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Make a donation to the
Public Law Center to ensure that low income families and those who have nowhere else to turn get a fair shake in our sometimes confusing and complex legal system.
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The past few weeks have given our country quite a few challenges. We stand with our colleagues in Texas and Florida, and all those who have lost something in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Lone Star Legal Aid had many of its offices damaged, but staff and volunteers have been at Disaster Relief Centers providing assistance to those facing legal challenges as a result of Harvey. The
State Bar of Texas website has resources for attorneys who wish to get involved with the Harvey recovery. Florida legal services offices and the Florida Bar have already taken steps to do the same in the wake of Irma.
At the same time, immigration attorneys across the country are working feverishly to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to those who have
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. At PLC, we are busy planning our participation in DACA renewal fairs, including one scheduled for Monday, September 25 at Chapman University in collaboration with Catholic Charities. We are also holding regular clinics and appointments at our offices so that we can accommodate as many people as possible by the October 5 deadline. We will be sending out information on how to volunteer and how to register for assistance shortly.
Meanwhile, as you can see from the case list below, we still need help with the clients who seek our advice day in and day out. We thank you for your dedication to PLC and to our vulnerable clients during these trying times.
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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We Make Pro Bono Easy!
PLC is here to support you in your pro bono representation.
Did you know that PLC staff can:
- Answer questions you may have related to your case;
- Provide a mentor to help you;
- Supply you with samples and manuals in many areas of the law;
- Review documents and pleadings;
- Provide interpretation support in Spanish and Vietnamese;
- Arrange office space for you to meet with your client at PLC; and
- Provide malpractice coverage for your PLC pro bono case
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ADOPTION
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No cases at this time.
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APPEALS
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038215
Client is in her 60s and has several medical conditions. Client's inability to repay her significant debts causes her great stress. She seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and allow her to focus on improving her health.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038244
Clients are a married couple in their early 30s. Clients' low income has made it impossible for them to repay their debts while continuing to provide for themselves and their young daughter. They seek pro bono assistance to discharge their debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and obtain a fresh start for their family.
Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1036835
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 40s with debts totaling about $35,000. Client is low-income and stopped paying her credit cards in early 2016 because she was unable to continue making payments while helping to support her 4 children. She fears possible wage garnishments in the future. Client seeks help filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038132
Client is an English speaking woman in her 50s with about $35,000 of unsecured debt that she cannot afford to repay. Client is low-income and her disability makes it unlikely that she will be able to increase her income in the near future. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037964
Client is an English speaking woman in her mid 30s with just over $20,000 of unsecured debt. Client left her abusive ex-boyfriend and is now a single mother to her baby daughter. Client cannot afford to repay her debts while continuing to support herself and her daughter. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037627
Client is an monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 40s with a little under $15,000 of unsecured debt. Client provides for her two young daughters and can no longer afford to support her family while continuing to pay her debts. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037231
Client is a woman in her early-30s with over $20,000 in debt. She is recently divorced and is a single parent to two children. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts and obtain a fresh start so she can begin her new life.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
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BENEFITS
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No cases at this time.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038364
Client seeks to establish a limited conservatorship over her soon-to-be adult son who suffers from severe Autism. The Proposed Conservatee is limited in his ability to reason, fully communicate, and make major life decisions. The Proposed Conservatee's older brother (Client's other son) agrees to be co-conservator, as he frequently assists their mother with caring for the Proposed Conservatee. The Proposed Conservatee is approaching the age of 18 and Client would like to begin the process as soon as possible.
Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038357
Clients are a married couple. They seek assistance with obtaining a limited conservatorship over their developmentally disabled soon-to-be adult son. Clients' son requires constant supervision and has difficulty communicating with and being understood by others outside of his immediate family. Clients' son is currently enrolled in special education at his high school, and is a consumer of the Regional Center of Orange County.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038367
Clients are a married couple whose 20-year-old son has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Generalized Seizure Disorder. Clients seek to establish a limited conservatorship over their son so that they may continue making decisions on his behalf regarding his education and health care.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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CONSUMER
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Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 17-1037416
Client is in her 70s and has been sued by a creditor. Based on the documents the plaintiff has provided in this case, Client does not believe she owes the collector any money. Client has filed a response to the complaint and has responded to discovery in pro per. Client seeks assistance further defending herself in this matter.
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037969
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 70s. Client was misled into entering into a lease agreement for the installation of solar panels on her home. The solar panel representative told client she would no longer have to pay Edison for any electricity, regardless of the amount she used, and that her payments under the contract would be less than her typical monthly electric bill. Months after installation, Client realized the solar company had annualized her electricity bill and she would now be paying significantly more with the panels than before installation. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her rescind the contract.
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037487
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in his late 60s. Client was misled by a solar power company salesperson into entering into a purchase agreement for the installation of solar panels on his home. Client was given inaccurate information regarding the benefits the solar panels would bring him and the amount of money he would have to pay the finance company. Client was instructed to sign the contracts on an electronic tablet and was not given the opportunity to read the contracts prior to signing. Client would like assistance working with the solar power company to resolve the dispute.
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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CONTRACTS
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Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037969
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 70s. Client was misled into entering into a lease agreement for the installation of solar panels on her home. The solar panel representative told client she would no longer have to pay Edison for any electricity, regardless of the amount she used, and that her payments under the contract would be less than her typical monthly electric bill. Months after installation, Client realized the solar company had annualized her electricity bill and she would now be paying significantly more with the panels than before installation. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her rescind the contract.
