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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, 
October is an exciting month in the Pro Bono world! October 24th-28th is the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Week. And October kicks off the State Bar's focus on the Campaign for Justice. The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service created the National Pro Bono Celebration because of the increased need for pro bono services in the recent past and to celebrate the efforts of those volunteers who have stepped up to help achieve access to justice. The Campaign for Justice is an effort by the California State Bar to raise much needed funds for legal services organizations around the state. There are many ways to help, including joining the campaign, donating to the Justice Gap Fund, or supporting your local legal services organization (like Public Law Center!). Public Law Center will be celebrating our pro bono volunteers throughout the month of October, and we would love for you to join us. As always, we have quite a few clients - veterans, the elderly, domestic violence survivors, families - who need your help on our case list. Today is the perfect day to volunteer for a pro bono case and help achieve access to justice for low-income Orange County residents.
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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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APPEALS
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Appeal of Motion to Vacate, PLC 16-1035843 Client recently inherited a mobile home when her father passed away. Client has never lived at the home, but the mobile home park filed a forcible detainer action against Client. Service was completed by posting. At the same time, Client was hospitalized for health reasons and did not find out about the lawsuit until the time to answer had passed. Client brought a motion to vacate the default judgment, which was denied. Client would like assistance appealing the denial of the motion to vacate. *PLC has filed the Notice of Appeal*
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1035785
Client is a woman in her late 50s with a total debt of about $210,000. Client was taken advantage of by someone close to her and as a result ended up with massive debt and depleted savings. Client is low-income and cannot afford to repay her debts. She seeks assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts and obtain a fresh start.
Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1035580
Client is in his 60s with about $50,000 of debt. Client lost his job earlier in the year and has had to rely on unemployment to get by. Client can no longer afford to keep paying his debts. He seeks assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, 16-1035731
Client is in her early 30s and is the sole provider for her two young children. She does not have the resources to repay her close to $30,000 of debt. Client is currently a student and looks forward to beginning her career. She seeks assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts and obtain a fresh start.
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, 16-103TBD
Client is in her early 60s and recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. A former employer has filed an action in bankruptcy alleging non-dischargeability of a debt Client agreed to repay the employer. Client did make significant payments on the debt. Client would like assistance defending the adversary proceeding and preserving the discharge of this debt.
*Client is a monolingual Vietnamese speaker.*
Adversary Proceeding, PLC 16-1035585
Client is in his 60s and survives only on government benefits. Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case as a pro se debtor in order to get a fresh start after a divorce and the loss of his business. Client received notice of an adversary proceeding seeking to except certain debts from discharge and to deny his discharge entirely. Client seeks assistance defending this matter as he does not believe he has done anything to justify not receiving a full discharge of his debts. Client primarily speaks Vietnamese.
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BENEFITS
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Denial of Benefits, PLC 16-1033574
Client is seeking assistance with appealing a denial of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for her disabled infant son. She believes that the denial stems from a misunderstanding during the intake process with the Social Security Administration due to a language barrier. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
VA Compensation Benefits, PLC 16-1035522
Client is an Army veteran in his late 50s. He served as a combat engineer in the late 1970s. He sustained a back injury during service from the constant jumping on and off of tanks and trucks. Client has never filed for VA benefits before. Client seeks assistance applying for VA compensation benefits for the disabilities he sustained while in service.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 16-1035587
Client is seeking a conservatorship for her son who will turn 18 in January, 2017. Her son was born prematurely at 25-weeks' gestation, is blind and deaf, and has cerebral palsy, developmental delay, spinal compression fractures, seizures, osteoporosis, and other medical conditions. He requires 24-hour supervision, cannot feed himself, and his speech is very limited and unintelligible. Client would like assistance obtaining a conservatorship over her son to be able to make medical, legal and other decisions.
Conservatorship, PLC 16-1035588
Client is a separated mother-of-two who is seeking a conservatorship for her 19-year-old son. Her son has cerebral palsy and requires constant supervision as he cannot care for himself. The son is in a manual wheelchair. Client would like assistance obtaining a conservatorship over her son to be able to make medical, legal and other decisions. Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
Conservatorship, PLC 16-1034837
Client us a 44-year-old widow and a monolingual Spanish speaker. She has a 20 year old developmentally disabled son with muscular dystrophy. He has a difficult time communicating with others and gets overwhelmed when faced with having to make decisions about his medical care and treatment. Client seeks assistance with a conservatorship so she can continue to make medical decisions on behalf of her son.
