Michelle is a devoted mother who has always worked hard to provide a safe and stable home for her son, James. Throughout their lives together, Michelle has ensured that James has a roof over his head and access to the medical care he needs. Recently, Michelle faced a contentious separation from James’s father, who had been living with them rent-free until she asked him to leave last year. Since then, he has moved nearby and continues to create a hostile environment by driving by and stalking both Michelle and James.

This ongoing situation has deeply affected both Michelle and James’s emotional well-being, safety, and daily stability. The father’s refusal to follow court-ordered visitation privileges and his hostile behavior have made it difficult for Michelle to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for her son. James has witnessed volatile behavior, and the uncertainty has disrupted his routine, making it harder for him to focus on school and feel safe at home. These disruptions have also prevented Michelle from returning to her teaching career full time, as she cannot secure reliable childcare due to the father's refusal to contribute or provide necessary documentation for sliding scale fees.

James was just two months old when the Covid quarantine began, and Michelle lost both her job and her spot for childcare. For the next three years, James was on multiple waiting lists for childcare centers, but his father refused to offer his financial records, making it impossible to access affordable care. When Michelle finally secured a job working second shift at a restaurant, James’s father switched his own shift to prevent her from working. Despite court orders, he continues to insist that Michelle cannot have babysitters, further limiting her ability to work. Over the past several years, Michelle has lost significant income and has accumulated debt from covering all other essential expenses. She now faces a major gap in her work history, making it even harder to return to her teaching profession.

Michelle urgently needs legal help to obtain a restraining order and ensure that court orders are enforced. With the support of this fundraiser, Michelle hopes to secure a safer environment for James, keep him on a productive schedule, and gain peace of mind knowing that she is protecting her son from manipulative and violent behavior. Your support will help Michelle continue to be the strong, caring parent James needs during this challenging time.