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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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Greetings,
Thank you so much to everyone who attended, supported and celebrated with us on Monday night at Volunteers for Justice. It is inspirational to know that so many of you are standing with us as we fight for our clients' rights.
There is one area in which we are often in need of assistance, but we do not advertise as much: that is of technical expertise. For instance, right now we are seeking experts in the areas of adoptions and special education. If you have expertise in either of those areas and are willing to serve as an advisor to our volunteer lawyers, please let me know.
And we still need volunteers for the
Naturalization Fair on June 22 in Santa Ana. See below for more information and to register!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin
Directing Attorney,
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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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APPEALS
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Appeal: Domestic Violence Restraining Order, PLC 19-1045222
Client was granted a restraining order against her abuser, but the abuser appealed. The client is seeking representation in defense of the appeal. Client's brief will likely be due in early July, absent any extensions. This matter was transferred to Division One of the Fourth District Court of Appeal (San Diego).
*Public Law Center would like to co-counsel on this appeal*
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BANKRUPTCY
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 19E-1046688
Client is in her late 50s with approximately $18,000 in unsecured debt. Client was recently sued by one of her creditors and wishes to file for bankruptcy to avoid the stress associated with litigating the case in pro per. Client would like to move on with her life and get a fresh start.
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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC TBD
Client is seeks to obtain a conservatorship over her teenage son, who has autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Child is not currently in Client's custody, and Client seeks assistance so that she can ensure her son receives the proper treatment. Client seeks to dispute an investigative report and communicate with the Public Defender in the pending conservatorship case. Hearings are on calendar, although Client has been able to get continuances.
General Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045617
Client's husband is in his 40s and suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Client is his caregiver, with the help of her father-in-law. Client's husband requires 24-hour care as the disease progresses. Client seeks to obtain a general conservatorship over her husband's person. Client's father-in-law may be a co-conservator.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1046018
The proposed conservatee is a studious 18-year-old woman who enjoys going to school. She was diagnosed with Autism as a child. As an adult, she has difficulty understanding the gravity of making important life decisions on her own behalf. Her mother and older sister seek to be limited co-conservators of her person, mainly to assist her with making decisions regarding her medical care and education.
Clients are a mother and her two adult daughters. They seek to be co-conservators over another daughter/sister who has intellectual disabilities and difficulty with speech. The proposed conservatee is required to see several specialists and takes a variety of prescribed medication. Clients would like to ensure that a limited conservatorship is in place so to not disrupt the proposed conservatee's continual medical care. The family is already familiar with the limited conservatorship process because another one of their relatives has special needs as well.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045693
Clients' 18-year-old son has Autism and developmental delay. Their son's medical providers are requesting that Clients provide proof of authority to make medical decisions on his behalf. Clients are seeking pro bono representation in obtaining a limited conservatorship over their son's person.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1045421
Client's son will turn 18-years-old in November 2019. He has developmental disabilities and requires daily supervision and assistance with completing basic tasks. He is verbal but his speech is limited. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to help obtain a limited conservatorship over his person. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045786
Client seeks a limited conservatorship over the person of her 18-year-old son who has an intellectual disability. She especially seeks to assist him with making medical decisions and decisions regarding his education. Client's oldest son seeks to be co-conservator as he helps care for his younger brother.
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CUSTODY
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Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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DISABILITY
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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DISSOLUTION
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Dissolution, PLC 19-1046494
Client was served with a dissolution by his ex-partner, but was overwhelmed with the paperwork and did not file a timely response. A default judgment was entered in the case, and custody determinations were made without him having any say in the matter. Client seeks assistance with a Motion to Vacate and Set Aside Judgment, so that he can fully litigate the custody matters.
Dissolution, PLC 19E-1046022
Client is a domestic violence survivor and a single mother of three. Her only income is benefits and food stamps. She is seeking representation at the trial in her dissolution case against her abuser, which is scheduled for December 2019.
