Hi, my name is Darcy. I am a mother currently facing an unexpected and urgent international legal situation involving my daughter.

Over the course of the past two years, I have kept close family and trusted friends informed about ongoing circumstances that were impacting my ability to safely leave the United States. Ultimately, I was not able to leave until Child Protective Services in Nevada became involved, which allowed for a safe and lawful transition out of that situation.

I am now required to defend myself in a Hague Convention proceeding. These cases move quickly and require specialized international family-law counsel. Legal fees alone can range between $20,000–$30,000 CAD, not including court filings and necessary disbursements.

To provide transparency, I have already paid the full initial legal retainer required by my law firm. This retainer is held in trust and is not immediately accessed. Legal work is billed separately on an ongoing basis. My firm issues statements of account every two weeks based on time spent and required disbursements, and each statement must be paid in full upon receipt in order for work on my case to continue. These recurring legal costs can accumulate rapidly due to the urgent and complex nature of Hague Convention proceedings.

Funds raised through this fundraiser will be used exclusively to cover ongoing bi-weekly legal invoices, court filings, and related legal disbursements so that I can properly defend my child’s safety, stability, and best interests through the appropriate legal process.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward these legal costs. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is also deeply appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you are able to offer during this incredibly difficult time.