Hi, my name is Ellie, I’m usually a very private person but unfortunately my hands are tied — my dad died in October 2023, and ever since, his business partner has been trying to claim DeFacto status to be awarded all his assets, his money, his super fund, and his life insurance payment. She has even gone as far as to change her surname to match his, and resized the wedding ring he shared with my mum, and is wearing it, potentially to make them look engaged or even married.

I’ve been doing everything I can to fight this in court, I’m self-represented as I cannot afford a lawyer, and I’m doing it all on my own, barring the personal support of my amazing partner and the very little family I have left. This woman is now also trying to convince a judge that I should be liable for her court fees.

I’m 29 years old, I’m autistic, I need a fair bit of medical support, and I have some severe mental health issues. I’m not coping with this very well at all, and I normally would never ask for help but at this point, I’m desperate.

If I achieve this goal, I’m hoping to be able to hire a lawyer to help me out, but if I lose this case I may be liable to pay her — yet undetermined — court fees, which could entirely bankrupt me.

Anything would help, monetarily or even advice from a lawyer would be helpful.

Thank you for reading.