Help Avery Dylan with Family Law Costs
Donation protected
Hello, I am Hannah and Avery is my good friend. Avery is a disabled, low-income transgender gay man. He’s having a hard time right now and I think that if other people knew what he is going through they would want to help him.
Here is a bit about Avery in his own words:
In the summer of 2017, after 14 years, I finally had the courage to leave a very high-conflict marriage which was marked by a cycle of domestic violence. During the course of the relationship that started when I was 21 (he was 32), I stopped my medical transition in order to start a family and carried my two wonderful children. When I left and filed for divorce, I was granted a protection order and awarded primary custody. During the early part of the divorce, I encountered transphobia as well as classism in the systems that were supposed to help me and my kids. My lawyer at the time was not equipped to fight that and eventually I agreed to 50/50 custody in mediation. Because this is an active case I am not able to share the details of the domestic violence or transphobia or how difficult it has been to go through this.
After the divorce was finalized in fall of 2019, I wanted to finally move forward with my life. But I found myself again fighting for my children in court due to ongoing and continuous actions by my ex-husband, and again experiencing transphobia and classism navigating the system. I have poured the small nest egg I was awarded into fighting for my kids and supporting us during the Covid lockdown. Due to the unique factors in my case, I have to hire an expert to best address the systematic abuse and controlling behavior during my marriage and the divorce. This includes him using parental alienation tactics with the kids. I am running out of funds to pay for my legal fees —which I need to pay soon —to keep fighting for my kids. My lawyer will have to withdraw from the case soon if I can’t pay the trial retainer. It’s soul-crushing to come this far and feel like I can’t afford to defend my family. It’s hard to ask for help but I am asking now. My children and I could really use your help to keep our family safe and together. I am thankful for the support of my friends, family, and community.
Here is a bit about Avery in his own words:
In the summer of 2017, after 14 years, I finally had the courage to leave a very high-conflict marriage which was marked by a cycle of domestic violence. During the course of the relationship that started when I was 21 (he was 32), I stopped my medical transition in order to start a family and carried my two wonderful children. When I left and filed for divorce, I was granted a protection order and awarded primary custody. During the early part of the divorce, I encountered transphobia as well as classism in the systems that were supposed to help me and my kids. My lawyer at the time was not equipped to fight that and eventually I agreed to 50/50 custody in mediation. Because this is an active case I am not able to share the details of the domestic violence or transphobia or how difficult it has been to go through this.
After the divorce was finalized in fall of 2019, I wanted to finally move forward with my life. But I found myself again fighting for my children in court due to ongoing and continuous actions by my ex-husband, and again experiencing transphobia and classism navigating the system. I have poured the small nest egg I was awarded into fighting for my kids and supporting us during the Covid lockdown. Due to the unique factors in my case, I have to hire an expert to best address the systematic abuse and controlling behavior during my marriage and the divorce. This includes him using parental alienation tactics with the kids. I am running out of funds to pay for my legal fees —which I need to pay soon —to keep fighting for my kids. My lawyer will have to withdraw from the case soon if I can’t pay the trial retainer. It’s soul-crushing to come this far and feel like I can’t afford to defend my family. It’s hard to ask for help but I am asking now. My children and I could really use your help to keep our family safe and together. I am thankful for the support of my friends, family, and community.
Organizer and beneficiary
Hannah Mintek
Organizer
Seattle, WA
Avery Zerby-Porch
Beneficiary