December 15, 2017



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.

PRACTICE AREAS

























Greetings,

Welcome to the last case list of 2017! As we head into 2018, many people start thinking about resolutions they will make for the new year.

As opposed to individual resolutions, I propose we make a joint resolution for 2018: I think we can agree that the problems our clients face are bigger than any one person can solve, but I think we can also agree that when we collaborate and join our collective talents, knowledge and passion together, we can make lasting change for our clients. Over the past year we have done some amazing work for our clients, but look at all the things we are thinking about for 2018:
  • Bringing rent stabilization to mobile home communities in Orange County;
  • Representing clients in immigration detention at bond hearings and in affirmative cases for relief;
  • Ensuring our clients dealing with illnesses are getting the healthcare and benefits they need to improve their quality of life;
  • Pursuing a predatory installment lender that is taking advantage of elderly individuals and veterans; and
  • Protecting survivors of domestic violence from future harm and empowering them to be strong in the face of adversity.
In doing all of this important work, we will make our clients' lives better and reassure them there is an army of lawyers who believe in equal access to justice, no matter their income, race, religion, gender, or disability status.

We would love to match the cases on this list with volunteers before we close for the holidays on December 22, 2017. Please take a look and help one of our clients end this year on a high note. No matter what, we will see you in 2018, refreshed and ready to take on the next set of challenges!



Sincerely, 
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs

P.S. Don't forget to donate to the year-end giving campaign, and to tell your #MyGivingStory on social media!

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 

Please contact Leigh Ferrin with any questions.

ADOPTION
 
No cases at this time.
APPEALS
 
No cases at this time.
BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, PLC 17-103
Client recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and has received a discharge. Prior to the case being closed, an individual creditor filed an adversary proceeding, alleging that the client owed him a debt that was nondischargeable as a result of willful and malicious injury. However, there is an ongoing state court case and liability has not yet been determined. Client has filed an answer pro se but would like assistance defending the remainder of the case.
 
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038135
Client is in her 60s and receives only pension and Social Security. Client has a long-term illness and is in the middle of a divorce. Client has been sued by two creditors. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts primarily for peace of mind.
 
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 17-1037627
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.
BENEFITS
 
No cases at this time.
CONSERVATORSHIP
 
Conservatorship, PLC 17-1039278
Client seeks to establish a limited conservatorship over her 18-year-old son who has autism.  While client's son is able to conduct some daily activities on his own, he is unable to comprehend more complex concepts such as time or the value of money. He is very limited in his vocabulary and has difficulty making friends with others his age. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
CONSUMER 

Debt Collection Defense, PLC 17-1038005
Client is in his 50s and has been sued by a third-party debt collector. Client took out a predatory installment loan, with an interest rate close to triple digits to support his business at the time. After paying more than the original principal, Client and his wife suffered a personal tragedy and lost their business and their income. Despite attempts to work with the lender, the debt was sent to collections and now a third-party debt collector has sued Client for just the original principal amount. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit.
*Trial is scheduled for February 2018*
 
Car Repair Dispute, PLC 17E-1039044
Client took her car in for repairs at a local auto repair shop. After leaving the repair shop, Client discovered that significant damage had been done to her car, resulting in significant repair costs. Because she could not afford to repair her car, which was fully paid off, Client purchased a new vehicle that she had to finance with a monthly payment of almost $400. Client would like assistance pursuing the auto repair shop for the damages their shoddy work caused.

Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination. Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.  

Mobilehome Purchase Contract Dispute, PLC 17-1039195

Client  entered into a mobile home purchase contract approximately four years ago. With the help of a real estate agent, the seller agreed to finance Client's purchase of the mobilehome over a ten year term. The seller and the real estate agent drafted the finance contract, which was entirely in English. Client does not speak much English and cannot read in English. Client was recently contacted by the seller stating that the entire balance is due next year. Client believes the seller and the real estate agent changed the terms of the contract without him knowing. Client would like assistance enforcing the terms of the contract he agreed to and ensuring he is not liable for a lump sum balloon payment in the next year.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish*
 
Insurance Dispute, PLC 17-1037378
Client is a veteran who owns a condominium in Orange County. An incident recently occurred in the community that damaged Client's personal property. The insurance for the homeowners association is refusing to cover the damage, leaving Client in a difficult situation because he cannot afford to repair the property. Client would like assistance pursuing the insurance company to obtain coverage.
 
