Hello — I'm a mother, a professional, and for nearly two decades, I’ve been the sole financial provider for our family. After 18 years of marriage, I am now navigating one of the most painful and destabilizing chapters of my life — a devastating betrayal by the man I once trusted most.

My husband is a lawyer by trade, with two Ivy League degrees. For the past 15 years, he has claimed to be building a business — but it has never generated any income. Meanwhile, I’ve carried everything: our home, our children’s needs, and every financial responsibility.

Earlier this year, I discovered he had not only been unfaithful, but also hiding deeply destructive behavior. I learned he is using crack cocaine and frequently disappears overnight or for entire weekends, returning in the early morning hours. These choices have caused tremendous pain, put a strain on our home, and left our daughters and me living in emotional and financial uncertainty.

Despite not having worked in over a decade, he is still eligible under New Jersey law to seek long-term alimony — and because of the length of our marriage, I could be ordered to pay it for up to 18 years. That would mean continuing to financially support someone who has contributed nothing to our household for over a decade, and who continues to harm the very family he abandoned.

Now, I’m choosing myself.

I’m choosing my daughters.

And I am choosing to fight for peace, safety, and a future free from control, fear, and financial manipulation.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I am choosing to protect myself and my daughters—and that means filing for divorce, securing legal support, and rebuilding our lives from the ground up.

This is not just a divorce. It’s a fight to reclaim our safety, restore financial stability, and rebuild emotional peace in our home. I’ve carried the full weight of this household in silence for years. Now, I’m choosing to speak up — and I need support to move forward with strength and dignity.

This GoFundMe was created to help me:

How Your Support Will Be Used

The funds raised will go directly toward essential legal fees, including attorney retainers, court costs, and mediation. They will also support counseling for my daughters and me, cover urgent household expenses, and help prepare for potential long-term alimony obligations.

Our initial goal of $35,000 is based on current estimates. However, legal proceedings can be unpredictable, so this goal may be updated if needed to ensure we have the resources to protect our future.

Thank you deeply for your generosity and support during this challenging time.

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever had to walk away from something that hurt more than it helped, or had to rebuild from ashes while still holding your children close—you understand the courage this takes.

If you can give, I’m deeply grateful.

If you can share this campaign, I thank you.

And if all you can offer is your prayers or encouragement—we feel that too.

This is not the end of our story. With your support, it will be the beginning of something better—rooted in truth, peace, and the promise of a new chapter.

With heartfelt gratitude,

RM Ross