Stand with Jessica: A Mother's Legal Battle

My name is Jessica and I am the mother to a very loving, enthusiastic, and kind-hearted 7-year-old autistic boy. His biological father walked out on us when he was just 15 months old. In a different world, things might have been better, but our world has proven to have its many ups and downs. Through all of this, we have found love and a safe environment with someone who treats us better than we could have imagined. We have built a family together, and now that all seems to be threatened because my son's biological father is now trying to fight in court, 6 years later. I have been the sole provider for my son, making all decisions and paying for all his needs without the help of the man who made him. My son's father and I were married for 10 years before I asked for a divorce, and that came after our 6th miscarriage, which he would apologize for by saying, "Sorry YOU lost another baby." For 10 years, all I wanted was a family, and I am ashamed to say that I realized too late that he shouldn't have been the one. Through all the secret conversations with other women, the propositions of having extra-marital affairs, and the many friendships and family members he turned against me, I chose to ask him for space. He gave me space and then some because he left our home, left our son, and has actively been away more than around. Fast forward to now, 6 years later, when I filed for divorce in 2021, he wants to show up to court demanding that I turn my son over to him. He has a new woman in his life with whom he has had a baby, and now he wants to be the best father he can "represent" to his new woman. I am happy he has moved on, but what I am not happy about is him threatening to undo everything I have done for my son during his absence. He has never paid any child support for our son, and just recently went in front of a judge and said, "Can I pay her an agreed amount through Zelle?" and the judge said, "Sure, just keep a record of the payments." No ORDER was put in place telling him he had to pay anything. All the sleepless nights, the medical concerns, his schooling, clothing, and all-around general well-being have been my top priority since he was born. AND now that is being threatened because of what I feel is an ego boost. He only sees my son 2 days a month, for one-night sleepovers. A total of 52 hours a month.

I have reached out for legal support and almost always get told the same thing, "Sorry, I can't help you because you have already started the case as a pro-se." I feel lost and helpless and don't know where else to turn. I have been fortunate enough to find a lawyer that is willing to take my case and help me but need to secure a $10,000 retainer so he can represent me.

I hate feeling this way and asking. I was always raised to do good and good will come back to you. Hoping that there is enough good out there to help me in this moment of weakness.