Dissolution/Custody, PLC 19E-1046640
Client is in her 30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. She has a hearing for a domestic violence restraining order in July, but is also seeking representation for the underlying dissolution case, including custody and support orders.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Dissolution with Prenuptial Agreement, PLC 19E-1045496
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
Grandparent Visitation, PLC 18E-1044527
Client is monolingual Spanish speaker in her late 50's. She is the maternal grandmother who needs assistance securing visitation orders for her 8 year old grandson. Her child's father acquired sole custody of the child when the child's mother (the client's daughter) passed away in 2017. Client has always been involved in the child's life but no longer spends quality time with her grandson because of father's interference.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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Grandparent Visitation, PLC 18E-1043261
Client is an English speaker over the age of 60. She is a paternal grandmother who has been barred from seeing her 8 grandchildren by their caretaker, who is the children's maternal grandmother. The grandchildren are currently under the care of the maternal grandmother because the client's son passed away in 2016, and the biological mother lost custody of the children. Client has always had constant communication with her grandchildren, but the maternal grandmother has made it difficult to the point of denying the children the opportunity to spend time with their paternal grandmother at all. Client wants to be involved in her grandchildren lives, given her advanced age and the loss of her son.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Mobilehome Ownership, PLC 19-1046020
Client entered into a verbal agreement to purchase a mobilehome with adverse party. Adverse Party and Client have lived together in the mobilehome with their families for several years. Relationships deteriorated and Client was forced to move out. Client would like to bring an action against Adverse Party to receive his share of the value of the mobilehome, in which he has invested a significant amount of his savings and income.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaker*
Failure to Maintain Mobilehome Park, PLC 19E-1045424
Clients are seniors who, several years ago, purchased a mobilehome in a senior mobilehome park, where they had hoped to live out their retirement. After purchasing the mobilehome, the Park has had major issues that have caused significant damage to their mobilehome among other costs to the clients and a need to make a claim on their insurance. These issues were not disclosed to Client prior to them purchasing the mobilehome. Clients hired an inspector who concluded that the Park's failure to maintain is the cause of the issues. Clients would like to bring an action against the Park to be compensated and have the issue addressed. There may be other residents interested in joining a lawsuit.
Affirmative Litigation - Insurance Dispute, PLC 17-1037378
Client is a veteran who owns a condominium in Orange County. An incident 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 has attempted to resolve this matter without litigation but has been unsuccessful. Client would like assistance pursuing an affirmative case against the insurance company to compensate him for his damages.
Email Directing Attorney Elizabeth Gonzalez
Homeowners Association Dispute/Foreclosure Defense, PLC 18E-1043158
Client is an elderly U.S. Army veteran facing a possible foreclosure by his Homeowners Association (HOA).
Facing code enforcement issues because of its own failure to maintain the property, the HOA imposed special assessments that were unaffordable for client and many of the residents.
Client is seeking representation in his dispute with the HOA, possible including internal dispute resolution and/or litigation.
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IMMIGRATION
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Non-Detained Removal Defense, PLC 19E-1045885
Client fled Mexico with his wife and young daughter after armed men threatened him with harm because he failed to vote for a certain political candidate. The family was paroled into the U.S. in late 2018. Client is seeking assistance with his defensive asylum case and would like to include his wife and daughter in his application. At this time no Master Calendar Hearing has been set.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 19-1046088
Client was the survivor of severe domestic violence by her ex-partner in 2018. Thanks to client's reporting of the incident, her abusive ex-partner was convicted of felony domestic violence and kidnapping charges. She is a single mother of three who is working hard to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children. She requires assistance with an application for a U-Visa.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 19E-1046616
Client is a single mother of two. Her teenage daughter was sexually assaulted by a male relative when she was a small child. When client learned of the abuse, she reported it to the police. The relative was eventually convicted of a felony, and is currently serving a prison sentence. Client is the sole provider of emotional and financial security for her daughter, who continues to suffer from anxiety and trauma. Client seeks assistance with applying for a U-Visa (she will be the only applicant).
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 19E-1046371 & PLC 19-1046393
Clients are a married couple in their 40s and 50s. Their child, who is a U.S. Citizen, was a victim of attempted sexual assault when the child was a minor. Clients have no health issues or disabilities, but do not have much education. Neither client has a criminal record. Clients are seeking assistance filing a U-Visa petition as indirect victims of the crime committed against their child.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 19-1045526
Client is a single mother of a U.S. citizen child. She is seeking assistance in filing a U-Visa petition because she was a victim of sexual battery.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish Speaker*
Petition to Remove Conditional Permanent Residence, PLC 19-1045566
Client is in his late 30s early-40s and is currently employed. Client's prior partner filed a family based petition on the client's behalf and he was granted Conditional Permanent Residence for a 2 year period. During their marriage, client suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his husband. He is now seeking assistance in filing a petition to remove the condition based on being "battered or abused" by his partner. Successfully removing this condition will prevent the client from losing his permanent resident status.
*Client primarily speaks Vietnamese*
VAWA, PLC 18-1044413
Client is in her early 30s and is employed. She is a high school graduate. She has four US Citizen children. She is seeking assistance in filing a VAWA petition for herself as a victim of domestic violence by her ex-spouse. She does not have a criminal record.
