
Support Masha's Family During Legal Injustice
Donation protected
Hello,
I'm Maria, and I've set up this fundraiser for my dear friend, Masha, and her beautiful son, Stefan. They are nothing short of family to my kids and me and seeing the pain and challenges Masha is currently enduring breaks my heart. I've attached a letter from Masha below to provide more insight into their situation. In essence, the legal system has failed them during a time when they needed it the most, and as a result Masha and Stef now face extreme financial hardship. It's one thing to simply be disregarded by the courts, which would be awful enough, but that same failed system is giving an advantage to the very individual responsible for the emotional and physical hardships they have faced for several long months now.
It's an unfair situation for anyone, and if you know Masha you know that it is especially unfair for her. She is a kind, generous and loving person who I and anyone around her can trust and count on. In this situation, she did everything right, and it just didn't work. If you can find it in you to help with the overwhelming legal bills she is now facing, please do. Any amount helps. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
LETTER FROM MASHA:
Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,
I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a humble request for your support during an incredibly challenging time in my life. My name is Masha, and I am a solo provider to my wonderful son Stefan. We have faced an uphill battle for months and months due to the harassment and aggression inflicted upon us by a neighbor who created an unsafe environment for our family.
The situation escalated to the point where we were forced to move to a different apartment, hoping for a fresh start away from the torment we endured. Seeking protection, I followed the advice of the police and filed for a restraining order to safeguard both myself and my son from the ongoing aggression. Regrettably, the court did not grant the order, citing a lack of physical violence despite the palpable threat to our safety and well-being. We had eyewitnesses and character witnesses, but nothing helped.
I pursued this legal battle without representation, unable to afford the costly fees associated with hiring an attorney. On the other hand, the opposing party had the privilege of legal representation, and despite the lack of evidence supporting their claims, they managed to sue me for an astonishing $15,000 in attorney fees. This exorbitant amount is far from the norm for civil harassment cases, and it has left my family in financial turmoil.
During the latest court proceedings, the judge's decision to award the opposing party these outrageous attorney fees felt like a mockery of justice. None of the evidence I presented, nor the significant income disparity between us, seemed to be taken into consideration. As the sole provider for my son, working hard to make ends meet, this unjust ruling has placed an even greater burden on our shoulders.
Now facing the threat of wage garnishment, I find myself on the brink of a devastating financial crisis. It's heartbreaking to realize that the person responsible for our suffering is relentlessly pursuing punitive measures that will only make our lives more unbearable. It's not about the money for them; it's about exerting control and causing further pain.
Unfortunately, our system is not built to protect those who can’t afford to hire a lawyer, even when they haven’t done anything wrong. It’s a system where those with financial resources are protected, while those without are left vulnerable. I have become a victim of this unjust system, where I sought help and justice but ended up being gaslighted and punished.
Throughout this ordeal, I felt extremely alone as I navigated the complexities of seeking legal advice and representation. I never shared this publicly because I didn’t feel safe doing so, and shame prevented me from asking for help. I’ve never been one to ask for anything for myself. However, now I’m reaching out to my community, hoping that you will come together and show me that I’m not alone in this unfair situation. I believe that together, we can gather the resources needed to recoup and move forward.
I am humbly asking for your support in this difficult time. Your contributions will help me secure legal representation, challenge unjust rulings, and ensure financial safety for my son and me. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a tremendous difference in our fight for justice and relief from this oppressive situation.
Please consider sharing our story with your network to help spread the word and amplify our plea for help. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity mean the world to us and will provide the hope we so desperately need.
Thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude,
Masha and Stefan
Organizer and beneficiary
Maria Martin
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Masha Zanozina
Beneficiary