So my exhusband is suing me for custody.
Again.
The is the second time he’s tried to do this and each time, his litigious nature is made evident. He’s intending to wear me down emotionally and financially. His ultimate goal? I can only speculate…
My goal?
To not back down.
To not roll over.
To not be bullied.
To be an advocate for my son.
I’m not worried about my emotional well-being. I’m a tough cookie. I’ll do my best to protect my kidlet from any knowledge of this situation. But one thing I do need help with is this: my legal fees.
Last time he took me to court, I had to pay my attorney a $5000 retainer. I don’t know what my ex paid for his attorney, but I do know that, after a trial that lasted nearly a year and a half — in and out of the courtroom and mediation — the judge dismissed all his requests and ordered him to pay my legal fees (to the tune of $17,000). We ended up settling out of court for a smaller amount because I felt terrible about the huge settlement and wanted to be fair. I used the settlement to repay my mother for the loan (that she put on her credit card — she didn’t charge me the interest) and used the remaining balance to pay a couple of bills down.
Altogether, I estimate that we’ve spent nearly $30,000 between us in legal disputes that he has initiated. He has yet to win a case.
But I’m all out resources. I’ve tapped my parents dry… The rest of my family are all working-class folks that don’t have money to loan.
So I’m swallowing my pride and I’m asking for help. I don’t know what it will take to retain my lawyer yet, but I’m going to assume it will be at least $2000.
If you love me and have been following me or reading my blogs or maybe if you just stumbled upon this page by some divine intervention… If you’ve got anything you can donate to my legal fund, I can’t even measure how grateful I would be to you. There’s a Paypal donate button at the top of the page. If you want to treat it as a loan, I’ll do my best to honor it as such — just know, full disclosure, I won’t have any substantial amount of money coming my way until the beginning of next year at tax time.
I won’t let someone with a bigger bank account bully me around.
Thanks.
No related posts.
Good luck, Jami!!! I’ve been reading Date Wrecks for years and now this site but this is my first time commenting. I wish I could have helped you more than $25 but know that you have some moral support out in CA.
Jami, I’ve read your stuff for a couple of years now, laughed my ass off at some of the nuts who post on dating sites and watched you turn into an even better writer than you were when you started. One of the things that’s evident is that you love, love, love your boy. I’m on unemployment now or I’d have donated more. I was on the losing end of a support battle and I know how demoralizing it is to have someone attack you, over and again, for petty, cruel and controlling reasons. Don’t you feel bad about asking for help from this community, the folks who have read your work for years know that you are as real as a slap in the face. Kick his ass. And the rest of you better help out too.
That’s all.
and ps, screw your loan. just use it.
Jami, I’m sorry you’re having to go through this. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train. I promise. I wish I could give you more, but I’m sure that with all the people you have positively affected, you will get the help you need. You have more support than you know, and everything is going to turn out fine for you.
Hey Jami,
I have been reading your blogs since I was a Night Auditor and I sent you all I could for your trip but this time, I cannot afford to send you anything. I really wish I could because I know what an amazing person you are, but I know that you will get through this no matter what.
Jami. I have been out of town for 10 days and just now catching up. You impact so many people and I hope your fans, clients & friends can help you thru this legal nightmare. You can count on my donation to the legal funds! Hang in there pretty lady. You are the strongest lady I have ever known! We are all rooting for you!
Hey, do you still need help? I have about $50 I could send your way… I know it’s not a lot but it’s for you if you want it. Thanks for all the laughs, J. -EV
Um, totally… Got another $900 in filing fees and court reporter costs coming up this month!