Hi, I'm Shauna. A friend of mine is going through a very challenging divorce with minor children and the father has a history of domestic violence, coercive control and child sexual abuse. Safety is the priority, and support with legal fees is needed because mom works part time to remain flexible for the kids and due to health issues, and the dad drastically reduced financial support without notice right after mom filed for divorce, breaking previous agreements and creating hardship for the family.

The children have been living solely with mom for several years, with dad only having virtual visitation until divorce was recently filed. Since the filing, dad has filed frivolous motions for custody, drastically reduced support without notice and continues to engage in coercive control through his attorney. Mom retained an attorney with a personal loan, but that attorney unexpectedly closed his solo legal practice to enter another arena of law and she is now without representation paying $100/month on that $6400 bill.

At this time, mom is pro se, representing herself against the dad's high priced custody attorney. She is consulting with local attorneys, and has been quoted retainer fees between $3-5,000, with estimates of up to $20,000 for the entire case through trial ("plus or minus insanity" was one attorney's statement to her about how much it could cost to protect her children). While she is willing to try doing this pro se, the reality is that she is working to protect herself and children from a man who earns six times the income, operates in coercive control in many ways and it may not be feasible to continue without legal representation.

We are keeping this anonymous for the family's safety, and all funds raised will go to the purpose(s) described below:

• $3-5,000 retainer fee for local attorney experienced in coercive control, domestic violence and child custody matters to protect children from abuse

• Any legal fees beyond retainer fee

OR if mom continues pro se:

• Expert witness fees - estimated up to $3,000

• Legal consultation fees - estimated up to $3,000

• Psychological evaluation fees - estimated around $3,000

• Any future fees to protect children from other unsafe custody efforts on the part of the father

• $6,400 legal fees from first attorney.

Thank you very much for your care and consideration. This is an experience no mom wants to be going through and your support of any amount will help her know she is supported in continuing to protect her children.