Why a legal Defense Fund?

The Courts are preparing to change parental custody of my daugher, from me to her "f", in California. I do not agree with this change. I agreed that she needed a different visitation schedule i.e. longer summer break and some holiday time. But I do not agree with the current recommendation that she (almost 8 years old) be the one traveling between states 2-3 times a month. The travel schedule would prevent her from being in a church choir, participating in dance performances or being engaged in either community, and needless to say I believe it would diminish the bond that she and I share. There is no need to uproot her from Colorado.

Currently she visits with her "f" and his family once a month for a weekend. She enjoys her visits, and loves her "f" and his family. She also understands that I do not like him; and that it is o.k. for her to like him even though I do not. In fact I use our relationship as an illustration about dealing with someone even though you do not like them. I make it a goal to support her relationship with her "f". So that she can come to her own conclusions about his personality, morals and values.


$ 10,000 to get a hire a licensed family evaluator to review my daughters environment with me and prepare a recommendation to the court on the best interest of my daughter.
$ 20,000 to hire an attorney in California to represent my case at trial.
$ 2,800 to travel to California for hearings and an extensive trial.

A legal defense fund

So, my step dad is irate about the situation. My daughter's "F" has been threatening to take her away from me since before she was born. Now $220,000 and 8 years later it looks like he will succeed. We are convinced it is a money issue. My daughter's "f" has two attorneys working to ensure this for him. In the last six months their filings with the court are over 7 inches thick of paperwork. I did not have the emotional stamina to open the envelopes let alone read the volumes of legal documentation. I do not have an attorney because I cannot afford one. I spent my retirement savings when my bijou was born defending our rights in court. But now we live month to month, trying to keep from filing for bankruptcy. I want to find a way to connect with other single moms who understand the strain of a long term fight with their child's other parent. Out side of the emotional support, I also need financial support. My step dad has opened a bank account for a legal defense fund. I will forward all my attorney fees to him and he will manage the payment for my legal fees from that account. Has anyone had success with this in the past?