Battle for my kids – Attorney fees, past due bills. Desperately Needed Help.

I am beyond embarrassed and ashamed that I am here. I hate asking, or even needing, help.

But I am desperate.

This year has been difficult, which feels like a massive understatement and I just don't know what else to do, so here I am. And here's a brief snippet of my story.

I recently filed a petition to modify a parenting plan that I have with my ex-husband. This is the first time it's been modified since it was originally filed ten years ago. We need a plan that accurately reflects our current situation to prevent the constant manipulation and fighting that occurs with every visit. However, my ex does not believe it should be changed, even though neither of us live in the same state that it was originally filed in anymore.

BUT if I am going to "force" this change, he has decided that he now wants full custody and for my kids to move in with him. Custody that my ex husband voluntarily forfeited if I agreed to not take alimony, any portion of his retirement, as well as a large severance package he received of roughly $65,000. To which I agreed and since that moment have had sole custody of my kids.

The retainer fee is more than I can afford. As I attached in the photos, my attorney was not anticipating such a battle over such a small change. I simply don't have the funds to pay, well anything.

I lost my main job/source of income last March due to Covid. Of course, I worked anywhere I could but it was nothing in compare to my previous income. The bills just stacked up, despite working three jobs.

My mother passed away in September.

It has just been... hard. Unbearable.

I was recently rehired at my old job, which is an absolute blessing, and also took a job working nights and weekends. I'm working 17 hours a day and hardly seeing my kids that I'm desperately fighting for. But it's just not enough. It's like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole at this point.

I don't have family to ask for help. No parents. No grandparents. I don't have the unlimited resources my ex does to fight this battle. I don't qualify for any assistance.

I have two boys, a mountain of past due bills, and of course, it's Christmas.

I am drowning and while I hate to do it, I am hoping that someone here can help me.

So thank you. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for caring. Thank you, for everything.

I don't have much to offer in return, but if there is anything I can do to show my appreciation, know I am willing.