I never imagined I would have to ask people for financial help with something as personal and painful as this.
On July 10, 2026, I lost my dad, Bob. He was a retired Everett firefighter, a Marine Corp veteran, and, most importantly, my father. Losing him has been one of the hardest things I have ever experienced.
I thought the hardest part would be learning how to live without him.
Instead, while I am still grieving, I have found myself dealing with a complicated legal battle involving my dad’s estate.
Since my dad passed away, I have been trying to navigate the Massachusetts probate process and make sure his affairs are handled properly. What I thought would be a straightforward process has turned into something much more complicated and emotionally overwhelming.
There are disputes involving property and assets that belonged to my dad, including his vehicle, as well as questions surrounding his pension and other matters involving his estate.
One of the most difficult situations involved my dad’s vehicle. As his daughter, I was supposed to receive it, and agreed upon arrangements had been made for me to take possession of it. However, shortly before I was to receive the vehicle, I learned that its registration had been cancelled. This led to a dispute over the vehicle and my ability to protect assets.
There have also been disagreements regarding my dad’s pension and other estate related matters and personal property including family heirlooms.
These aren’t simply legal documents and pieces of property to me. They belonged to my dad. They represent pieces of his life, and dealing with disputes over them while grieving his death has been incredibly painful.
I have tried very hard to handle this myself.
I have contacted the Probate Court, completed and corrected paperwork, gathered documents and evidence, communicated with attorneys, reviewed legal correspondence, and spent countless hours trying to understand the probate process and protect my rights.
I have done everything I can to avoid making this situation more difficult than it already is.
But I have reached the point where I cannot realistically handle this on my own.
I need an experienced attorney.
I have found a law firm that I believe is equipped to help me with this matter. Unfortunately, their initial retainer is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000, and that does not necessarily include additional legal fees, court costs, filing fees, or other expenses that may arise as the case continues.
That is an overwhelming amount of money for me.
So, as difficult as it is for me to ask, I am asking for help.
I am trying to raise enough money to retain an attorney who can properly represent me, protect my legal rights, address the disputes surrounding my dad’s estate, and help me navigate this process.
I am not trying to hurt anyone. I am not trying to create more conflict. I simply want a fair opportunity to have my side represented and to make sure my dad’s estate is handled properly and fairly.
I know there are two sides to every legal dispute, and I am not asking anyone to take sides without knowing all of the facts. I am simply asking for help so that I can afford the legal representation I need.
Asking for money is incredibly difficult for me. I have always tried to handle my own problems, and I never imagined I would be in a position where I would need to ask friends, family, and even people I may not know personally for help.
But I have realized that sometimes asking for help isn’t weakness. Sometimes it’s the only way forward.
My dad spent his life working hard and serving others. He served his country as a Marine and served his community as an Everett firefighter. He deserved to have his affairs handled properly after his passing.
I want to honor him by seeing this process through and making sure I have the opportunity to protect what he left behind.
If you can donate, any amount would mean so much to me. Even $5 or $10 can make a difference when many people come together.
If you aren’t able to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much. You never know who might see it or who might be able to help.
I am doing everything I can to get through this, protect my rights, and honor my dad while also trying to grieve his loss.
Thank you for reading my story, for remembering my dad, and for supporting me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.
With love and gratitude,
Marina ❤️
