Reunite Yaritza With Her Daughters

Topic: Urgent legal and financial help needed for disabled mother of 2 & domestic violence survivor

 

"I am a mother of two at risk of losing my children. I am an immigrant, I work two jobs, live with Multiple Sclerosis, and I love my daughters more than anything in the world. After years of domestic violence at the hands of my second child’s father, my abuser has now teamed up with my older child’s dad in an attempt to take full custody. Their “evidence” is completely false, but these men have made it known that they hope this stress, debt, and heartache kills me. I’m $10,000+ deep in legal fees and I now also have mandated classes and meetings on top of my health needs. I’ve kept this a secret for way too long, but now I am asking for help. The thought of losing my children and coming up with $20,000 has me at such a loss I don’t know how to move forward."

 

After years of surviving domestic abuse from her second child’s father, my friend Yaritza was baited into a dispute during which her abuser successfully spun the situation to have her arrested. In the months following, she has been failed by social workers, the San Mateo & Santa Clara county courts and police as this man has manipulated her behind the scenes (and covering his tracks), preying on the knowledge that she is overwhelmed by her Multiple Sclerosis and mental health and fears losing her immigration status.

 

Most recently, this man used her toddler to bait her into meeting up (violating a restraining order) and contacted her first child’s father who after years of smooth coparenting has now served her with papers to get full custody at the advice of this abuser.

 

The complete details are pretty unbelievable. Like I cannot believe legally this has all unfolded this way, but her abuser knows she does not understand the law, have the privilege of someone savvy to guide her, can’t afford legal fees, and in general is overwhelmed by her MS, mental health, and now debt. 

 

This is urgent because she has a hearing Friday. She either needs a new attorney or at least money to get her attorney to meet with her outside of court. 

 

At this point the weight of this debt and thought of losing her children has her suicidal. She weighs 90 pounds and works 2 jobs in an attempt to chip away at this $20,000 sum that keeps growing. These men have made it known to her that they hope this stress and financial weight kills her (yes this was said to her).

 

We desperately need help. Advice on legal funds, pro bono lawyers, and a therapist are welcomed. Thank you for your support in reuniting Yaritza with her children against her abusers.