Hello Friends of Legal Aid!


Language should never be a barrier to getting the legal help you need. We are grateful to be able to serve people who speak many different languages, with translation provided at no cost to clients.


Professional legal translation can make all the difference to people like "Anh," who took the courageous step of divorcing her abusive husband. Though she speaks very little English, she is a US citizen and a resourceful mother. Anh is eager to share her story with you, in the hope it helps others.


Also in this issue:

  • our next free estate planning clinic - in Allegan, August 5
  • and a useful info sheet on referring people to us


Thanks for reading!

Anh's story

“Anh” and her children suffered terrible abuse from her husband. The husband was arrested multiple times for domestic violence and the couple had separated. Even so, he still showed up unannounced at the house, in violation of a court no-contact order.


Anh was referred to us by the YWCA. Although Anh speaks almost no English, we worked with her via professional interpretation, a service we offer to clients of any language, at no cost.


We filed for divorce, but Anh's husband sabotaged the process and lied repeatedly. When the case came to trial, our attorney argued strongly for Anh to receive 60% of the marital equity based on the husband’s abuse and cruelty. To Anh’s great relief, the judge granted that arrangement, and awarded her sole custody of the children, as well as significant child support.


Our advocacy helped Anh achieve her goal of independence and safety from her longtime abuser. Now she and her children are starting a new chapter with hope for a better future.

Free estate planning clinic in Allegan, Aug 5

Our next free estate planning clinic will be:


  • Wed Aug 5, 10am at Allegan County Courthouse


We'll share important information about estate planning and eligible participants can also meet with an attorney to discuss their family's needs. Registering in advance helps us pre-screen for eligibility, so more people can get an attorney consultation on the day.


Click below to download and share the flyers!

8/5 Allegan: English flyer

8/5 Allegan: Spanish flyer

What to know to refer clients to us

We created this info sheet to help partner agencies understand our referral process. Please share with your colleagues! Download the pdf here

Family Law Basics this fall

Our newsletter will take a break in August, but we'll be back in September with sign-up details for our annual Donuts & The Law training on Family Law Basics!


Do you have colleagues who should know about this training? They can sign up to receive our news at Newsletter - Legal Aid.

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Grand Rapids

(Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo & Osceola Counties)

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Grand Rapids, MI 49503


Muskegon

(Mason, Muskegon & Oceana Counties)

450 Morris Ave, Ste 104

Muskegon, MI 49440

Kalamazoo

(Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph

& Van Buren Counties)

141 E. Michigan Ave, Ste 400

Kalamazoo, MI 49007


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(Allegan & Ottawa Counties)

115 Clover Ave, Ste 101

Holland, MI 49423

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St. Joseph, MI 49085

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