Conservatorship, PLC 15-1034057
Client is seeking assistance to obtain a conservatorship over her elderly father who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Client's father experiences confusion, disorientation and his unable to make decisions on his own. His vulnerable health condition has been exploited by a co-worker in the past who has been cashing checks, and opening up lines of credit in the father's name. Client has filed an elder abuse complaint with Orange County. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Conservatorship, PLC 16-1034803Client is in his 40s and has an adult daughter with a disability. She has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has a deficit in auditory processing, trouble remembering details, and organizing and verbalizing thoughts. She needs daily assistance with learning and self care. Client is seeking assistance obtaining a limited conservatorship over his adult daughter. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
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CUSTODY
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No cases at this time.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS
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Writ of Mandate, PLC 16-1035696 Client is a disabled housing voucher recipient who seeks assistance obtaining a writ of mandate against a local housing authority. Client was terminated after not responding to alleged lease violations due to her disability. She had previously received notices from her landlord and housing authority stating that she had violated the lease, but Client believes there is no basis for the notices. Client also believes she was not afforded due process during the termination proceedings. Client has a court appearance in early August, where she will seek a continuance to secure representation. Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695 Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
VA Benefits, PLC
Client served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. During a training exercise in service, Client injured his right ankle and still suffers from this disability. Client has never filed for benefits for his ankle and is seeking assistance submitting a fully developed claim. Client's formal claim is due May 2017.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Homeowners Association Dispute, PLC 16-1036069
Client is in his 60s and his sole income is from Social Security. He rents a room in a condominium that is governed by an HOA. Client is being targeted by the President of the HOA and a lawsuit was recently filed against him seeking damages and injunctive relief. The HOA's request for a preliminary injunction was denied. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit.
Probate - Spousal Property Petition , PLC 16-103TBD
Client is in her mid-60s and lost her husband, who passed away without a will, last year. Client seeks assistance completing a Spousal Property Petition to transfer her family home from her deceased husband's name into her name in order to maintain the property and preserve her rights. Client's family is supportive of this action.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish*
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035574
Client is in his late 50s and is divorced, with two kids. Client was married in Mexico in the 1980s. While married, they purchased a mobilehome together in Orange County that is titled in both of their names. Client and his wife divorced in Mexico in 2015. There was no disposition of property between the couple because the judge in Mexico did not have jurisdiction over property acquired and situated in the United States. Client's ex-wife has moved out of the mobilehome. Client would like to sell the mobilehome, but his ex-wife refuses to consent to the sale. Client would like assistance in disposing of the mobilehome or extricating his rightful portion so that he can move elsewhere.
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035787
Client is in her mid-40s, has a disability and is a single mother. Client owns her mobile home and was renting a room to a relative. The relative became abusive and Client was forced to file an eviction action. Client prevailed, but after judgment was entered, the relative fraudulently transferred title into his name. Client would like to file a quiet title action to protect her ownership interest in her mobile home and to preserve housing for her and her children.
Email Staff Attorney Richard Walker
Mobilehome Illegal Lockout, PLC 16-1035899
Client is a disabled woman in her 70s She lived in her mobilehome for 30 years prior to moving into long-term health care facilities a few years ago. Client has paid her monthly space rent on time until August 2016, when the Mobilehome park would not accept it and visited her mobilehome at least twice a month. The Mobilehome park recently posted a 60-day notice on Client's mobilehome, after changing the locks, boarding up the mobilehome and denying Client access. Client seeks assistance regaining possession of her mobilehome, which still contains all of her belongings, and filing a complaint against the Mobilehome Park for an illegal lockout. The 60-day notice expires mid-October.
Mobile Homeownership Termination PLC 16-1035576
Client is in her 70s and has a number of disabilities that make it difficult for her to get around. She is a member of a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation that owns and operates a mobilehome park in Orange County. Client also owns a mobilehome in the Park, where she has resided for almost 14 years. The corporation's Board has recently taken action to terminate the Client's membership rights and her tenancy in the Park, alleging multiple violations of the bylaws. Client believes the allegations are invalid, and she is likely entitled to reasonable accommodations that would mitigate any violations. Client would like assistance responding to the Board's action and retaining her membership and residence in the park.