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LITIGATION
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Spousal Support, PLC 19-1046495
Client is in her 80s and has a disability. She is a domestic violence survivor and seeks assistance with discovery prior to filing a post-judgment modification of spousal support.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 19E-1046667
Clients are elderly family members, one of whom is a veteran. They have recently been sued by an individual for over $50,000 for an alleged breach of contract. Clients are seeking assistance defending this lawsuit and protecting their sole asset - their home - and may have cause for a demurrer.
*Response is due June 12, 2019*
Affirmative Litigation - Insurance Dispute, PLC 17-1037378
Client is a veteran who owns a condominium in Orange County. An incident 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 has attempted to resolve this matter without litigation but has been unsuccessful. Client would like assistance pursuing an affirmative case against the insurance company to compensate him for his damages.
Dissolution with Prenuptial Agreement, PLC 19E-1045496
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the
opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either
enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
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NON-PROFIT
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Nonprofit (Environment) - Contracts/Waivers, PLC 19-1046502
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep pollution from flowing into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Client is developing a program to coordinate group street clean-ups via its website. Client seeks legal assistance with developing a standard agreement and waiver for groups using the site.
Nonprofit (Human Services) - Contracts/Lease, PLC 19-1046503
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide supportive services and encouragement to those in need of food, clothing, shelter, and counseling as they work toward self-sufficiency. Client intends to pay the rental costs for families in need of stable housing and seeks legal assistance with preparing the appropriate agreements.
Non-Profit (Education) - Start-Up, PLC 19-1046284
Client is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide services to children in the area of arts education. Client seeks legal assistance with forming a California Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Health) - Tax Exemption, PLC 19-1046283
Client is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide resources and support for patients who seek alternative therapies to complement their existing medical treatment. Client has formed a California Public Benefit Corporation and is seeking legal assistance with obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Education) - Start-Up, PLC 19-104
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide life enriching outdoor science education to youth. Client has been operating under fiscal sponsorship and is now ready to form its independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Client seeks legal assistance with forming a California Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Environment) - Start-Up, PLC 19-1046354
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase access to renewable energy throughout Orange County, especially in underserved communities. Client seeks legal assistance forming a California Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Transitional Housing) - Loan Agreement/Lease
Client is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help homeless and formerly homeless individuals regain independence. Client has received an offer of an interest free loan from a donor for the purpose of securing a rental property to use for its transitional housing program. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing a loan agreement. Client also legal advice and counsel with reviewing the potential lease once a rental property is identified.
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RESTRAINING ORDER
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Domestic Violence Restraining Order/Custody, PLC 19E-1046640
Client is in her 30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. She is seeking representation for a hearing in late July in which the court will decide her request for a restraining order as well as make a determination regarding custody and visitation of the three children.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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SUPPORT
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Spousal Support, PLC 19-1046495
Client is in her 80s and has a disability. She is a domestic violence survivor and seeks assistance with discovery prior to filing a post-judgment modification of spousal support.
Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
Child and Spousal Support, PLC 19-1045801
Client is a single mother of three, and her primary source of income is child support and spousal support payments made by her ex-husband. The ex-husband has filed a post-Judgment Request for Order to seek reduction of support, which Client opposes. Client seeks representation for the hearing in mid-June 2019.
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VETERANS
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Affirmative Litigation - Insurance Dispute, PLC 17-1037378
Client is a veteran who owns a condominium in Orange County. An incident 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 has attempted to resolve this matter without litigation but has been unsuccessful. Client would like
assistance pursuing an affirmative case against the insurance company to compensate him for his
damages.
Homeowners Association Dispute/Foreclosure Defense, PLC 18E-1043158
Client is an elderly U.S. Army veteran facing a possible foreclosure by his Homeowners Association (HOA). Facing code enforcement issues because of its own failure to maintain the property, the HOA imposed special assessments that were unaffordable for client and many of the residents. Client is seeking representation in his dispute with the HOA, possible including internal dispute resolution and/or litigation.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Special Needs Trust, PLC 19E-1046325
Client is in his late 50s and suffers from multiple physical ailments. He receives SSI and Medi-cal (as well as Social Security and Medicare). Having Medi-Cal is very important to Client, as he must undergo several medical procedures in the near future. Client may soon receive an inheritance from one of his parents who recently passed away. This inheritance will result in termination of Client's Medi-Cal. He seeks assistance with creating a first party Special Needs Trust as soon as possible. Client has a trusted relative in mind who can serve as trustee.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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