Help with Scotty & Marlena’s Legal Fees

Hi everyone,

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do—asking for help so publicly—but I’m at a point where I can’t do this alone anymore. I’ve been trying to hold everything together and keep this as private as possible—for my son, and for myself—but I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, and at a point where I truly need help.

Back in August 2024, I asked for a divorce, hoping to take the first step toward a healthier, more peaceful life for myself and Scott. I knew it would be difficult, but I was hopeful it would be manageable. I never could have imagined how quickly things would spiral.

Since then, what should have been a straightforward separation has become a painful, exhausting custody battle—and worse, I’ve been enduring relentless emotional and psychological abuse behind the scenes. What I’ve experienced over these past several months has left me constantly anxious, emotionally drained, and living in a state of fear—for myself and for my child.

The emotional abuse has been subtle at times and overt at others: gaslighting, intimidation, manipulation, and ongoing attempts to control and destabilize me. I’ve been made to feel small, silenced, and unsafe. There have been days I’ve questioned my own reality, and nights I’ve stayed awake wondering how to protect my son from the toxicity we’ve been pulled into. I’ve done everything I can to shield him from the chaos and keep our lives as stable as possible—but the toll has been overwhelming.

I’ve spent hours working with social services, explaining, advocating, and hoping someone would see the full picture. I’ve gone to court, gathered documentation, stayed calm under pressure, and fought every day to put my son’s safety and emotional well-being first. I’ve emptied my 401(k) to pay for legal fees, therapy, and basic necessities related to this ongoing battle. I’ve stretched every resource I have.

And still, it feels like there’s no end in sight.

To make matters more complicated, because of the nature of this case, Scotty has been assigned his own attorney. While I’m relieved that he has someone looking out for his best interests legally, this adds another layer of emotional weight and financial strain to an already overwhelming situation.

That’s why I’m here—because I need help to keep going. I need continued legal support to protect Scotty and myself, and to ensure we’re not dragged further into a harmful, unstable situation. I need support so that I can keep fighting this battle with strength and clarity.

Your donation will go directly toward:

• Legal fees for custody representation

• Filing costs and documentation needed to protect us

• Ongoing involvement with social services and advocates

• Legal representation for Scotty & I

• Mental health and emotional support for both me and Scotty

Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page helps more than you know. I never wanted to be in this position—but I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my son, and that means reaching out now.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us. Your support—no matter the form—gives me the strength to keep going.

With love and deep gratitude,

Marlena & Scotty