Legal fees for a Custody dispute

 I am writing with a sincere and urgent request for assistance regarding my ongoing custody case. I am reaching out in the hopes that whoever is reading this is able to provide support.

I am a devoted parent who deeply cares for the well-being and future of my children. Unfortunately, circumstances have led to a complex custody battle, and I find myself facing mounting legal fees that I am unable to afford on my own. I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years. I was in an abusive marriage and I finally put aside enough money after years of saving to leave in May  2021. I have been trying to save for a lawyer but my separated husband is mad that I left, wants me to come back and keeps bringing me back to court to make things hard on purpose so that I have no choice but to come back. This began with 6 children 2 have turned 18 and the 16 was able to leave her father’s house because they were not getting along. So I am fighting for 3 children who want to live with me full time. Since I left the marital home and the home that the children lived their whole lives. The court sided with the Father even though he barely spent any time with the children and the father had a great attorney, while I had to represent myself.  He has them M-F  and I  do have them every weekend. I have a nice rental home and the children have nice rooms. The housing wasn't the issue, it was that I left their home school system.  On the weekends the children relay to me how miserable it is with dad and they want to be with me during the week and him on the weekends. He doesn't help with homework, inadequate meals, they come home to an empty house. Their dad does not get home until 1am. There is always someone at my house whose siblings live with me. He is constantly yelling and picking fights with them even when they agree with him.  I have to drive an hour in order for them to participate in school activities( even when dad is home and could clearly take them). Those are just a few of the issues there are more things that I am a little embarrassed to go all into.  I just want the court to see I can offer these kids a much better quality of life. Also the older 3 children live with me and have no contact with Dad nor does he reach out to them.

The expenses associated with legal representation, court fees, and other related costs have proven to be a significant burden on my financial situation. Despite my best efforts to save and cut expenses, I find myself struggling to meet these obligations without compromising my child's future. I firmly believe that having competent legal counsel is crucial in presenting my case and safeguarding my child's well-being, but I am currently unable to bear these costs alone.

I have explored various avenues for assistance, such as legal aid organizations (i was offered a discounted retainer but that retainer is still 1500 to start) and pro bono services. Unfortunately, due to the high demand and limited resources, I have not been successful in securing the support I desperately need. This brings me here, with the hope that I can get a helping hand during this challenging period.

I humbly request any form of assistance no matter the size, will make a significant impact on my ability to fight for my child's rights.

If you require any additional information or would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than willing to provide any necessary documentation or meet with you in person to discuss my situation in detail. I am grateful for any consideration you can give to my request.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and potential support. Your generosity and compassion can make a world of difference in the life of my child and our family.