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037487
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in his late 60s. Client was misled by a solar power company salesperson into entering into a purchase agreement for the installation of solar panels on his home. Client was given inaccurate information regarding the benefits the solar panels would bring him and the amount of money he would have to pay the finance company. Client was instructed to sign the contracts on an electronic tablet and was not given the opportunity to read the contracts prior to signing. Client would like assistance working with the solar power company to resolve the dispute.
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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CUSTODY
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Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
*Custody mediation scheduled for end of September and Divorce hearing in early October*
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
Custody/Visitation, PLC 17-1038136
Client is seeking assistance with a parentage/custody matter involving her one year old daughter. Client is a survivor of domestic violence. Father is addicted to various drugs and is not mentally stable. Client does not have a restraining order, but feels she does not need one as father resides in Illinois. Client is primarily concerned with ensuring she can provide a stable future for her daughter.
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DISSOLUTION
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Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
**Custody mediation scheduled for end of September and Divorce hearing in early October**
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
Dissolution, PLC 17-1038075
Client is seeking assistance with the divorce process after approximately a decade of marriage. The couple remain in the home together in a semi-amicable manner to provide a stable home for their children. The couple do not own anything other than personal items and do not have debts. Client is willing to share custody as she believes Adverse Party is a good father. However, Client would like to seek alimony and child support, as she has been home schooling the children and caring for them and the home while Adverse Party provided for the family financially.
Dissolution, PLC 17-1037804
Client is seeking assistance beginning the divorce process. Client and his wife (Adverse Party) have been separated for over a year, and Adverse Party currently lives out of state. Clients do not own real property, but will need to resolve both credit card debt and student loan debt issues. Client feels strongly that he obtain full custody of the couple's child (with limited or supervised visitation for the mother), because he believes the child may be in danger and will certainly be neglected if the child were to live with Adverse Party.
Dissolution (Motion to Set Aside Default), PLC 17-1038052
Client is a strong and resilient single mother of two. Client is a survivor of domestic violence and has an active restraining order against Adverse Party. Client petitioned for Dissolution in early 2017 and received a Default Judgment a couple months later. Adverse Party was served properly, but failed to respond timely. Adverse Party filed for a Motion to Set Aside Default and the hearing is scheduled for September 2017. There are two additional issues, involving an allegedly invalid "agreement" and a business that neither party wants. Client seeks assistance resolving the dissolution so that she can provide a safe and stable life for her children.
Email Staff Attorney Ayami Nieves
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1037945
Client is an individual with disabilities who resided with his family in a mobile home park in Orange County. As a result of those disabilities, Client had an emotional support/service animal that was officially registered. The mobile home park notified Client that he needed to get rid of his service animal, which he did. Despite Client's compliance, the park then notified Client to vacate the premises. Client attempted to sell his mobile home, but the park would not allow the sale to go through. Client seeks assistance asserting his rights against the park, as he believes the park interfered with the sale of his mobile home.
Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038034
Client's mother, who owned a mobile home located in a park in Orange County, recently passed away. Client is the sole heir, as Client believes is memorialized in her mother's will. After some back and forth with the park, Client was able to access the mobile home to claim her mother's personal belongings, which included the will. Client would like to sell the mobile home since she does not need to live in it, but the park is refusing to accept space rent and is telling Client she is not allowed to sell the mobile home. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the mobile home park.
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037969
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 70s. Client was misled into entering into a lease agreement for the installation of solar panels on her home. The solar panel representative told client she would no longer have to pay Edison for any electricity, regardless of the amount she used, and that her payments under the contract would be less than her typical monthly electric bill. Months after installation, Client realized the solar company had annualized her electricity bill and she would now be paying significantly more with the panels than before installation. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her rescind the contract.
Contract Dispute - Solar Panels, PLC 17-1037487
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in his late 60s. Client was misled by a solar power company salesperson into entering into a purchase agreement for the installation of solar panels on his home. Client was given inaccurate information regarding the benefits the solar panels would bring him and the amount of money he would have to pay the finance company. Client was instructed to sign the contracts on an electronic tablet and was not given the opportunity to read the contracts prior to signing. Client would like assistance working with the solar power company to resolve the dispute.
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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IMMIGRATION
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U-Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 17E-1038277
Client is in her late 30s. She is unable to work due to an injury and therefore has no income. Client qualified for a U-Visa, which expires in late 2018. Her highest level of education is secondary school, and her one minor criminal issue was disclosed on her U-Visa application and has been dismissed. Client has no derivatives. Client would like assistance submitting her U-Visa adjustment of status application.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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No cases at this time.
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LITIGATION
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Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 17-1037416
Client is in her 70s and has been sued by a creditor. Based on the documents the plaintiff has provided in this case, Client does not believe she owes the collector any money. Client has filed a response to the complaint and has responded to discovery in pro per. Client seeks assistance further defending herself in this matter.
Email Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Gonzalez
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Medical Products) - Intellectual Property Licensing, PLC 17-10378831
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who has designed a medical product to assist disabled individuals. Client has received a provisional patent for her design and is ready to begin licensing the product. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with reviewing potential licensing agreements.
Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
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VETERANS
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Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17-1038218
Client is a 44 year old veteran with an "Other than Honorable" discharge. Client was discharged for drug use, but client never failed a drug test and records do not indicate any failed drug test. Client has continuously been employed, has two children in a domestic partnership, and participates in volunteer activities. Client would like assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.
Back to top
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Estate Planning Documents, PLC 17-1037336
Clients are a married couple in their late 50s. They have very little income, and rely on family members to help them pay their bills. Clients have been together many years, but only married in the last decade. Prior to marriage, Husband purchased a home and Wife is not on title. Clients would like to ensure that if something happens to Husband, the house will pass to Wife, and would therefore like assistance preparing estate planning documents to ensure an easier transfer of the property.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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