I’ve spent my life helping others navigate the law. Now I’m the one drowning in it.

I’m Melissa. I am creating this GOFUNDME page out of necessity. I am a small independent estate lawyer trying to represent myself in a very contentious divorce. It’s been nearly three years, and even by representing myself in the divorce during the last year, the court costs and fees have depleted almost all my recourses. I was recently ordered by the court to pay nearly $9,000 to the court-appointed expert by 8/18/25 in order to proceed with the divorce that I simply don’t have. And there are more expenses to come.

Never did I imagine being in this position. After years of helping others manage their estates, I am now in need of help myself. My law practice is small, and my means are few. To make things even harder, my cat became seriously ill and needed emergency care. I made the choice to take care of her, even though the timing could not have been worse financially.

It’s said that “It takes a village.” So, as a last resort, I am reaching out to you, my community, for help.

What I’m Raising Funds For:

• Payment for the court-appointed expert

• Required court and filing fees

• Basic living support while I continue to represent myself

Why This Matters:

This is about more than a legal battle. It’s about trying to stand up for myself in a system that feels rigged in favor of whoever has more money. I’m not asking for pity, I’m asking for a way to keep going and to finish this fight with my dignity intact.

How I Hope to Give Back to YOU for helping:

If you can donate, I’m deeply grateful. As a thank-you, I’d be honored to offer a free 30-minute consultation for anyone who might need help with basic legal guidance, like estate planning, trusts, probate or reviewing documents. It’s my way of showing thanks and continuing to help others, even while I get back on my feet.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page still means everything to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of my support system in this incredibly difficult chapter.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa