Hi, my name is Mark aka Squab aka Buttsy. Turning to Go Fund Me has been one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make. Most people who know me know I lost my Dad when I was only 20 years old, since then I've relied on myself to deal with everything that has happened in my life. I have never really asked anyone for help so it is extremely hard and humbling that I am now in a position where I see no other option but to seek assistance from others.

I am graciously and most humbly asking for help to pay legal fees I am incurring from the sustained harassment and abuse I have received from my ex-wife which had led me to deal with an ongoing court matter. To date I have spent over $20k which I have borrowed from loans and credit cards, however I am at my limit for borrowing and I still have at least another $10k in legal fees yet to pay.

Those of you who know me would know that I'm a genuine person and have always been honest about who I am and what I stand for and stood up for my friends whenever they needed me. So, I am extremely embarrassed that asking for financial help is the only option I have left.

My ex-wife has spent years openly stating she wants to ruin my life and for the past 7 years I have endured abuse, harassment and false allegations from this woman. It is her latest attempt that has the potential to finally allow her to achieve her goal of ruining my life. It is because of her that I have found myself dealing with a false allegation that has had me dragged into the court system. It wasn’t until her latest attempt that I was advised I am the recipient of domestic abuse. After so many years of being divorced and no contact at all, with her even involved in another relationship she still can’t let go of this obsession to destroy my life. Since this current ordeal began last September it has affected my job by being suspended and cost me a number of friends, her actions have turned my life upside down but I refuse to be defeated. The only thing that may defeat me now is not being able to have proper representation in court. I’ve never had trouble with the law but since my separation and divorce my ex-wife has used the law and court system over and over again in an attempt to destroy my career and my life in general. Being involved in a court matter is an expensive undertaking, even more so when you are not eligible for any form of legal assistance.

To go through court is not a cheap process and without further funds I'm not sure I'll be able to continue retaining my legal representation. I think those of you who know me would know and understand just how hard this is for me to not only ask for help but for that help to be financial, I am sick to my stomach just putting this request together.

I truly wouldn't ask for this help if I didn't have any other option. The alternative outcome is something that I don't want to think about and keeps me awake every night.

It might appear that I’m being somewhat vague about the court matter, well that’s because I am being vague, on purpose. This woman has put me through a lot of the years and obviously with some very personal things. I realise asking for help without give all the details is not exactly a positive thing to do, but we are talking about my personal life and I am a very private person. I’m not trying to hide anything. What I will say is if you are considering helping me out but want to know a bit more before you do, then please reach out to me and I will provide more detail in a private message. I hope people can respect my privacy in this way. I promise you though, I have nothing to hide. I’m just ashamed that I’m in this position in the first place and extremely embarrassed that I am asking for your support.

If you would like to help, all money raised will go directly to my legal representation. I am so sorry that I am asking you all to help me when we are all dealing with the rising cost of living. Please know I understand if you aren't able to assist, I am truly sorry I have to ask in the first place. If you can assist, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will forever be grateful for your help in my time of need.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my request.