Hello, my name is Summer and I have a 3-year-old named Ezra. Four years ago, I escaped a very physically abusive relationship while I was pregnant. In this relationship, I was choked, had guns pointed at me, and had every movement I made monitored. These are things my abuser openly admitted to doing to me.

On Monday, I was served custody papers for my child. This has been a very difficult and scary time, and I'd be lying if this hasn't hurt me in a way I didn't even know was still possible. He was not present for the birth of my son. I believe he had gone to jail for his 3rd DUI at the time. He then went to live in a long-term rehab facility afterwards. I had allowed him supervised visitation with me or his family present every few months. The last time he had personally reached out to me was August 2024.

I am a single mother struggling to get by every single day. I do not even own a car. I take my son to and from school in Ubers as it is the best I can do right now. I do everything I absolutely can for my son, and to put it simply, I just need help with these legal fees. I am scared for the safety of my child if he obtains any kind of custody.

Please help me. I have spoken to several family lawyers and they are all quoting me at the very least $4,000 for a retainer. They said this can and will get even more expensive over time and I have been quoted up to $8,000.

I just need help, please. This is for my 3-year-old and his safety.