*Aicha is a forty-year old North African woman who came to Ayuda seeking legal representation for a civil protection order, divorce, and custody of her children from her husband, David. Aicha and David had been married for 15 years and have two children in common. Overtime David had become manipulative and abusive.

*Aicha is a forty-year old North African woman who came to Ayuda seeking legal representation for a civil protection order, divorce, and custody of her children from her husband, David. Aicha and David had been married for 15 years and have two children in common. Overtime David had become manipulative and abusive.

Aicha came to Ayuda seeking assistance with her civil protection order as well as to seek a long term solution in the form of a divorce and custody order that adequately protected her during exchanges. The Ayuda attorney met with her and explained the process of filing for divorce and custody as well as the levels of protection that could be obtained from a civil protection order. At first Aicha had sought a temporary protection order that vacated David from their apartment but allowed him to return during exchanges. David began taking advantage by asking what Aicha was cooking for dinner to then staying over for dinner. David would then complain about his back and that he would just sleep on the couch because he was too tired to drive home. Aicha found the support she needed when her Ayuda attorney helped her safety plan by waiting for David prior to his arrival to exchange the children in the lobby of the apartment building then reminding David that he was not allowed up and that she would call the police. Aicha put this plan into action and David got the message that Aicha would not be allowing him back into her life.

When Aicha implemented strong boundaries with David he realized he no longer had the same power and control over her. Aicha’s Ayuda attorney was then able to negotiate a consent settlement agreement for the divorce and custody case as well as request an uncontested hearing. Because of the uncontested nature, Ayuda was able to get Aicha’s divorce fast-tracked so she received a hearing date and had her divorce granted within a few months rather than the standard year long process

Being able to focus on her children and her career, Aicha was able to accomplish her goals. During the pandemic Aicha was working as a teacher’s assistant while caring for her two pre-teen children. She was then able to gain her teaching certification and was hired as a full time teacher.

This story epitomizes the difference Ayuda makes by allowing people the energy to continue moving forward with their lives. Rather than trying to stay on top of two cases, which different hearing dates, and negotiate terms with the father of her children, Aicha was able to focus on her future. Additionally, having an attorney that is trauma informed gave Aicha the resources and confidence to stand up against her abuser rather than fall back into old habits and feelings of helplessness.

*Name has been changed to protect identity of the client. Photo shown is for illustrative purposes only.