Help Kristen Keep Her Boys Safe and Secure

Hi, my name is Kristen, and I’m a mom doing everything I can to keep custody of my two little boys after finally escaping an abusive marriage.

In 2023, I left my six-figure job in Houston so my husband could take a new opportunity in Greenville, South Carolina. I became a stay-at-home mom, thinking we were building a better life for our family. But once we got there, the abuse started—and it never stopped.

At first, it was emotional. Then financial. By February 2024, it became physical.

I tried to get out. In April 2024, I asked my husband for access to the money from the sale of our home—money he secretly deposited into a checking account with his father. That’s when his behavior got even worse. He tightened control over everything: the finances, the communication, and my ability to get out. I told my family what was happening, but they weren’t in a position to help financially or take me in.

In December 2024, after a final domestic abuse incident, I finally had the courage to leave. My husband responded by cutting off my cell phone, locking me out of every account, and leaving me with absolutely nothing. I had no income, no access to money, no phone—and nowhere to go. South Carolina shelters were full after the hurricane. I had two small children and no safety net.

I reached out to:

I tried everything. Some tried to help. But none could take my case long term. One firm referred by the Hotline charged me $9,100. Another quoted $400 for a 20-minute consult, and when I couldn’t afford it, they took my husband as a client—using the same joint funds I was trying to access for safety.

Since then, I’ve had to hire three attorneys across three states just to keep up with the legal battle. My husband withheld our children for 56 days, moving them from state to state. I finally got an Order of Protection in South Carolina, but the custody fight isn’t over—and he keeps filing in different states to wear me down.

So far, I’ve paid over $39,000 in legal fees for my 3 lawyers, not to mention the over $1,500 I paid for consultations.

I’ve spent everything—my 401k, my pension, my savings. I’m working full time again, but my legal fees are more than I earn in a month. I have another critical custody hearing coming up, and if I can’t afford the retainer, I risk losing my kids—not because I’m unfit, but because I’ve run out of money.

If you can help—even a little—I would be forever grateful. I’m not asking for extras. I’m just a mom trying to protect her kids and keep them safe.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, or sharing this.

Kristen