Mom needs trial $$ to keep daughter

For the last 7 years, I've been a single mom, doing a fantastic job raising my now 10 year old daughter in a stable, peaceful, loving environment, in the same town since her birth.  My daughter has primarily been raised by me, beginning with me being a stay at home mom for the first 3 years of her life, until my ex-husband and I had to divorce. Since the divorce, I've worked hard to create a career where I can work my own hours, and have the freedom and flexibility to take her to activities, chaperone her school field trips and stay home with her when she's sick.  Under my majority care, she's turning out to be a truly joyful, loving, caring human being, and an honor roll student. 

A little over a year ago, my ex-husband filed a bogus motion with the court to change our time-sharing arrangement, hoping to obtain majority custody, move her away with him, and get child support payments from me by making false statements about me in court.  Since the divorce, he has chosen to live over an hour away from his daughter, and has complained about, and blamed me for his drive ever since.  His actions do not promote the best interests of our daughter: they are for his own convenience.  His career as a film-maker takes priority, and his schedule is ever-changing. Instead of allowing me to spend time with my daughter while he has to work, he chooses to delegate her care to third parties on a regular basis.  I struggle to see how this in her best interest...  She should be with her mother.

I've spent the last year fighting this, giving every spare dollar I have to attorneys. I've been representing myself lately to save money, but trial is imminent, and I need an attorney with me that day to be successful in keeping my daughter with me the majority of the time.  I've tried several times during this ordeal to find peace with my ex-husband, but he won't budge.  

I love my daughter more than anything in the world, and I work hard to provide a memorable childhood filled with enriching experiences and lots of devotion to my angel. It's breaking my heart to spend this kind of money on a needless court case. So much could be provided to her instead!  We could have purchased a wedding, part of a college education, or several trips around the world for her, with the money that has been spent on this drama!  The final trial retainer is $6,000 minimum.  I've exhausted my savings, and don't have more spare money lying around.

With his wealthy new wife, my ex seems to have plenty of money to throw at this.  And he doesn't seem to realize a daughter needs her mother!  I ask you for any assistance you can give, NO MATTER how small, so that I can afford legal representation in this unavoidable trial!  Even a few dollars from numerous individuals spread across a large network can make an impact!  Thank you so much! And please PLEASE share this, even if you can't help financially, for my angel! THANK YOU and MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU!  By the way, the picture is from a mother-daughter camping vacation we took last year to a setting in her favorite books by Marguerite Henry, Chincoteague Virginia, and the Annual Pony Swim.