Predatory Training School, PLC 17E-1038290
Clients are a married couple and are both veterans. After they were discharged from the military, they sought to enter truck driving school to "retire" together and drive around the country. Clients entered into an agreement where they agreed to repay the cost of the training by agreeing to drive for the company for a certain number of months. For various reasons, Clients were unable to complete the commitment and now have collection agencies trying to collect from them. Clients seek assistance fighting the alleged debt as they believe the training was inadequate.
CONTRACTS 

Breach of Contract Defense, PLC 17-1039152
Clients are a couple in their 50s who have been sued for breaching a bail bonds contract. Although Clients only speak Spanish, the contract they allegedly signed is in English and Clients did not understand what it was they were signing. Clients have disputed the debt and are seeking assistance in defending themselves in the lawsuit. The case is currently in Los Angeles Superior Court but, based on the location of the parties and where the contract was entered into, venue should be able to be transferred to Orange County.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
 
Mobilehome Purchase Contract Dispute, PLC 17-1039195
Client  entered into a mobile home purchase contract approximately four years ago. With the help of a real estate agent, the seller agreed to finance Client's purchase of the mobilehome over a ten year term. The seller and the real estate agent drafted the finance contract, which was entirely in English. Client does not speak much English and cannot read in English. Client was recently contacted by the seller stating that the entire balance is due next year. Client believes the seller and the real estate agent changed the terms of the contract without him knowing. Client would like assistance enforcing the terms of the contract he agreed to and ensuring he is not liable for a lump sum balloon payment in the next year.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish*
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
CUSTODY

Custody Dispute for Domestic Violence Survivor, PLC 17-1039383
Client is a victim of serious domestic abuse. She has a restraining order in place, and a stipulated custody/visitation agreement with her abuser regarding their children. They have a review hearing in late March to address potential changes to custody and visitation. Client would like an attorney to assist her with the review hearing, so that she can ensure her own safety, and so that she can protect the best interests of their children.

Move-Away Order, PLC 17-1039146
Client is a single mother of two. Client suffered verbal, mental, and physical abuse at the hands of Client's spouse. Client moved into a domestic violence shelter for safety. Client has an open divorce case. Client is in the United States via a visa that is tied to the visa of Client's spouse. When the divorce is finalized, Client will become undocumented. Client seeks help petitioning the court to allow her to move back to her country of origin with her two U.S. born children.

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.
 
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.
DISABILITY RIGHTS
 
Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039361
Client is a member of a protected class and has been relentlessly harassed by a third party. Client continues to receive hundreds of unsolicited calls, messages and threats of defamation, making it difficult for him to get through each day. Client seeks pro bono representation in obtaining a civil harassment restraining order as soon as possible.
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
DISSOLUTION 

Dissolution, PLC 17- 1039181
Client is a fluent English speaker who needs help continuing the divorce process after initiating it in October 2017. Client has been married for more than a decade and has one minor child. She is seeking full custody along with spousal and child support as well, as she has been caring for the child while father is not around. There seems to be no big issues with any property (just vehicles and a boat), along with some credit card debt. Client is in need of assistance as adverse party has control of the bank accounts as well.

Divorce, PLC 17-1039138
Client is seeking assistance finalizing her divorce case that has been ongoing for about nine years. Client will be asking for spousal support and part-ownership of, or income from, a business owned by Client's spouse, as well as a house outside of the country. Client and spouse also have debts that are community property that need resolving.

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.
 
