Help Abby Secure Legal Aid for Her Children

Hello friends,

Many of you know that I have been in the midst of a family law case for quite some time. My ex-husband left our home in 2019, and I was later granted restraining orders from 2020-2028. While I cannot expand on the justification for those orders here, they came after a long and difficult marriage with great consequence to our entire family.

In early 2023, my ex-husband filed asking the court for visitation rights. The judge, seeing that the children were mostly refusing to participate in phone calls with their dad, assigned Minor’s Counsel (MC) to determine their best interests.

This past April, we were ordered to undergo a 730 evaluation. A 730 evaluation means that a court-appointed psychiatrist interviews teachers, doctors, therapists, friends, family and more. Then they compile a voluminous report with recommendations for the case.

In early July, we were reassigned to a judge who also ordered mandatory conjoint therapy between the children and their father. She then ordered home visits performed by Minor’s Counsel, and for the same to monitor calls between my ex-husband and the kids. It is becoming quite obvious that this is going to continue to be a lengthy and difficult case.

I have, for the most part, filed my own paperwork since 2020. I have gone to hearings on a hope and a prayer (and a tremendously large binder). Single parenthood has required me to be independent. And I’m proud of that. I have done so much by myself. But I can’t do it by myself anymore. I need help.

The funds I am asking for today would cover an attorney retainer and my half of the 730 evaluation. I have spoken to a particular attorney who I know would work hard on this case.

I have been unable to work for some time as I spend several hours a week assisting my daughter, a state disability recipient who was homeschooled over the last year while receiving in-home care services several times a week. I also have two other children with significant health needs. This requires a flexibility that most jobs will not service. I mention this here to fill in a gap that many might have about why I am asking for help.

I am extremely grateful that I have a community to call on when things have reached an unbearable point. Thank you for letting me call on you.

Abby