Hello friends. We wanted to take a few minutes to let you know about the problems Rita and her sweet children, three and six-year-old son and daughter, have been going through the past few months. As many of you know, Rita’s estranged husband moved the family to Germany nearly three years ago to be closer to his ailing grandmother. While there seemed to be much happiness to outsiders, this past August, the estranged husband suddenly left Rita alone and is suing her for sole custody of the children. Rita has been isolated in a foreign country and is bravely battling with the abruptness of him leaving and trying to retain custody of her kids.

 As you can imagine, her conversational-level German is an impediment to zealously advocating on her own behalf in the unfamiliar German court proceedings. The gravity of this situation has required that she retain the services of an excellent, but very expensive, lawyer. While her family has been supporting her as best we can, this legal battle has already cost around $20,000 – which has leveled out now to around $1,750 per month. The expectation is that this court case will go for at least six more months and the cost will skyrocket once the litigation begins and the next bill is rapidly approaching. We are all desperate to not separate the children from their mother and we need your help in order to maintain momentum and keep pace with these expenses. This is a humbling experience as we have exhausted all other options and now face the desperation of publicly asking for your help.

 If you decide to donate, rest assured that 100% of all the funds raised will go towards legal and child custody related expenses as stated until our immediate needs are met (less gofundme related fees of approximately 8%). Any additional funds raised beyond that will go toward household bills and helping her salvage her life in moving forward. Whatever amount that you able to comfortably contribute is greatly appreciated. 

 Aside from monetary contributions, please reach out to Rita to provide moral support. She needs her friends and family during this incredibly difficult time. These past few months have been heartbreaking and isolating for Rita. Your thoughts and prayers are welcome that this legal battle may prevail in her favor. For anyone who wishes to contact Rita or any of her family regarding this matter please do so via Facebook private messaging and we will be happy to share our phone numbers with you.

We encourage you to share this campaign and help spread the word. We all thank you in advance for your related time, efforts & consideration.

 Sincerely,

Rita Groh’s Family

·         Mom, Jamie and Stepdad, John Longmire,

·         Aunt, Catherine and Uncle, Donnie Peacock,

·         Stepdad, Shan Casey,

·         Brother, Alec, and Sister-in-law, Laura Petrillo-Groh