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.  
EMPLOYMENT
 
No cases at this time.
GUARDIANSHIP

No cases at this time.
HOMEOWNERSHIP 

Homeowner/Probate Dispute, PLC 17-103TBD
Client is over the age of 60 and has been involved in a lengthy dispute over a home she believes she inherited. She has been living in the home for a long time, but has been involved in litigation in both civil and probate court for some time. Client is currently involved in a quiet title dispute in probate court that has a hearing date in early January. Client would like assistance gathering evidence and presenting the evidence at the hearing so that she may remain in her home.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038867
Client is in her 80s and has a number of health problems. She lives in a mobile home park, but has been told by the park management that she cannot continue to live there for a number of reasons. Just recently she received a 60 day notice to quit for a number of violations. These unfounded "violations" are causing the client unneeded stress and are negatively impacting her already compromised physical health. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the park, avoiding an unlawful detainer and remaining housed.
Email Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Fellow Cassandra Martinez

Mobile Home Purchase Contract Dispute, PLC 17-1039195
Client  entered into a mobile home purchase contract approximately four years ago. With the help of a real estate agent, the seller agreed to finance Client's purchase of the mobilehome over a ten year term. The seller and the real estate agent drafted the finance contract, which was entirely in English. Client does not speak much English and cannot read in English. Client was recently contacted by the seller stating that the entire balance is due next year. Client believes the seller and the real estate agent changed the terms of the contract without him knowing. Client would like assistance enforcing the terms of the contract he agreed to and ensuring he is not liable for a lump sum balloon payment in the next year.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish*
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
IMMIGRATION 
 
Adjustment of Status Based on Derivative Asylum, PLC 17-1039372
Client is a 16 year old high school student. She is seeking assistance with filing an adjustment of status petition with no derivatives. Client has no health issues or disabilities, and does not have a criminal record.
Bond Hearing and Defensive Asylum, PLC 17-1039326
Client is detained at James A. Musick Facility in Irvine, CA.  He is Christian and fled Nigeria in earlier this year due to religious persecution at the hands of Boko Haram. His father is a prominent Christian leader in Nigeria who has been repeatedly threatened with death by Boko Haram. Client was shot by Boko Haram and his cousin was murdered in front of him by the same group shortly before leaving Nigeria. Client has been detained for the past five months. He needs the ability to gather more evidence in support of his asylum application outside of detention. He is being visited on a weekly basis by a volunteer with Friends of OC Detainees.
*Bond hearing scheduled for very early January*
Appeal of Denial of Bond, PLC 17
Client is detained at Adelanto in San Bernardino County. The client is the sole provider for his immediate family, including his fiancé and his four children, including one who has a disability. He also helps his mother and sister financially. Client is dealing with a criminal charge in State Court, but the client has an alibi defense and he and his family dispute the charges. With the assistance of PLC and a volunteer attorney, Client requested bond but was denied, despite the impact his continued detention has on his immediate and extended family. Client would like assistance appealing the denial of the bond.
*Appeal due very early January*

One Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), PLC 17E-1038872
Client is in her teens and was born in Mexico. She currently lives with her mother and is enrolled in high school. After Client's father abused her, she fled her home to live with her mother. Client would like to request that her mother be given full legal and physical custody of her, and at the same time request that the SIJS findings be made on her behalf.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*

One Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), PLC 17E-1038905
Client is a teenager bilingual English and Spanish Speaker. Client is currently residing with her mother who loves, cares for, and supports her. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for her mother to be given full legal and physical custody over her so that she can make educational and medical decisions on her behalf. At the same time client would like to request that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings, and then petitioning the immigration for SIJ status. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to her home country as she has no one to care for her there.
 
U-Visa and SIJS Predicate Order, PLC 17E-1038533, 17-1039017 and 17-1039015
Client is in her mid-40s and she has survived many years of domestic violence. She has two children who are both DACA recipients. Client would like assistance preparing and submitting her application for a U-Visa, including her two children as derivatives. In addition, Client is also seeking full physical and legal custody of her children, and the appropriate SIJS orders. This last request must be filed before May 2018.
 
