I never thought I would be creating a GoFundMe for legal help, but I have reached a point where I genuinely do not know what else to do.

I am currently in the middle of a divorce and custody case involving my four children. I am a first-year teacher in Texas and bring home approximately $2,600 per month after taxes and alternative certification fees.

I cannot afford an attorney on my income alone. I cannot afford $300 consultations or the $5,000-$8,000 retainers I am being quoted by family law attorneys.

For years, I was too scared to leave and too embarrassed to ask for help. I tried to keep peace within my family and hoped things would improve, but I now realize I need legal representation to ensure my children and I are treated fairly and are safe during this process.

I am not asking for revenge, conflict, or to “take” anything from anyone. I am simply asking for the ability to stand on equal footing in court and have an attorney help me protect my children’s stability and my rights in the divorce.

The funds raised will go directly toward:

• Attorney consultations

• Family law retainer fees

• Court filing expenses

• Legal document preparation and representation

I have exhausted every option I know. I have searched for payment plans, legal aid, and affordable representation, but I am overwhelmed financially and emotionally trying to do this alone.

If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you cannot, simply sharing this page could help more than you know.

Thank you for supporting me and my children during one of the hardest seasons of our lives.