Legal Fees: Single Mom of two in custody case

Hi, my name is Nella and I am a single mom of two beautiful children, ages 8 and 4. My four year old has been diagnosed with Autism, and I also care for and financially support my elderly parents since my father had a debilitating stroke 18 years ago. I am an extremely hard worker, and my pride typically prevents me from asking for help from anyone. The one exception to this, is the wellbeing of my children always comes first. The money raised will be used to help pay my legal fees and support an ongoing custody battle with my ex.

Background:

I am up against an exceedingly difficult fight; given my ex graduated from law school and has not only the factual legal knowledge but also free legal services, that I clearly lack.

In 2019 we filed for divorce. The legal battle was extremely contentious, and proceedings drug out for years under the story from my ex that I am abusive. These claims were unsubstantiated, untrue and the court ultimately ruled in my favor giving me majority parenting time and decision making authority. The result of this was a legal bill over $140,000 that I am still paying off the last $22,000 of to this day. Since that time, her parenting time is rarely fulfilled; either canceling all together or bringing the children back to me days early – which I am always happy to have extra time with my children. On average every 2-3 times the children are out of my care, they are taken to the Emergency room or urgent care for unfounded medical issues where nothing of substance is ever diagnosed.

My ex has now decided to involve the Department of Children Services, and has filed for an emergency hearing under the ongoing story that I am abusive. I practice gentle parenting and would never dream of hurting my children. However, for my attorney to continue representing me and fight off yet another instance of my ex’s unsubstantiated and untrue claims; he’s asked that I pay down my existing balance. I could get another attorney, but that would require an additional retainer and my existing attorney already has the knowledge from the previous case. I appreciate any help you can lend to help me fight for my babies.