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038894
Client is in her mid-40s and is employed. She did not attend high school. She has two children who are both U.S. Citizens. She would like assistance preparing and submitting a U-Visa application as an indirect victim of sexual abuse.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038887
Client is in her early 40s and is currently unemployed. She survives solely on food stamps and child support. She is a domestic violence survivor and now cares for her three U.S. Citizen children on her own. She would like assistance preparing and submitting her U-Visa application.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038376
Client is in her early 50s and earns less than $1,000 per month. She does not have any disabilities or illnesses, but she cares for her youngest son who has been diagnosed with Autism. She is a survivor of domestic violence and seeks assistance applying for a U-Visa. It is important that she be able to stay in the United States, as her youngest son would not receive the level of services that he needs if she were to take him to her country of origin.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038488
Client is in her early 40s and is dependent on her sister. She was the victim of sexual assault and rape, and is currently in removal proceedings. Client would like assistance preparing and filing her application for a U-Visa. She would like to include her two children as derivatives, including one who is currently in Mexico who would need consular processing. As a result, the U-Visa would need to be submitted by September 2018.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038820
Client is in her mid-30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. Her ex-partner physically abused her and threatened her life on several occasions and Client has contacted the police. Client has a current U-Visa certification that expires by January 2018. Client would like assistance preparing and filing her U-Visa application, as well as filing a derivative for her five year old daughter.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038432
Client is in her mid-40s and is employed. Her highest level of education is secondary school. She has no health issues or disabilities; she is going to therapy and domestic violence classes. She is seeking assistance in filing a u-visa petition for herself as a result of the domestic violence. She has no criminal record and she has no derivatives.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
 
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038265, 17-1038266, and 17-1038267
Client is in her late 30s and is currently on disability due to pregnancy. Her monthly income consists of food stamps and child support, and her highest level of education is high school. She does not have any illnesses. She has two undocumented children and three USC children. Client is seeking assistance with filing a U-Visa petition for herself and her two undocumented children because she was the victim of a crime. A request for a U-Visa certification is pending with law enforcement.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
LANDLORD / TENANT

Landlord/Tenant Habitability Dispute, PLC 17-1039055
Clients are an elderly grandmother and mother, both with disabilities, whose apartment was recently flooded. It took over three weeks for the landlord to replace the moldy living room carpet, and the young granddaughter became sick because of the mold. In addition, Clients recently received a 60-day notice to quit which expires in early 2018. Clients would like assistance filing an affirmative case against their landlord for failing to grant their reasonable accommodation and for damages as a result of the untimely repairs. Clients would also like assistance avoiding a potential unlawful detainer action.
 
Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038867
Client is in her 80s and has a number of health problems. She lives in a mobile home park, but has been told by the park management that she cannot continue to live there for a number of reasons. Just recently she received a 60 day notice to quit for a number of violations. These unfounded "violations" are causing the client unneeded stress and are negatively impacting her already compromised physical health. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the park, avoiding an unlawful detainer and remaining housed.
LITIGATION 
 
Landlord/Tenant Habitability Dispute, PLC 17-1039055
Clients are an elderly grandmother and mother, both with disabilities, whose apartment was recently flooded. It took over three weeks for the landlord to replace the moldy living room carpet, and the young granddaughter became sick because of the mold. In addition, Clients recently received a 60-day notice to quit which expires in early 2018. Clients would like assistance filing an affirmative case against their landlord for failing to grant their reasonable accommodation and for damages as a result of the untimely repairs. Clients would also like assistance avoiding a potential unlawful detainer action.
 
Breach of Contract Defense, PLC 17-1039152
Clients are a couple in their 50s who have been sued for breaching a bail bonds contract. Although Clients only speak Spanish, the contract they allegedly signed is in English and Clients did not understand what it was they were signing. Clients have disputed the debt and are seeking assistance in defending themselves in the lawsuit. The case is currently in Los Angeles Superior Court but, based on the location of the parties and where the contract was entered into, venue should be able to be transferred to Orange County.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
 
Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination.  Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.  
 
