Hi, I'm Natalie. I'm a single mom of four amazing kid - ages 13, 12, 10, and 7 - living in Utah and doing everything I can to give them a safe, healthy, and stable life in the middle of a very high-conflict custody situation.

Since our divorce in late 2022, my ex-husband and I have struggled to co-parent. But things escalated significantly after he remarried in early 2024. What started with control issues and interference from his new wife has turned into something much more serious. My children have been caught in the middle of volatile situations, emotional manipulation, and, in some cases, direct harm.

Why I'm Asking for Help

I’ve already spent over $16,000 this year in legal fees. My attorney has just asked for another $8,000; which includes the $4,100 I currently owe and expected fees from our most recent hearing on August 5th. I’m asking for $8,000 to help cover those costs and anything beyond that will go toward additional legal protection for my kids.

This is not over. And in a case this high-conflict, it is critical that I have strong legal representation to keep my kids safe and shielded from further harm.

What We’ve Been Through

In October 2024, my oldest daughter refused to go back to her dad’s house and fell into a horrible panic attack. His wife called the police on me in front of the kids, trying to create a false narrative.

In December, my (then) 9 year old son told his pediatrician about a significant domestic violence incident he experienced at his dad's house. A DCFS report was filed.

Days later, my oldest daughter sent me a terrifying audio recording of her dad and stepmom emotionally abusing and threatening her. She has lived with me full-time ever since.

January 2025, DCFS officially found support for physical abuse in their investigation. I filed for an emergency order of protection, which was granted.

A Guardian ad Litem was assigned, who agreed the kids were not in a safe situation and that custody needed to be revisited.

From that point on, I have been in a nonstop legal process to modify custody and ensure my kids are protected.

How My Kids Are Doing

Each of my kids has responded differently to all of this, but all of them have carried the weight of these conflicts in ways no child should have to:

My 13 year old daughter is finally thriving in my care. No more panic attacks. No more isolation. Just stability. She knows she is loved and allowed to have opinions.

My 12 year old son texts me from his dad’s house begging to come home. When he’s with me, he’s light again; talkative, helpful, even silly.

My 10 year old son has struggled with so much anger. It’s not his fault, he’s just a kid trying to survive in a home full of pressure and mixed messages. Since starting anger management and weekly therapy in January, I’ve seen real change. He’s learning how to express his feelings instead of explode or shut down.

My 7 year old daughter is constantly silenced and guilted for wanting to talk to me. She's cried on the phone, had her ability to communicate with me taken from her, and runs into my arms sobbing when she gets home. She’s just a little girl trying to feel safe.

They deserve better. And I will never stop fighting for that.

It Takes a Village

Without help, I may not be able to afford continued legal representation. In a case this complex and hostile, going into court without support could put my kids' well-being at serious risk. I’ve done everything I can on my own; researching, documenting, working directly with my attorney to minimize hours...but I’ve reached a breaking point.

What I’ve Done Already

I’ve drained my savings. I’ve spent hours trying to rebuild a career post-divorce, earn certifications, attend job fairs, and apply for every opportunity I can find. But I’ve also been managing:

Weekly therapy appointments for my kids

Medical assessments

Emergency legal filings

Day-to-day parenting of four children in crisis

I’ve taken on everything I possibly can. But I need help to get through this next chapter.

Why Your Help Matters

I’ve always tried to do it all myself, like I had something to prove. But I’m learning that real strength also means knowing when to ask for help.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about giving four kids a home where they feel safe, heard, and stable. It’s about making sure I can show up for them not just emotionally, but legally. Because unfortunately, in custody battles, love isn’t enough.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Whether you can give $5 or just share this with someone who might, every single gesture matters.

I didn’t come this far just to come this far.

I won’t stop fighting for my kids, they are my world!

Thank you for helping me keep going.

<3 Natalie