Help Shauna Secure Legal Aid

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My dear friends and family and friends-who-are-family- I am deeply grateful for all who have come alongside me and my children this summer. I am at a loss for adequate words to thank each one of you who have helped in so many ways- financially, with words of encouragement and with your muscle! Your monetary support has carried me through the July protection order hearing, and a court hearing in early October which officially gave me temporary custody of my children. Every penny that has been given here has gone directly to legal fees. Next steps include a court appointed advocate for the children who will review the entire situation, and then back to court again with her findings…

At this time, I no longer have legal representation as my attorney (who has done an excellent job fighting for me and the kids) requires an additional retainer and projected costs totaling $15,000 or more, if she is to proceed as my counsel for the next portion of representation.

I have been accused of kidnapping my children and spreading toxic lies about what happened. This was not “a simple marital argument”, as has been claimed. This was the last straw in long years of verbal and emotional abuse in an extremely controlling relationship. No amount of tears or begging for change made any difference. I see now that the gaslighting, fear and control had become so much a part of my daily life that I had grown numb to it and to life itself. Never ever did I dream that I would be standing here. It breaks my heart that my marriage and dreams have come crashing down like this. But I cannot allow that toxic environment to be “normal” for my children to grow up in. They deserve so much better!

Thank you for your continued support. Know that you are making a huge difference.