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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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6 PM - 11 PM
THE RANDY HIGBEE GALLERY
Click here for more event info.
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I want to extend a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who mobilized with very little notice to provide assistance to our clients who are DACA recipients. There was a lot of pressure on legal services organizations over those short few weeks, and the community rallied together. Now that the most urgent deadline has passed, we still have many clients who are in need of assistance and immigration screenings. Over the next few weeks we will be reaching out to many of you, seeking assistance with our naturalization fairs, with screening DACA recipients for other forms of immigration relief and taking cases to ensure some of our most vulnerable family, friends and neighbors are protected.
While immigration is certainly the dominant topic, our clients are also facing challenges in housing, family law and consumer, among other areas. We have a number of
litigation cases available for clients seeking to assert their rights in court. As we begin the last quarter of 2017, we would love to see all of the cases currently on our case list placed before the holidays - please help us achieve this goal!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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We Make Pro Bono Easy!
PLC is here to support you in your pro bono representation.
Did you know that PLC staff can:
- Answer questions you may have related to your case;
- Provide a mentor to help you;
- Supply you with samples and manuals in many areas of the law;
- Review documents and pleadings;
- Provide interpretation support in Spanish and Vietnamese;
- Arrange office space for you to meet with your client at PLC; and
- Provide malpractice coverage for your PLC pro bono case
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ADOPTION
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No cases at this time.
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APPEALS
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038135
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 Discharge Violation, PLC 17-1038425
Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case a few years ago and received a discharge of his debts. A creditor is now attempting to collect on a pre-petition judgment that Client believes was discharged. PLC has done some research, and believes Client has a good argument that the debt is discharged. Client seeks assistance reopening his case and seeking sanctions against the creditor for violating the discharge injunction.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038215
Client is in her 60s and has several medical conditions. Client's inability to repay her significant debts causes her great stress. She seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and allow her to focus on improving her health.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038244
Clients are a married couple in their early 30s. Clients' low income has made it impossible for them to repay their debts while continuing to provide for themselves and their young daughter. They seek pro bono assistance to discharge their debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and obtain a fresh start for their family.
Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1036835
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 40s with debts totaling about $35,000. Client is low-income and stopped paying her credit cards in early 2016 because she was unable to continue making payments while helping to support her 4 children. She fears possible wage garnishments in the future. Client seeks help filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038132
Client is an English speaking woman in her 50s with about $35,000 of unsecured debt that she cannot afford to repay. Client is low-income and her disability makes it unlikely that she will be able to increase her income in the near future. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037964
Client is an English speaking woman in her mid 30s with just over $20,000 of unsecured debt. Client left her abusive ex-boyfriend and is now a single mother to her baby daughter. Client cannot afford to repay her debts while continuing to support herself and her daughter. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037627
Client is an monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 40s with a little under $15,000 of unsecured debt. Client provides for her two young daughters and can no longer afford to support her family while continuing to pay her debts. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
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BENEFITS
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No cases at this time.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038448
Clients are a single mother and her adult daughter. The mother is a monolingual Spanish speaker and the daughter speaks both Spanish and English. The mother and adult daughter are seeking to establish a limited conservatorship over their 18-year-old son/brother, respectively. The son/brother was diagnosed with a developmental disability at birth and still has the mental state of a small child. Mother and adult daughter want to be able to guide the son/brother through adulthood and assist him with making major life decisions.
Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038572
Clients are a married couple with three minor children. Their oldest child has been diagnosed with severe Autism and she will soon turn 18 years old. The daughter is limited in her vocabulary and depends heavily on her mother and father. Clients are seeking a limited conservatorship over their soon-to-be adult daughter so that they may continue to protect her interests and make important decisions on her behalf.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Conservatorship, PLC 17-1038364
Client seeks to establish a limited conservatorship over her soon-to-be adult son who suffers from severe Autism. The Proposed Conservatee is limited in his ability to reason, fully communicate, and make major life decisions. The Proposed Conservatee's older brother (Client's other son) agrees to be co-conservator, as he frequently assists their mother with caring for the Proposed Conservatee. The Proposed Conservatee is approaching the age of 18 and Client would like to begin the process as soon as possible.
