Lawyer Fees

**UPDATE 8/1/2023**

I’ve spoken to almost every attorney in Tallahassee, and only one has time to take my case before the deadline.

{redacted} hired the most expensive attorney in Tallahassee. He pressured Genevieve to make up a story that would allow him to immediately take custody. I have not seen Genevieve for six weeks while she was “visiting” her dad, and now I don’t know when I will see her again. He is creating such a jurisdictional nightmare, and web of lies that legal fees are being driven up dramatically due to the severity of the allegations and the closing timeline. I have to respond. I have asked family for help but without this community, I would have no chance fighting this. Please help me bring out the truth and get Genevieve back home to an environment that is free of emotional manipulation.

I am so embarrassed, but I have to ask for help. Many of you know my ex husband {redacted}. We got divorced due to his physical abuse and alcohol abuse.

{redacted} has just filed a lawsuit against me, after years of successful co parenting. He has made false claims that I am abusive to Genevieve while intoxicated. It appears to be part of an effort to manipulate and pressure Genevieve into living with him, and blocking my attempts to follow through on my promises to Genevieve. (She has wanted to move to Buffalo for so long, and I’m trying so hard to make it happen!!) I have nothing to hide, but divorce court is expensive.

Knowing I am in the middle of surmounting the expenses for moving from Florida to New York, {redacted} had lawsuit papers sent to my house in Florida. This purposely cut my timeline short to respond to the summons, and now I only have until August 3 to file a written response with a lawyer. (I was also supposed to take Genevieve to Fall Out Boy concert on August 3…now I have this lovely deadline to deal with instead.)

Which brings me to my point. I am so embarrassed but I don’t have $3500 to retain a lawyer. I’m getting ready to pay $2400 for an apartment. I already took a loan out for RVs and travel expenses to get up here. I’m looking for a new job that makes more money, and will try to get another loan if I can. But in the meantime, I seek out our community in this time of need. I’m sorry and thank you.