Potential Affordable Housing Advocacy, PLC 17-103TBD
A local landlord is evicting a large number of low-income individuals from its property. PLC believes these tenants are, at a minimum, entitled to relocation assistance, and possibly additional relief from either the landlord and/or the city. PLC is seeking to co-counsel with an attorney or law firm to ensure that the tenants received whatever financial assistance they may be entitled to as a result of the displacements.
NAME CHANGE

No cases at this time.
NONPROFIT
  
Nonprofit (Community Development) - Volunteer Manual, PLC 17-1039321
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to find long-term solutions to poverty around the world. In furtherance of its mission, client utilizes volunteers at various program sites, including international locations. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with reviewing its current volunteer field manual to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
 
Nonprofit (Personal Empowerment) - Trademark, PLC 17-1039321
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower vulnerable individuals through personal defense training and education. The organization seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark and copyright protection of its trainings, slogan and logo.
 
Nonprofit (Community Development) - Corporate Governance, PLC 17-1039345
Client is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve local communities through volunteerism. The organization seeks general legal guidance, advice and consultation on how to properly grow and build the organization. This matter will include reviewing the organization's bylaws and other internal corporate documents, as well as advising on general nonprofit corporate governance.
Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
RESTRAINING ORDER 
 
Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039361
Client is a member of a protected class and has been relentlessly harassed by a third party. Client continues to receive hundreds of unsolicited calls, messages and threats of defamation, making it difficult for him to get through each day. Client seeks pro bono representation in obtaining a civil harassment restraining order as soon as possible.
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
SMALL BUSINESS 
 
Small Business (Apparel Repair) - Contracts, PLC 17-1039314
Client is the new owner of a local apparel repair business. The client seeks legal assistance with the following matters related to the business: (1) drafting a standard sub-contract to use with potential vendors; (2) drafting an independent contractor agreement for an individual who provides occasional services for the business; and (3) legal advice and counsel on how to sublease part of the business premises.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
 
No cases at this time.
VETERANS

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035674
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 30s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. The veteran enlisted prior to his 18th birthday. After four years of service, including deployment overseas, the veteran extended his enlistment contract for another two years. However, shortly after extending his contract, he had a lapse in judgment that resulted in separation with a General under Honorable Conditions discharge for "misconduct." The veteran is interested in a discharge upgrade so that he can receive GI Bill benefits and improve his employment prospects.

Predatory Training School, PLC 17E-1038290
Clients are a married couple and are both veterans. After they were discharged from the military, they sought to enter truck driving school to "retire" together and drive around the country. Clients entered into an agreement where they agreed to repay the cost of the training by agreeing to drive for the company for a certain number of months. For various reasons, Clients were unable to complete the commitment and now have collection agencies trying to collect from them. Clients seek assistance fighting the alleged debt as they believe the training was inadequate.
Back to top
WILLS & ESTATES 

Will/Trust, PLC 17E-1038319
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 40s seeking assistance with a will or trust to formalize the distribution of his estate upon his passing. Client is single and wishes to leave his entire estate to his sister. However, if his sister predeceases him, client would like to ensure that his estate will pass to his nieces upon their reaching a specified age.

Revocable Living Trust, PLC 17-1039325
Single, elderly client seeks to create a revocable living trust.  Her main asset is a home she purchased in the mid-1990s that she would like to leave to her close relatives and/or her church.  Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.

Probate Dispute, PLC 17-103TBD
Client is in her early 90s and is involved in a probate dispute regarding her late-husband's holographic writings. Throughout their marriage, her late husband handled all of their affairs. She was unaware that she was not listed as a joint tenant on the title held for their residence.  She believes a family member deceived her late husband (he did not speak English and did not understand American trust and estate laws) by managing her husband's finances and misrepresenting the consequences of certain decisions.
*Client primarily speaks Farsi*
 
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.

Public Law Center
     601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010