Family & Friends,

Today, there was a hearing for a protection order against my spouse intended to protect my children and me from his coercive threats and possible continued violence. He was represented by a lawyer, and I was able to get a continuation of the order for two more weeks to secure my own lawyer. Although there is a child support case open, which my spouse knows about, he has not paid anything. I will have to pay a $2,500 retainer by Thursday, March 19th to get representation at the next hearing. I have already received legal counsel that my case is very strong, and it is very likely that the protection order will be extended for a year.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me this far financially and emotionally. Down the road, the next step will be divorce and full custody, but getting this protection order in place more permanently is the priority now.