Hi friends, I have been fighting through a two-year-long divorce and custody battle, and I am finally nearing the finish line. Yet, the newest obstacle is a daunting $2000 legal retainer to hire an appellate lawyer. I have poured my heart into proving to the court that I am deserving of joint physical and legal custody. After all this time, it paid off - that is exactly what I was awarded in March 2025. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect and nurture my bond with my daughter, to guard our secure attachment against the odds. The court's final ruling acknowledged that I have done everything it asked of me.

Despite this, my ex is appealing the decision. All the progress I’ve made—demonstrating that I am an equal parent under the law—feels both hard-won and fragile. I won't lie to you—I'm exhausted beyond words, but I keep pushing forward because I am fiercely committed. If I were reading this, maybe skepticism would creep in—why am I asking for help to raise this money? Might there be more to the story? But I want you to understand—your support is going toward a cause that means everything to me, my daughter, and our future.

It’s perhaps been a secret that I was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago, and prior to that, I struggled through many daily challenges, often concealed by having a partner who bore much of that burden, as regrettable as that is to say it was the reality. It wasn’t until after we separated that everything became crystal clear. In navigating life as a single parent, I got everything in order—a new place to call home, therapy, medication management, support, and consistent visits with my daughter. But soon after separation, the legal battle erupted. I found myself ensnared in family court, and I did my best to comply with every requirement, every order. I refused to let pride prevent me from admitting my shortcomings. I faced each daunting obstacle head-on, knowing I was sacrificing precious time with her to build a future where I could be an equal parent. I sought out support from friends, and thank god I did—without their unwavering help, I don’t know if I could have survived it.

Now, having finally achieved equal parenting, my child’s Mom is attacking the court’s ruling, claiming technical flaws despite multiple solid legal reasons defending it. She has the right to appeal, and she is doing so. The pain this process has inflicted on me—in my spirit—is almost indescribable. But I want you to know, above all, our daughter remains unscathed. She has no idea of the turmoil swirling around her. She loves her Mama and her Baba, and she understands why we are divorcing. In fact, a professional involved in our custody case told us we are truly great co-parents despite everything—that recognition means the world to me. It’s incredibly validating to have others see the effort I’ve poured into this. And most importantly, our daughter’s innocence has been protected amid the chaos.

What are my chances at winning? I believe they’re strong. My appellate lawyer has an excellent track record. And I have to try so that all of this was not for nothing.

Many people reading this will understand what it’s like to fight fiercely for something, feeling like everything is stacked against you. At first, I had overwhelming support—I couldn't have made it without my family. Later, I reached out to community and friends, and I am eternally grateful for every act of kindness. They helped me meet the court’s demands when I had no chance doing it alone. I lost friendships and rebuilt old ones. I am deeply thankful I haven't faced the agony of fighting for custody alone. People have gone above and beyond, and I’ve always tried to show my gratitude. But as this ordeal drags on and resources dwindle, I find myself at an exhausting crossroads. I owe what I’ve borrowed, and everything I had has been depleted. Please know—I will be forever grateful if you can spare even a small amount. It’s humbling and painful to share this, to admit I need help because I don’t know who else to ask and I can’t generate the money fast enough to meet the deadline. Navigating a divorce and family court is a wild and expensive endeavor that could have amounted to several European excursions. Time and money I will never get back, but it was all worth it to invest in my greatest adventure in life -- being a Baba.

Y'all, I must now admit I’ve been that person who bought coffee when I could’ve saved $$. Bought tickets for my baby girl to go to events. Made plans for the future—all because I thought it was over once the ruling was decided in March. The ruling was challenged in April. In response, the Judge defended its original ruling, so life carried on. Shortly after, the ruling was appealed again - this time to a higher court. And this is when you are supposed to hire an appellate attorney. I should have known and planned for it to not be over. I take responsibility for that.

All I ask now is for help to cover some of this retainer—the only way I can hope to secure a lawyer who might finally bring this to a close and allow me to move forward with my life. I’m also open to ideas. If you have brilliant ideas on how to raise money or manage what I have now to land at $2K by July 11th, please call me. I am phoning a friend, if you are old enough to know that reference.

With all that said, for $20 and up, I want to offer labor in exchange for your kind and generous payment if you’d rather this be a transaction than gift the money. We can work out the details and time frame that works for us both, with your kind understanding that it may not happen right away, ya know, cuz I'm busy in family court hell. Things I can do for you are as follows.

If we haven't talked in a while, it's not because I meant to. I miss you, I have anxiety sometimes, shit is hard, and I get stuck in my head, but it's cool, you are going to see me thriving soon. Okay, thanks, byeeeeee.