My name is Nicole, and I am a single mother of two little girls — Isla, age 4, and Hazel, age 18 months — in North Carolina.

Over the past year, I have been navigating the aftermath of leaving an abusive relationship while trying to protect myself and provide stability for my daughters. I have done everything the right way — documenting incidents, following court orders, communicating through court-ordered channels, and filing for protection through the legal system when I felt unsafe.

Despite my efforts, I have been unable to obtain legal representation due to financial constraints, and legal aid services were unavailable to me. I have been representing myself — pro se — in every court proceeding, going up against a retained attorney alone.

I am raising funds to retain a family law attorney for my upcoming custody hearing, which will determine the long-term safety and stability of my daughters. I need $3,000 to cover a consultation and retainer.

I am not asking for sympathy. I am asking for a fighting chance — the same fighting chance that comes standard when you can afford an attorney.

My girls deserve a mother who is protected. They deserve stability, safety, and a future free from the cycle they were born into. Every dollar raised goes directly toward legal fees — nothing else.

If you can contribute, thank you. If you can share this, that means just as much.

For my girls.