I'm currently going through a divorce not of my choosing. Money was tight before separation, but even more so now. I live with my dad during the week and on the weekends, when I have my time with my four kids, their mom goes to her parents' house. The term for this is called nesting.  It's not an ideal situation, but since separation, I have continued to pay mortgage/utilities, in addition to all household bills for the family, and I do not make enough to also have a place of my own.

To attempt to keep up with our basic monthly bills, I have taken a second job with Uber driving after work every evening I don’t have the kids.  It’s exhausting, and I’m still barely getting by. In what little free time I have left, I am applying for any jobs I am qualified for, because I know working two jobs is not sustainable in the long term.

I am starting this fundraiser for two reasons.

1) Legal counsel - I am asking for your help so I can continue to be a part of my kids' lives. With the limited funds at my disposal, I initially chose the cheaper route of a Limited License Legal Technician and attempted mediation, but none of that was successful. I have an attorney now, but have nearly maxed out a credit card to to pay for my past representative and mediator, and so do not have the funds to pay for the additional hours and court costs I know will be necessary. I need legal help to fight to maintain our nesting setup because all the kids have varying special needs, and I want them to have as much stability during this time as possible. Financially, the mortgage of the house is less than rent for a two bedroom apartment, and we cannot afford to sell it and take on two rental contracts. From a logistical standpoint, my dad's house is too far away and not large enough for me to have them there.

At some point, I know I need to figure out a place of my own large enough to have them on the weekends, but I need to work through the legal side of the divorce and get out of debt before that is even a possibility.

2) Taxes due: Uber doesn't take out taxes and all the money I have made has been going to pay existing immediate term expenses, so I will have a significant tax bill this year come April.

I know many families are going through challenges right now, and I don't ask for your help lightly. I appreciate any and all help you can provide.

Thank you,

Chris