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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,
After doing some research, there are lots of reasons why September is my oldest son's favorite month. First, it's his birthday month and who doesn't get excited about that?!? Second, September also has National Cheese Pizza Day, National Video Games Day AND National Cheeseburger Day. Add in the fact that football is back, and basketball is about to begin? We are doing well over here.
I recognize that my ability to be silly and get excited about these relatively insignificant events (besides the kid's birthday) is a privilege. My children are lucky that they don't worry about where they are going to sleep, whether or not they will have clean clothes or whether or not they will have enough to eat. That is partly what motivates me to do this job.
When we provide assistance to a family, no matter what area of law, we take one less worry off the parents' plate, but that also takes one less worry off the kids' plate. If we can obtain disability benefits for a parent, or argue for a restraining order for a survivor and her children, or complete a bankruptcy case to give a family a fresh start, we are making it that much easier for the kids to just be kids - and worry about silly things like National Ice Cream Day (which is September 22, by the way).
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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 of Limited Civil Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19-1047133
Client is in his 40s and cares for both of his elderly, ailing parents. A judgment was recently entered against Client after a trial. Client believes the trial court erred and has filed a Notice of Appeal and the designation of the record. Client seeks representation for the remainder of the appeal, including preparation of briefs and oral argument.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, 19-1047307
Client is in her late-30s with approximately $80,000 in unsecured debt. Client primarily speaks
Vietnamese but is able to communicate in English. Client recently had one of her bank accounts levied
and wishes to file for bankruptcy to put a stop to any additional collection efforts that might negatively
impact her family's livelihood. She hopes that filing for bankruptcy will give her the opportunity to move
on with her life and get a fresh start.
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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Administrative Hearing, PLC 19-1047131
Client is a Spanish-speaking male in his 50s. The District Court reversed and remanded the Social Security Administration's denial of Client's social security disability application. The Social Security Administration recently informed Client he would be receiving a notice of a hearing before a new Administrative Law Judge shortly. Client is seeking representation for the administrative hearing.
Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.
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.
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CONSUMER
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Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1045659
Client is a Spanish-speaking female in her 40s. Client recently discovered a default judgment was entered in against her several years ago. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper, and there appear to be additional procedural deficiencies with the case. Client seeks assistance setting aside the default judgment because she disputes the debt and believes procedural deficiencies provide a basis to dismiss the case.
Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1047000
Client is a single mother in her 50s. She recently received notice of a wage garnishment for a case she did not realize had been filed against her. Client's claim of exemption was partially granted. Client cannot afford any money being garnished from her wages and disputes the validity of the debt that formed the basis of the default judgment against her. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper. Client seeks assistance vacating the default judgment so that she can end the wage garnishment and defend herself on the merits.
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CUSTODY
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Custody, PLC 19-1047114
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is receiving government benefits and seeks representation at her custody hearing in September. There is a concurrent criminal domestic violence case and a Criminal Protective Order ("CPO") protecting the minor child, but the Adverse Party seeks to have charges dropped and the CPO terminated prior to the September custody hearing. The court ordered a Child Custody Investigation ("CCI"), and the September hearing will be the return on the CCI.
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 Administrative Hearing, PLC 19-1047131
Client is a Spanish-speaking male in his 50s. The District Court reversed and remanded the Social Security Administration's denial of Client's social security disability application. The Social Security Administration recently informed Client he would be receiving a notice of a hearing before a new Administrative Law Judge shortly. Client is seeking representation for the administrative hearing.
Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.
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 / Custody, PLC 19-1046665
Client is in her 30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. PLC assisted the client with her restraining
order hearing, but she is also seeking representation for the underlying dissolution case, including
custody and support orders.
Divorce with Postnuptial Agreement, PLC
Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency. She is seeking legal assistance for her
dissolution action, particularly with voiding a postnuptial agreement. The agreement was signed on the
same day it was presented to her at the drafting lawyer's office, without the assistance of independent
counsel, over a decade ago at a time when her English proficiency was even more limited than it is at
present. The client has a copy of the agreement for review.
Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial.
*Trial setting conference is scheduled for next week*
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 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.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.
Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) - Preserving Homeownership for Seniors
PLC has been working with homeowners, all of whom are over the age of 60, who have been scammed by contractors and financing companies. Door-to-door salespeople came to our clients' doors, offering them a "free government program" to improve the energy efficiency of the home. However, either the work was not completed, and/or the work that was done was done poorly. Additionally, the homeowners were overcharged for the work, based on the amount of financing the homeowner was eligible for, not the actual cost of the work. PLC is seeking representation for a number of homeowners who are currently at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure.
Mobilehome Residency Law Violation, PLC 19-1046444
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed-incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Under residents' rental agreements, the mobilehome park was responsible for certain utility charges. Mobilehome park has began to transfer utility charges to residents, but has not simultaneously reduced residents' rent by the average cost of the utility for the previous year, as required by the Mobilehome Residency Law. Residents would like for the rent to be properly reduced, as required by law, and to be reimbursed for the over-payments made since the transfer of utility charges to the residents.
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IMMIGRATION
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Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 19E-1046835
Client is a single father of 2 minor USC children. One of his children is a victim of child abduction by their mother. Due to client's cooperation in the investigation, his child was returned to him. Client would like assistance in filing a U-Visa petition as a direct or indirect victim of the crime committed against his child. Client speaks some English, but if necessary he has a case manager who can serve as Spanish interpreter as well.
