Help Rachel Secure a Safe Future for Her Kids

Hi, I'm Rachel and this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do — asking for help. But I’ve reached a point where I truly have no other choice.

Many of you know parts of my story, but not the full weight of it. I spent nearly a decade in an abusive marriage that left lasting scars on my mental health. It took immense strength, clarity, and courage to finally leave, not just for myself, but for my children.

After I filed for divorce in January 2023, my ex-husband stopped contributing financially as he was supposed to still be doing while going through this process. He claimed he had no income (his dad "fired" him a week after I filed), but I later discovered his family continued to support him under the table. Still, he provided nothing to help raise our children. The financial and emotional burden has been solely on my shoulders ever since.

For a year and a half, I was in an exhausting battle — not just against him, but against his entire support system. Endless attorney meetings, mediation sessions, and relentless verbal and emotional abuse wore me down. Then, in the midst of everything, I unexpectedly lost my dad — my anchor, my rock. His loss shattered me, and my ex’s abuse only intensified afterward.

He fought me at every turn — not because he cared about custody or parenting, but because he didn’t want to pay child support, child care or alimony. Backed by his family’s financial support, he dragged out the divorce while I struggled to keep up. In the end, I gave in — not because I wanted to, but because I was emotionally and financially drained. I agreed to no financial support in exchange for majority custody, simply because I couldn’t afford to keep fighting. I prioritized my kids’ stability and safety over money — as any mother would.

Looking back, I wish I’d had the right attorney. I wish I’d had more strength left to keep going. But life doesn’t pause for healing. In the last two years, I’ve shouldered every cost: nearly $34,000 in childcare alone, plus food, bills, insurance (that he's supposed to be paying but doesn't), and all the other expenses that come with raising children on your own.

Meanwhile, my ex has continued down a dangerous path, including drugs and being arrested for domestic violence (strangulation) in front of children —ours and his girlfriends. DCF and police being involved multiple other times as well. The environment he provides is unstable and unsafe, and I fear for the well-being of our children when they’re in his care.

That’s why I’m here. I need to retain a new attorney to fight for full custody and the support my children deserve. Legal fees are steep, and despite my best efforts, I simply haven’t been able to save what’s needed.

This isn’t easy for me. I’m not someone who likes asking for help, but I’m doing this for my kids. If you’re able to contribute — no matter how big or small — it would mean the world to us. And if you can’t give financially, please consider sharing this page so it can reach others who might be able to help.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us.

Rachel, Madelyn and Dominic