Family Law Attorney Retainer

As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy. Even after moving away, getting a court order, and doing exchanges at the sheriff's station I am still enduring all kinds of intimidation and abuse from my daughter's father and his family.

My story is unfortunately not unique, but you can absolutely make a difference in our lives. I have spent the last half a year exhausting all of my resources. I have represented myself in family court, filed documents with the family justice center, applied for legal aid, did hours of research, and still got railroaded in court without a proper attorney. I have finally found someone who is ready to hit the ground running, but we can't get started until she gets her retainer. I have attempted to sell my personal items but haven't had much luck across several apps and sites. The only thing holding me back from filing for protection and getting full custody of my baby is a $7,500 retainer. I know everyone is struggling right now, but if you're able to donate anything we are infinitely grateful. This is the most important thing I've ever done and I am not usually one to ask for help for myself. Thank you for considering our fundraiser and may we survivors of DV stand stronger together.

All our love,

MD

More background info:

I wasn't supposed to be able to have children, so when I learned I was pregnant I was thrilled for such a miracle to happen. I was in no position to intentionally have a baby with someone I had only been dating a short while but I embraced the reality and offered him the opportunity to be involved. He said he had always wanted to be a Dad, he wanted five kids. Initially in disbelief, my partner ultimately promised to be beside me every step of the way and that we would raise a happy, healthy baby together.

Actions speak so much louder than words and although there were some happy times-it never lasted.

Emotional abuse, verbal abuse, property damage, financial abuse, isolation, control. By the time I realized what was happening it was already too late. The gaslighting from my partner and his family kept me convinced things would get better, that I was over exaggerating, that their precious son could never be abusive in any way. But I've seen him lose his temper on his family, his friends, his co-workers, our baby, and most often with me. I was pregnant, stuck in a lease with nowhere to go, and out of work in the middle of a pandemic. How did I get here? The first time he made her cry with the yelling and slamming things around I kicked him out. I filed for a restraining order that was not granted by the judge. In retaliation he has filed motions that have prohibited me from leaving the state, updating my passport, and booking work.

Nothing got better and there were times I feared for mine and my baby's life. Substance abuse continues to be an issue even with a court order. I need to move on this as soon as possible. All I want to do is keep my daughter safe. I must, and I will.

One day I hope to write a book and give back to those in similar situations. No one should have to go through this alone, or be held back by finances.