Loving mother needs her children

If you know me... you know my marriage has been shaky for years. I finally decided I could not live in misery for the rest of my life. My children have meant everything to me to the point of being accused of giving them too much attention over the years.

I filed for custody, visitation, and support with the state in July 2012.My hope was for an amicable and inexpensive "˜do it ourselves' divorce. The boys and I have been surviving without any spousal support since July when he suddenly packed up everything in the house, had the utilities cut off, and moved out of state with our daughter. I had to borrow enough towels for the boys to shower, and a mattress and sheets for their beds. The house was placed on the market in August. While it was my home, my name was never on the deed. Guess I did not rate that.

My 10 year old has been doing very well in school while adjusting to our new circumstances. He spent Thanksgiving with his father. When he was "˜taken' for an unplanned visit before Christmas rather than the days after, I never dreamed that he would not be returned. He didn't get to say Good-bye. His assignments are piling up on his desk at school. He has never opened his gifts under the tree here. All of his personal items are in his room still. He was enrolled in school there last week. My 17 year old has chosen to stay with me and misses his brother and sister.I have been dealing with a daughter very angry with her mother for wanting to divorce her father. She was my right hand girl. We were together all the time and she stood up to her dad when he was mean to me. She is 15 and hurt... I get it. I know the bond will heal in time.I have not seen Greyson since Dec. 22, and my daughter, Zoe since July 2012.

Obviously, the amicable divorce will never happen. I now must have an Attorney to protect the most precious gifts life has given me... to bring them home to me. I have been and am working full time but every penny goes to housing and food for us. I have continued to pay Health Insurance for the entire family until recently. Any savings that existed were in a bank account that did not include my name.Without legal help, I am powerless to fight for my children. Most lawyers do not have payment plans, and my tight budget cannot fit another payment. I am reaching out to anyone that has the compassion to understand my situation.

Please help me bring my children home.