Hi, I’m Samantha, an American expat in Luxembourg, and I am asking for help covering legal fees after an abrupt divorce.

After five years together in Austin, TX and an international move for my ex-husband’s job, I was left without warning while unemployed, alone, and trying to navigate life in a foreign country with no safety net. While he moved in with someone he once called a “friend,” I remained in our shared apartment with our cat and no backup plan.

I built a life here, completed a master’s degree, formed a community, and made Luxembourg my home. But when divorce papers came, I had no income and was granted legal aid by the state.

Unfortunately, to my surprise, the lawyer I urgently had to hire doesn’t accept it. My ex wanted to end things quickly with a small cash offer, leaving me to clean up the mess alone. I couldn’t walk away from everything I’ve built. Since then, I’ve started over: found work, stabilized, and begun rebuilding. But the legal costs, combined with everyday living expenses, are more than I can manage alone.

I have come to realize that change doesn’t wait for the right time. It shows up uninvited…but often brings with it the opportunity to grow.

I have watched people face loss and uncertainty, only to rebuild stronger. What seemed like an end can become the start of something meaningful.

This is not the end of my story either. I am choosing to stay, to grow, and to continue building a life here that I truly believe in!

If you’re able to donate, or even just share my story, it would mean so much. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me take my next steps forward.

With gratitude,

Samantha