Hi everyone,

My name is Marha Babatid. I moved to the United States from the Philippines when I was 23. I have two wonderful sons, ages 15 and 16, who live primarily with their father in Virginia. My youngest child, Andreana, lives with me in Cedar Park, Texas, just outside of Austin. We relocated here in June 2025 from Tacoma, Washington, where I had lived since first migrating to the U.S.

After nearly 15 years of service at the Marriott hotel, I made the heartbreaking decision to leave my career, my friends, and the Pacific Northwest behind so that Andreana and I could live a safe, stable life—free from harassment and intimidation at the hands of my ex-fiancé and his much older, wealthy girlfriend.

The Legal Battle We Never Wanted

Over the past 13 months, I have been forced to spend over $71,000 in legal fees defending myself and my daughter. In contrast, my ex hasn’t been paying legal fees because his girlfriend, a former paralegal, knows the court system. However, they have now hired a lawyer specifically for our upcoming trial, which is why I also need legal representation. He and his girlfriend are attempting to attack me with fabricated claims and delay tactics. Despite this, he has not paid a single dollar in child support.

Their harassment has included appalling actions such as canceling our airline tickets while we were at the airport, leaving us stranded until 2 a.m., I’ve been falsely accused of being a drug addict and even a prostitute. In reality, I am completely substance-free and devoted to physical and mental wellness. One of the most extreme events that took place just this past February was when the night prior to the father’s weekend visitation my ex and his girlfriend had police come to our home at midnight on valentines day and remove Andreana by force, taking her from her bed and me screaming and crying which caused extreme PTSD that we both had to seek therapy to help us manage afterwards. They kept my daughter apart from me with no contact for 30 days.

I could list so many more examples, but honestly, it’s too painful to relive them all. Suffice it to say: this has been devastating.

My life savings are nearly depleted, and I’ve had to liquidate my investments just to defend myself and protect my daughter.

My ex has a well-known history of substance abuse. He abandoned us during my pregnancy, even hospitalizing me, then disappeared abroad when Andreana was just an infant. Now, he is attempting to take custody not out of love—but out of control, manipulated by his sugar-mama girlfriend with deep pockets and a vindictive streak.

Why I’m Asking for Help Now

For many months, I’ve been representing myself in court due to financial necessity. Despite the odds, I’ve done well. I’ve won temporary relocation, full custody, and protected my daughter as best I could. But I’ve now hit a wall.

I work full-time with benefits. I’m a single mom in a new state. Andreana is in school. And now, I am just weeks away from a full trial, with dozens of filings and hundreds of pages to prepare—and I simply cannot do this alone anymore.

The Path Forward

My previous attorney—the one who helped me secure temporary relocation and full custody—is willing to return and represent me at trial, but only with a $20,000 retainer. I have managed to raise about $7,500 on my own, but I still need a little over $12,000 to bring her back onto the case and make a formal appearance this week before the opposing party pushes for more delays and injustice.

I cannot afford to lose this case. I have fought too hard, come too far, and given everything I have to protect what matters most: my daughter’s safety, stability, and future.

How You Can Help

If you are a parent, I know you understand: we would give everything for our children. I am humbly asking for your help—whatever you can give—to help us reach this goal. No amount is too small. Every dollar brings us one step closer to justice and peace.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, your prayers, your support, and your generosity. It means the world to Andreana and me.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Marha & Andreana