Hi, my name is Tara. In 2021, I filed for divorce and left an abusive relationship in California. My daughter and I moved back to my hometown in South Dakota to be near family and rebuild our lives.

My daughter’s father still lives in California. Under the court order, I’m responsible for getting her to and from California for every parenting-time transition. Since 2022, that’s meant buying multiple round-trip flights several times a year — first every 6–8 weeks, now four times per year around major holidays and summer break.

This travel is important for my daughter’s relationship with her father, but it has put me in a severe financial bind. I’ve accumulated about $12,000 in credit-card debt just to follow the court order. I’ve tried to be as responsible as possible — moving balances to 0% interest cards, budgeting tightly, and working full time — but my options are exhausted and the interest-free period ends soon.

I’m asking for help to wipe out this court-ordered travel debt so I can start fresh and continue supporting my daughter. Once my debt is paid, I can keep up with ongoing flights without going back into the red.

Every donation will go directly toward:

• Paying off the $12,000 in airfare debt

• Ensuring my daughter’s future travel to visit her father

• Stabilizing our household finances so we can stay in our hometown near family

I know times are hard for everyone, and asking for help is not easy. But even a small donation or sharing this campaign makes a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me give my daughter the stable, loving home she deserves while still honoring her relationship with her father.

— Tara

2025 School picture!