Hi, my name is Michelle, and I’m asking for help during one of the hardest chapters of my life. Over the past year, I’ve been in an ongoing legal battle to protect my relationship with my daughter. What started as a situation that should have been resolved quickly turned into an extended and extremely costly legal process. During this time, I was separated from my daughter for approximately ten months. Not being able to see or be there for her was devastating and something no parent should have to experience. Rebuilding that connection and protecting my parental rights required extensive legal action, which significantly increased legal costs and continues to impact my ability to move forward financially.

At the same time, I was forced to close my small business, which led to severe financial hardship. I exhausted my savings trying to stay afloat and am now in the process of filing for bankruptcy. After my business closed, I was unemployed for four months and struggled to find work in an extremely challenging job market. I am incredibly grateful that I have finally found a job, but it came with a substantial pay cut. While I am thankful to be working again, the reality is that I am still trying to recover financially while continuing to fight for my daughter.

So far, I have paid significant legal fees and I still have mediation and a court hearing ahead, and I need to be able to pay my attorneys to continue advocating for my parental rights. This is not about revenge or conflict. It is about stability, fairness, and ensuring that my daughter maintains a strong, healthy relationship with both of her parents. I am simply trying to do what any parent would do, show up, stay present, and protect the bond I have with my child.

Asking for help does not come easily for me. I have always worked hard to support myself and my family. Right now, I am doing everything I can just to stay above water and continue showing up for my daughter in the ways that matter most. If you are able to donate, share, or offer words of encouragement, I am deeply grateful. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ease the financial burden and allows me to keep fighting for my daughter and our future. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer.

All funds donated will go directly towards attorneys fees.