After 22 years of marriage, I found myself doing something I never believed I would have the courage to do. I left my husband because I was frightened for my children and knew that I had to keep them safe.
I walked away from the life I had known for more than two decades, but I had no idea what would happen next. Where would we live? How would I support my children? How was I supposed to understand court proceedings, financial forms and legal language when some days I could barely think straight?
When I contacted Paperweight, they did not just hear the practical problems. They heard me. They understood how frightened I was and how enormous every decision felt.
My caseworker helped us find somewhere safe to live. She sat with me through the divorce paperwork, the child-arrangement forms and the financial disclosures, patiently explaining everything until I understood. She helped me prepare for court and came with me as a McKenzie Friend. She supported me through the Beis Din and Get proceedings.
There were days when the arrival of another letter or form was enough to make me feel I simply could not carry on. But Paperweight never made me feel foolish, rushed or a burden.
Today, my children and I are safe. We have a secure home and, little by little, we are building a new life. I still cannot quite believe how far we have come.
Paperweight did far more than help me with forms and court proceedings. At a time when I felt my life had completely unravelled, they held my hand and helped me put it back together. I will never forget that.