TLDR: fundraising for $50,000 of legal debt from divorce and custody battle while navigating multi-six-figure student loan debt.

In late 2021, I made the difficult decision to leave my marriage while pregnant and caring for my toddler. My relationship had become unsafe and controlling, and I knew I needed to create a secure environment for my children and myself. I moved in with family initially, hoping for peace, but instead found myself immediately facing legal proceedings over custody and divorce.

The years that followed were marked by constant challenges. My ex-husband immediately filed for sole custody of both children, including our unborn son. When I gave birth to my second child, he did not meet his son for nearly 6 months. Throughout this time, he maintained minimal contact with the children and continued to bring me back to Court to attempt to control and surveil me. I endured frequent Court appearances while pregnant and postpartum, the stress of representing myself for months when my lawyer withdrew, and the emotional toll of ongoing harassment and litigation abuse from my soon-to-be-ex-husband.

Because of the nature of the custody petition, I was also under the pressure of a forensic investigation of my home. I was required to move into my own apartment and live alone with my toddler and baby.

At one point, my ex-husband insisted on international travel with the children to a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention. I was deeply concerned about the risk of international parental kidnapping and worked closely with my attorney to protect my children’s safety while still supporting their relationship with extended family.

Despite these obstacles, I worked hard to rebuild our lives. I returned to work as a teacher, enrolled my children in local schools, and built a supportive network in a new community. My children have grown and thrived, and I am grateful for the love and stability we have found together. Still, the legal process was long and complex, involving many negotiations, evaluations, and repeated attempts to undermine my role as a parent.

In December 2025, just as I hoped we were nearing a resolution, my ex re-petitioned for sole custody, seeking to change the children’s primary residence and limit my time with them. This was an incredibly stressful and frightening escalation. Still, with the help of a dedicated attorney, I was finally able to reach a settlement that ensures my children’s well-being and allows us to move forward. However, the cost of this journey has left me with significant legal debt.

Now, as we focus on healing and building our future, I am reaching out for support. If you feel moved by our story and are able to contribute to our Matriarchy Fund, your generosity will help us close this chapter and continue to grow as a strong, loving family. I am fundraising for $50,000 of debt in legal fees. Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.