Non-Detained Removal Defense, PLC 19E-1045885/19-1045895
Clients are a couple that fled Mexico with their young daughter after armed men threatened them with harm because they failed to vote for a certain political candidate. The family was paroled into the U.S. in late 2018. Clients are seeking assistance with their defensive asylum case, and each would like to include their daughter on their asylum applications. Clients have their first Master Calendar Hearing scheduled in August.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 19E-1047494
Client is a single gay man, who was the victim of domestic violence by his long time partner. His partner abused him verbally and physically, often using racial slurs. He also harrassed him by phone and by showing up at his workplace. Client reported the abuse to the police; he also sought and received a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
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*
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*
Email Staff Attorney Diana Spix
VAWA, PLC 19-1046677
Client is in her early 50's. She is the victim of verbal and mental abuse by her US Citizen Spouse, who often calls her names and uses her immigration status as a threat. Her previous application for adjustment was denied because he would not go to the interview. Client has not reported him to the police in fear of her immigration status and is in the process of seperating. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a VAWA self-petition and Adjustment of Status.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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Non-Profit/Intellectual Property (Tech Education) - Trademark, PLC 19-1047731
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and inspire Latin women by spreading knowledge of entrepreneurship, social media and technology. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection for the organization's name and logo.
Non-Profit (Employment) - Website Privacy Policy, PLC 19-104
Client is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth and young adults of Orange County the skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Client seeks legal assistance with developing website privacy policies.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.
Landlord-Tenant Discrimination, PLC 19E-1046925
Client is a woman with long-term illness who receives Section 8 housing. Her landlord is seeking to evict her, stating that the client is "diseased" and "dirty." The landlord has also disclosed the client's illness to the other roommates, attempted to lock her out of the property, and is currently preventing her from using amenities. Client would like to file an affirmative discrimination case which will likely include related causes of action. She may also need representation with defending an eviction case in the near future.
Landlord-Tenant Discrimination, PLC 19-1046717
Client is a Section 8 tenant whose property management representative told her that the property manager does not want her living there because of her race. Client has made multiple habitability reports to City Code Enforcement, and the owner has retaliated by filing two eviction cases against her, which she won based on technical defenses. The owner has recently served her with another 90-day notice to vacate and she seeks representation in this "third round" eviction action. She also seeks representation in an affirmative action case against her landlord for racial discrimination, retaliation, and habitability violations.
Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
Mobilehome Residency Law Violation, PLC 19-1046444
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed-incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Under residents' rental agreements, the mobilehome park was responsible for certain utility charges. Mobilehome park has began to transfer utility charges to residents, but has not simultaneously reduced residents' rent by the average cost of the utility for the previous year, as required by the Mobilehome Residency Law. Residents would like for the rent to be properly reduced, as required by law, and to be reimbursed for the over-payments made since the transfer of utility charges to the residents.
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LITIGATION
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Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) - Preserving Homeownership for Seniors
PLC has been working with homeowners, all of whom are over the age of 60, who have been scammed by contractors and financing companies. Door-to-door salespeople came to our clients' doors, offering them a "free government program" to improve the energy efficiency of the home. However, either the work was not completed, and/or the work that was done was done poorly. Additionally, the homeowners were overcharged for the work, based on the amount of financing the homeowner was eligible for, not the actual cost of the work. PLC is seeking representation for a number of homeowners who are currently at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure.
Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial. No dates have been set.
Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.
Civil Suit for Claims Arising out of Human Trafficking
Client is a survivor of human trafficking and would like to pursue her traffickers for various civil claims that are available to her. Client was kept as a domestic worker and was required to work more than the allowed hours per day ,was not paid minimum wage or overtime, was not permitted to take breaks and was not paid backpay owed to her after she was able to escape the situation. The statute of limitations on these claims could potentially run in the near future, so PLC is seeking counsel who may be able to file an affirmative case rather quickly.
Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
Probate Litigation, PLC 19E-1046296
Client is an elderly, disabled woman who is involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She successfully removed the former administrator of the estate for not acting in the best interest of the estate or the beneficiary. She now seeks assistance with an action to surcharge the former administrator for breach of fiduciary duty, and assistance with being appointed as the new administrator of the estate.
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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Non-Profit/Intellectual Property (Tech Education) - Trademark, PLC 19-1047731
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and inspire Latin women by spreading knowledge of entrepreneurship, social media and technology. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection for the organization's name and logo.
Non-Profit (Environment) - Contracts, PLC 19-1047781
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 with drafting a standard referral contract.
Non-Profit (Education) - Corporate Restructuring, PLC 19-1047796
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce development services and programs to assist workers displaced by automation. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on how best to structure the entity and work with partners to leverage funding opportunities.
Non-Profit (Employment) - Website Privacy Policy, PLC 19-104
Client is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth and young adults of Orange County the skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Client seeks legal assistance with developing website privacy policies.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Media) - Contracts, PLC 19-1047324
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who operates an online media outlet that covers news affecting the African-American community. Client seeks legal assistance to draft a contract for businesses who would like to advertise on client's platform.
Small Business (Education) - Contract, PLC 19-1047321
Client is a low-income entrepreneur starting a business teaching computer literacy, with a focus on the Hispanic community. Client seeks legal assistance drafting a contract for their customers.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
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No cases at this time.
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SUPPORT
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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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WILLS & ESTATES
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Probate Litigation, PLC 19E-1046296
Client is an elderly, disabled woman who is involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She successfully removed the former administrator of the estate for not acting in the best interest of the estate or the beneficiary. She now seeks assistance with an action to surcharge the former administrator for breach of fiduciary duty, and assistance with being appointed as the new administrator of the estate.
Estate Planning Documents, PLC 19E-1047366
Client is an elderly widow who seeks to create a will, durable power of attorney, and advance health care directive. Her main asset is a mobilehome which she would like to leave to her close relative(s).
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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