Keep Jagger and Addie feeling Safe and Secure at home

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Asking for help is never easy, but as I stand at this crossroads, I realize I can’t face this uphill battle alone.

I live in Seattle, WA; in the home, my two children, Jagger (11) and Addie (9), have mostly only known. It’s where we’ve built countless memories and found comfort during challenging times. Yet, our journey has been anything but easy.

Life took a challenging turn long before the current circumstances. Back in October 2016, I discovered my husband was having an affair. When I confronted him, his response was cavalier: “I wanted to.” That was a breaking point for me. With my son just 3 years old and my daughter only a baby, I decided to leave. In November 2016, I moved in with my family in Ontario, Canada, to rebuild our lives.

Through hard work and determination, I secured a great job and eventually found a home for the kids and me. In early 2019, my ex and I discussed returning to Seattle. He knew how much I loved the city, and I missed it deeply. Through our discussions, we believed we had two choices: move back and keep the house or sell it. Renting was no longer an option. Trusting his perspective and thinking it was best for our family, we decided to move back. Unfortunately, I later learned there was no mandate to stop renting our home and that keeping the house would be far more complicated than I had anticipated.

In September 2023, just before the school year started, an incident forced me to confront the reality of our situation. Overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, I remembered I had access to LegalShield. Initially, I reached out to discuss starting the divorce process, believing it was finally time to take that step. However, after sharing the details of my situation, the LegalShield advocates urged me to prioritize safety and file for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO). At the time, I didn’t know much about domestic violence or what the process would involve.

The LegalShield lawyers and prosecution advocates were invaluable in guiding me through securing the order, as I could not afford a lawyer. Though the process took time and trial and error, by the end of October 2023, I successfully secured the DVPO, and he was served. This pivotal moment marked the end of trying to make things work and the beginning of my fight for safety and stability for my children and me.

My ex has since stopped contributing to our household or financial obligations, using the move-out date as an excuse. While the DVPO required him to leave without contact, it did not relieve him of his financial responsibilities. Unfortunately, he has not provided child support, leaving me to carry the entire burden of supporting our family.

This situation became even more overwhelming when I lost my job in August 2024. I believe the emotional toll of managing everything contributed to this loss. In June 2024, I began working with a lawyer to prepare for filing for divorce. However, before I could move forward, my ex filed first. (As a side note, his filing included requests for me to pay his legal fees and spousal support.) In October 2024, my lawyer stopped representing me due to unemployment, leaving me alone facing this legal battle.

I am actively looking for a new job and remain hopeful. Although the job market is tough, I’m determined to find the right opportunity and start a new life for my family.

Where Your Support Will Go

The first priority for donations will be securing legal representation for court proceedings, mediation, and filings. I’m concerned that we won’t reach a simple agreement on divorce and custody, so I need to secure new counsel with funds for a retainer to prepare for a contested case. The retainer alone will cost at least $5,000.

Additionally, I’ve been granted a reprieve on my mortgage payments until January 2024. After that, I must resume payments. Donations will help ensure we can remain in our home, where my children feel safe and secure. With $9,000, I can cover four months of mortgage payments, and any additional funds will help with essential household expenses like electricity and water.

This support will give my children the stability they need to focus on their education and pursue their dreams without fear or uncertainty holding them back. All kids deserve that foundation.

Our Vision for the Future

With your support, I envision a future where my children grow up in a home filled with peace, love, and security—where they can thrive in school, explore their interests, and dream without limits. Jagger dreams of playing hockey and exploring aviation, while Addie has a gift for drawing and painting. The sky’s the limit for both of them!

Our Day-to-Day Life

Despite everything, my kids and I hold on to the joy in small, meaningful moments. We cherish traditions like “Pizza Thursdays” and sharing family dinners. Jagger often tells us about his favorite books, like Lemony Snicket, while Addie fills our hallway with her beautiful artwork. We also share a love for watching Total Drama, a Canadian classic!

These small joys remind me to stay strong and shield my kids from the weight of adult struggles.

Why Your Help Matters

I humbly ask for your support during this difficult time. If you’ve ever faced a challenge or known someone who has, you understand how much even the smallest acts of kindness can mean.

Sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us if you cannot contribute financially. Every share brings us closer to the support we need and helps us move toward a brighter, more stable future.

Thank you for reading our story and for considering helping my family. Your kindness is not just a gesture—it’s a crucial step in our journey. I won’t stop fighting for my kids and our future, and with your help, I know we can overcome this.

With gratitude,

Ange :)