost, Doyle appealed that decision! And now he is trying again, for the third time. I doubt that Doyle will be successful in either of these suits either. Yet, for the 18th and 19th time, he is putting me and the kids through the stress of multiple simultaneous lawsuits.

Now I have a problem. Even though I've navigated fairly well a midlife career change, grad school put me in debt and college adjunct teaching is not lucrative. Between grad school, being the only responsible parent, teaching, and the constant court cases, it became difficult to function financially. I got behind in rent. WAY behind.

Here’s what happened: The landlord was selling the building and sued to evict me—partly to avoid giving me a buyout as a rent stabilized tenant. During that lengthy case, I was supposed to continue paying rent—not to him—but into an escrow account, and I didn't—I couldn’t. The landlord lost that suit (which Doyle appealed, and lost) but now Doyle is suing me again, and the landlord is waiting to see what happens. As a long term tenant I should have the right to stay OR with legal representation be bought out. But to do so, I must now put money into that escrow account.


I have very good lawyers representing me in housing court, from MFJ – Mobilization for Justice, a very old tenant's rights and advocacy firm. The new owner of the building is a giant investment firm (Meadow Investments), and I'm sure they plan to gut it, remodel it, and charge exorbitant rents for the tiny apartments. Thus, the owner is motivated to get me out.

I'm not sure what will happen with all this, but I don't want to move while the kids are still in high school. I didn't pay rent for over a year and a half. (Ugh!). So I am asking for help—again. (Last time I needed help with legal fees). I have $4000 in seed money. If I get the buyout I will gladly repay any and all of you WITH 50% INTEREST. It’s not easy to tolerate the truth of my situation, that my decisions brought me here. I’m not the same person who entered that relationship with Doyle; to work hard on myself and my healing became not some luxury indulgence but an imperative for the sake of my children. I’ve done everything in my power with that end in mind. Still, they and I will be financially safe only with your help. I appreciate your time to consider my predicament and humbly ask you to give what you can. I can promise to pay it forward even if (worst case scenario) I am unable to pay it back.

Melanie
Donate

Donations 

  • Britt Ellis
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Ginnie Daugherty
Organizer
Greenbriar Heights, VA
Melanie Best
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.