Hi, my name is Ariel Hernandez, and I’m a 31-year-old mother of two beautiful boys, ages 4 and 7. I'm reaching out because I need help covering legal fees in an ongoing custody and safety battle to protect my children.

I’ve been their sole provider and full-time caregiver since birth, doing everything in my power to give them a loving and stable life. But we’re facing a legal system that often fails to protect survivors — and I can’t do this alone anymore.

I was in a relationship from 2010 to 2023 with the father of my children. In 2017, while pregnant with my eldest, the abuse began. It escalated over the years — especially when I tried to leave. Much of the abuse happened in front of my children.

In January 2023, I finally made a plan and left for good while also stepping up to care for my sister. Once physical access to me was cut off, their father became even more verbally abusive. His last visit with our children was only 5 minutes on Christmas Day, 2023. The final phone call was in January 2024, during which he threatened to shoot me and harm our neighborhood.

Despite everything — documented abuse, an order of protection, and the fact that all violence occurred in front of the kids — the court still granted him visitation, with the ability to choose a family member to supervise.

As a single mom working hard to make ends meet, I was denied a court-appointed attorney due to my income — even though every dollar I earn goes toward raising and protecting my children. Representing myself in court has left me feeling unheard and defeated.

I urgently need to hire a private attorney to fight for the safety and well-being of my children. Legal representation is my only chance to make sure their voices — and mine — are truly heard in court.

If you're able to help in any way, no matter how small, it would mean the world to us. Every donation will go directly to legal fees. And if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your network can make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and standing with us. My boys are full of love and light — and I’m fighting every day to make sure they get the life they deserve.

With gratitude,

Ariel Hernandez