Domestic Violence and Custody

I am in desperate need of help. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m and 37 year old female. Location: Katy, TX and Sacramento, CA. I’ve been dealing with something for the last 6 months and I’ve been trying to handle it without involving a lot of people but now I am to the point I’m desperately seeking help and guidance. On Valentine’s Day of this year my ex boyfriend beat and strangled me. Amilyah, our oldest daughter was a witness. I had to fight that man for my life. I feared for my safety and the safety of my girls so I packed us all up and left California a week later and moved to Texas. I did press charges and there is a 5 year protective order for me and my oldest. Neither one of our girls want to see him, especially the oldest. My ex is currently in jail right now. Before he went to jail he filed a summons for joint custody of both of our girls. I only have 30 days to respond, my 30 days is up on September 4th. I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to obtain legal advice or a lawyer but I have not been successful a lot. I can’t afford any lawyers I’ve tried to obtain I can’t even afford legal consultations. I reach out to WEAVE and their legal department and they couldn’t do much help. I reached out to the Self Help department at the family courthouse, they was somewhat helpful with providing me with the correct paperwork but when I asked follow up questions on how to send it they never responded. I have the paper work for the response and I do have it filled out already but I am not sure how to respond properly all the way from Texas. On top of going to work everyday and supporting my kids on my own, I am also currently trying to obtain my own apartment so me and my girls can give my sister her home back. I need help. I need guidance. I need advise. I need legal help or advise. I don’t know what to do and I’m starting to loose my mind trying to figure it out. I am really really really desperate so I am begging for help. If there is anyone that help me I would really appreciate it. This last 6 months has been very emotional and having to deal with something else this man is causing instead of just leaving us alone has been very stressful. I’m trying to stay positive, I’m trying to keep my faith but I’ve cried more these last few weeks than I ever cried before because I feel so hopeless. Can anyone help me, please.

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