It is extremely difficult for me to ask for help like this; I am ashamed and embarrassed, and I would not be doing so if I was not in such an especially challenging position. When I became pregnant with Hazel, my ex-husband and I decided that the best route for our family to take was for me to stay home and raise her, even though this was a financial burden. And, although I ran a successful jewelry business while raising all three of my girls, it is because of this long-term decision that I find myself still financially dependent on my ex-husband. I did not spend those years building a career, and I do not have one single regret about it. My three daughters are the most amazing humans I know, and I would not change a thing. But it does leave me in a bit of a bind now, post-divorce.

Since the divorce, I have worked really hard to create a good life for the girls and I. I have a job that I love at the charter school that Dorothy attends. I also tutor students after school and continue to make jewelry when I am able. However, in this crazy economy, I still barely make it each month and rely on the court-ordered payments to take care of myself and my girls.

On February 28th, the day before rent was due, my ex-husband sent me an email informing me that he would no longer be paying his court-ordered child and spousal support payments. He has not reported any changes to his income or circumstances to the court since the judge determined the appropriate payment amount based on his income. He told me at the very last minute, giving me no time to prepare or to save up the extra money.

I am taking the appropriate steps with the Child Support Division of the Department of Justice, and they will enforce the judgment, but this will take time. My understanding is that it could be up to four months before I receive payment. I am very scared for my immediate future, particularly my ability to pay my rent.

In addition, I found out that my ex-husband has stopped the (court-ordered) mortgage payments on the house we still own and are supposed to sell this summer. To make sure that the house isn’t foreclosed on, and that I will be able to get what I’m owed so I can maintain the life I have created for myself and the girls, I need to hire an attorney to help me enforce the provisions of the divorce decree that he is not following.

This situation escalated very quickly and I am in a desperate situation. I am hoping to raise around $6,000 to cover four months of rent. If I raise more than that, it would go towards legal fees so that I could hire an attorney to help me enforce these court orders. I would not be asking for help like this unless it was absolutely necessary. I thank you in advance, from the bottom of my heart.

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