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CONSUMER
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Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 17E-1038558
Clients are a mother and daughter who purchased a car in 2016. The negotiations took place in Spanish, but the only contract they received was in English. After less than a year, the car began having issues. Clients took the car to a second dealership, where they were given a report that disclosed the car as having twice as many miles as had been reported at the time of purchase. Two dealerships declined to service the car because of this issue. Clients can no longer drive the car. They seek assistance rescinding the contract, obtaining a refund of all payments made on the car and enforcing any other remedies they may have.
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.
Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 17-1037416
Client is in her 70s and has been sued by a creditor. Based on the documents the plaintiff has provided in this case, Client does not believe she owes the collector any money. Client has filed a response to the complaint and has responded to discovery in pro per. Client seeks assistance further defending herself in this matter.
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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CONTRACTS
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Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 17E-1038558
Clients are a mother and daughter who purchased a car in 2016. The negotiations took place in Spanish, but the only contract they received was in English. After less than a year, the car began having issues. Clients took the car to a second dealership, where they were given a report that disclosed the car as having twice as many miles as had been reported at the time of purchase. Two dealerships declined to service the car because of this issue. Clients can no longer drive the car. They seek assistance rescinding the contract, obtaining a refund of all payments made on the car and enforcing any other remedies they may have.
Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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CUSTODY
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Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
*Custody mediation scheduled for end of September and Divorce hearing in early October*
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
Custody/Visitation, PLC 17-1038136
Client is seeking assistance with a parentage/custody matter involving her one year old daughter. Client is a survivor of domestic violence. Father is addicted to various drugs and is not mentally stable. Client does not have a restraining order, but feels she does not need one as father resides in Illinois. Client is primarily concerned with ensuring she can provide a stable future for her daughter.
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DISSOLUTION
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Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
**Custody mediation scheduled for end of September and Divorce hearing in early October**
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
Dissolution, PLC 17-1038075
Client is seeking assistance with the divorce process after approximately a decade of marriage. The couple remain in the home together in a semi-amicable manner to provide a stable home for their children. The couple do not own anything other than personal items and do not have debts. Client is willing to share custody as she believes Adverse Party is a good father. However, Client would like to seek alimony and child support, as she has been home schooling the children and caring for them and the home while Adverse Party provided for the family financially.
Dissolution, PLC 17-1037804
Client is seeking assistance beginning the divorce process. Client and his wife (Adverse Party) have been separated for over a year, and Adverse Party currently lives out of state. Clients do not own real property, but will need to resolve both credit card debt and student loan debt issues. Client feels strongly that he obtain full custody of the couple's child (with limited or supervised visitation for the mother), because he believes the child may be in danger and will certainly be neglected if the child were to live with Adverse Party.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038034
Client's mother, who owned a mobile home located in a park in Orange County, recently passed away. Client is the sole heir, as Client believes is memorialized in her mother's will. After some back and forth with the park, Client was able to access the mobile home to claim her mother's personal belongings, which included the will. Client would like to sell the mobile home since she does not need to live in it, but the park is refusing to accept space rent and is telling Client she is not allowed to sell the mobile home. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the mobile home park.
Contract Dispute - Energy Efficient Home Improvements, PLC 17-1037440
Client is in her 60s and receives primarily Social Security income. Client sought to make energy efficient improvements to her home and discovered the PACE program, so that the work could be financed through her property taxes. However, once she began working with the contractor and the coordinator, things did not go as planned. The work at Client's home was never completed, but she has already begun paying an increased amount in her property taxes. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the contractor and the company administering the PACE program.
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IMMIGRATION
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U-Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 17E-1038277
Client is in her late 30s. She is unable to work due to an injury and therefore has no income. Client qualified for a U-Visa, which expires in late 2018. Her highest level of education is secondary school, and her one minor criminal issue was disclosed on her U-Visa application and has been dismissed. Client has no derivatives. Client would like assistance submitting her U-Visa adjustment of status application.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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No cases at this time.
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LITIGATION
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Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local auto dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Bankruptcy Discharge Violation, PLC 17-1038425
Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case a few years ago and received a discharge of his debts. A creditor is now attempting to collect on a pre-petition judgment that Client believes was discharged. PLC has done some research, and believes Client has a good argument that the debt is discharged. Client seeks assistance reopening his case and seeking sanctions against the creditor for violating the discharge injunction.
Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 17E-1038558
Clients are a mother and daughter who purchased a car in 2016. The negotiations took place in Spanish, but the only contract they received was in English. After less than a year, the car began having issues. Clients took the car to a second dealership, where they were given a report that disclosed the car as having twice as many miles as had been reported at the time of purchase. Two dealerships declined to service the car because of this issue. Clients can no longer drive the car. They seek assistance rescinding the contract, obtaining a refund of all payments made on the car and enforcing any other remedies they may have.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 17-1037416
Client is in her 70s and has been sued by a creditor. Based on the documents the plaintiff has provided in this case, Client does not believe she owes the collector any money. Client has filed a response to the complaint and has responded to discovery in pro per. Client seeks assistance further defending herself in this matter.
Small Claims Court Appeal, PLC 17-1038529
Clients, one of whom is a veteran, were sued by their landlord in small claims court. Clients were unsure how to respond, and therefore a judgment was entered against them. Clients have requested that the court cancel/reconsider the judgment because they have evidence that the plaintiff landlord had already recovered the amount claimed, and that she was not entitled to recover that amount in the first place.
*The hearing is the week of October 16.*
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Community Support) - Employment, PLC 17-1038781
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the community through the provision of food for low-income residents. Client is changing the status of its independent contractors to employees and seeks legal assistance with preparing a standard employee manual.
Nonprofit (Education) - Start-Up, PLC 17-1038782
Client is a new organization whose mission is to support elementary-aged children and their families by forming a nonprofit parent-teacher organization (PTO). Client seeks legal assistance with incorporating the nonprofit and obtaining federal and state tax-exempt status.
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RESTRAINING ORDER
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Restraining Order, PLC 17-1038585
Client is a single mother of two children. Client suffered verbal, mental and physical abuse at the hands of Client's spouse. Client's spouse would call Client demeaning names, dump water and rubbing alcohol on Client, and slap Client. Client moved into a domestic violence shelter for safety. Client seeks representation at her restraining order hearing in November 2017 to make the restraining order permanent.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Financial Services) - Start-Up, PLC 17-1038765
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a home-based insurance business. Client seeks legal assistance with forming the business entity (S Corporation), as well as advice and counsel on post-incorporation formalities.
Small Business (Family Support) - Start-Up, PLC 17-1038768
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a resource consulting business to support foster families. Client seeks legal assistance with forming the appropriate business entity, as well as preparing standard contracts to use for her clients.
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VETERANS
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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.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035025
Client is in his 50s and served in the United States Marine Corps in the 1980s. Client was discharged with a General under Honorable Conditions as a result of a failed alcohol rehabilitation. Client believes he was not given the proper opportunity, and he has since led a sober life. Client has led a successful post-service career as a sports photographer and as a salesman. Client seeks assistance with a discharge upgrade to validate the time he spent in service.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17-1038218
Client is a 44 year old veteran with an "Other than Honorable" discharge. Client was discharged for drug use, but client never failed a drug test and records do not indicate any failed drug test. Client has continuously been employed, has two children in a domestic partnership, and participates in volunteer activities. Client would like assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Amendment to Revocable Living Trust, PLC 17-1038545
Clients are a married couple in their 80s. They have served as foster parents to approximately 100 children over the last 20 years. They seek assistance with amending their Revocable Living Trust which was established many years ago. While their beneficiaries will remain the same, they seek to adjust the amount that each beneficiary will receive. There are no issues with either client's capacity.
Revocable Living Trust, Estate Planning, PLC 17E-1038382
Client is single and has no children. Client seeks assistance established a Revocable Living Trust. His major asset is real property that he owns. Client would like to name as one of his beneficiaries a well-known Orange County charitable organization.
Estate Planning Documents, PLC 17-1037336
Clients are a married couple in their late 50s. They have very little income, and rely on family members to help them pay their bills. Clients have been together many years, but only married in the last decade. Prior to marriage, Husband purchased a home and Wife is not on title. Clients would like to ensure that if something happens to Husband, the house will pass to Wife, and would therefore like assistance preparing estate planning documents to ensure an easier transfer of the property.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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