Help support justice for twins in cook county

A Mother’s Strength: Fighting for Justice and Stability for My Twins

"The strength of a mother is second to none. She may be exhausted, frustrated at times, overwhelmed—but she never quits. Because for her children, she finds a way." – Unknown

I have been representing myself in family court for years, fighting for my right to have a say in my children’s lives. My journey has been anything but easy.

After giving birth to my twins naturally, I was readmitted to the hospital just two days later due to dangerously high blood pressure. I spent 24 hours back in the hospital, holding my newborns, only to later develop adenomyosis, leading to a hysterectomy. I nursed my twins until they were two years old, returned to work just eight weeks postpartum, and despite my health challenges, I was their full-time provider in every way.

In March 2020, my ex left abruptly, unable to adjust to spending just one day a week at home with our twins. Since then, I have been representing myself (pro se) in family court, yet I have never truly had a voice in decisions regarding my own children. No matter how hard I’ve fought, the system has failed to prioritize their best interests.

To those who have stood by me—friends, family, and those who see my dedication to raising my twins—I am deeply grateful. I know that one day, we will be free from endless court dates and the verbal abuse that comes with them.

Why I Need Legal Representation

Over the years, there have been countless incidents, but what matters most is the best interest of my twins. Unfortunately, the courts seem to care more about money than the well-being of children.

I am raising funds to hire legal counsel for my next court date on April 2, 2025. I currently have an open state child support case and a parentage case. I have never had a say in court about the children I carried, birthed, and have raised on my own.

From the start, I was forced to navigate this journey alone. When I found out I was pregnant, I was met with verbal abuse instead of support. I was pressured to terminate my pregnancy and went to therapy for weeks while continuing to work full-time as a pilates/cycling instructor. Despite it all, I knew in my heart I couldn’t go through with an abortion. I attended therapy at Erie in Evanston and I was told I was one of the fittest 39-year-olds carrying twins in maternal-fetal medicine. I participated in every appointment alone while my partner “worked” until 2 a.m. Apologizing to some designer named Genevive for texting my partner at am Wait by wale. I still dislike that song. Imagine carrying twins either be on board or move on don't abuse women and children.

All parents deserve equal legal representation in parentage cases. I deserve equal childcare, The ability to work full time fair hours and provide for my children without financial distress. As I worked and contributed plus gave my minivan to our blended family to be left with nothing and two more mouths to feed.

The ongoing instability and lack of enforcement of parenting agreements have deeply affected my children. Their father has repeatedly failed to show up or communicate, and yet when I advocate for them, I am met with legal retaliation. For example, when the police were called on my children as their father decided to enforce his parenting time—despite being absent for days prior, ignoring their calls, and even missing his own scheduled pick-up time.

My twins are now 6.5 years old, and they deserve better. I have fought tirelessly to find low-income legal services, but it has been nearly impossible. Meanwhile, my children have been diagnosed with anxiety as a result of this ongoing battle.

13 Reasons to Donate & Support My Fight for Justice

DCFS has confirmed my home is the safest place for my children.

Family courts work against pro se (self-represented) parents.

Legal retaliation is Real, and I need protection.

The court should prioritize my children’s best interests—not bureaucracy.

Without legal representation, unjust custody rulings are more likely.

I need to break free from financial abuse.

My children’s emotional well-being is at stake.

I am battling endometriosis and adenomyosis while fighting this legal war.

Self-representation puts me at a severe disadvantage.

Legal deadlines are critical, and missing them can cost everything.

This fight is bigger than me—it’s about justice for all parents like me.

Legal representation ensures fair mediation and hearings.

Justice should not be reserved for the wealthy.

"I wasn’t a victim anymore, I was a survivor." – Stephanie Land

How You Can Help

I have consulted with Attorney Joerika Stitt, Esq., LLC, who has generously offered me low-income legal rates to help with:

$950 – Document Preparation

$350 – One-hour legal consultation

$1,200 per day – Court appearances

With your help, I hope to secure at least one court appearance on April 2, 2025 to:

✅ Modify parenting allocation to reflect the best interests of my children, with input from their child therapist, Rush child psychologists, and pediatrician.

✅ Enforce penalties for missed or inconsistent parenting time.

✅ Ensure equitable childcare arrangements so I can work without relying on food stamps.

✅ Seek fair child support and retroactive payments.

✅ Reduce the stress and anxiety on my children, who are already dealing with an Order of Protection case and a DCFS investigation.

Final Thoughts

I have exhausted every resource and every avenue available to me, and now I am reaching out for help. My children deserve stability, consistency, and a mother who can focus on their well-being—not endless legal battles.

If you believe in justice, fairness, and the right of every child to be raised in a safe and loving environment, please consider donating to my legal fund. Every dollar gets me one step closer to securing the legal support I need to protect my twins and give them the future they deserve.

With love and gratitude, Angela Christina

❤️

Case Numbers: 23D001235 & [another case number]