Mobilehome Lot Lines Dispute, PLC 16-1035830
Client is in her early 80s and lives with a disability. Client's sister purchased a mobilehome in the 1970s and Client inherited the mobilehome when her sister passed away a little more than ten years ago. Due to an error by the owner of the mobilehome park, the lot lines were changed without notice to or consent by the mobilehome owners. This has led to a dispute between Client and a neighbor. Client seeks assistance enforcing her right to occupy the space as the lines existed when her sister purchased the mobilehome and resolving the dispute with the neighbor and the park owner.
Mobilehome Warehouse Lien, PLC 16-1035845
Client inherited a mobilehome when her father passed away recently. She has not lived in the mobilehome but, as it is the only asset of her father's estate, but like to be able to sell the mobilehome on her own terms. She has encountered resistance from the mobilehome park, which has included the park using a warehouse lien to attempt to sell the mobilehome. Client would like assistance filing an affirmative case against the park to prevent them from moving forward with the sale of the Client's mobilehome.
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IMMIGRATION
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1 Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 15-1032775
Client is a 14-year-old unaccompanied minor from El Salvador. Client came to the United States because of the violence he encountered in El Salvador and to reunite with his mother. Client's mother always took full financial and emotional responsibility of the client. Client's father was never a part of his life and the father is now deceased. Client is adapting well in school and hopes to continue his education to become a fireman. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
1 Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 15-1032862
Client is a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor from Guatemala who seeks assistance in filing a 1-parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petition. After client's father passed away in a car accident in Guatemala, client's mother became the sole provider for client and his siblings. Client's mother then came to the United States to find work to support them while client and his siblings lived with grandparents in Guatemala. Client now lives in the U.S. with his mother.
U Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 14-1030285 and 14-1031621
Clients seek assistance adjusting their status to Legal Permanent Residents. Clients are siblings who were granted derivative U-Visas status on or about March 2013 and March 2012, respectively. Their mother was the principal applicant and she has already adjusted. PLC assisted with the extension of U-visa derivative status for one of the siblings and this was granted. Clients' U-Visas expire in June 2017.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Writ of Mandate, PLC 16-1035696
Client is a disabled housing voucher recipient who seeks assistance obtaining a writ of mandate against a local housing authority. Client was terminated after not responding to alleged lease violations due to her disability. She had previously received notices from her landlord and housing authority stating that she had violated the lease, but Client believes there is no basis for the notices. Client also believes she was not afforded due process during the termination proceedings. Client has a court appearance in early August, where she will seek a continuance to secure representation.
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LITIGATION
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Homeowners Association Dispute, PLC 16-1036069
Client is in his 60s and his sole income is from Social Security. He rents a room in a condominium that is governed by an HOA. Client is being targeted by the President of the HOA and a lawsuit was recently filed against him seeking damages and injunctive relief. The HOA's request for a preliminary injunction was denied. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit.
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, 16-103TBD
Client is in her early 60s and recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. A former employer has filed an action in bankruptcy alleging non-dischargeability of a debt Client agreed to repay the employer. Client did make significant payments on the debt. Client would like assistance defending the adversary proceeding and preserving the discharge of this debt.
*Client is a monolingual Vietnamese speaker.*
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035787
Client is in her mid-40s, has a disability and is a single mother. Client owns her mobile home and was renting a room to a relative. The relative became abusive and Client was forced to file an eviction action. Client prevailed, but after judgment was entered, the relative fraudulently transferred title into his name. Client would like to file a quiet title action to protect her ownership interest in her mobile home and to preserve housing for her and her children.
Email Staff Attorney Richard WalkerMobilehome Illegal Lockout, PLC 16-1035899 Client is a disabled woman in her 70s She lived in her mobilehome for 30 years prior to moving into long-term health care facilities a few years ago. Client has paid her monthly space rent on time until August 2016, when the Mobilehome park would not accept it and visited her mobilehome at least twice a month. The Mobilehome park recently posted a 60-day notice on Client's mobilehome, after changing the locks, boarding up the mobilehome and denying Client access. Client seeks assistance regaining possession of her mobilehome, which still contains all of her belongings, and filing a complaint against the Mobilehome Park for an illegal lockout. The 60-day notice expires mid-October.
Mobilehome Warehouse Lien, PLC 16-1035845
Client inherited a mobilehome when her father passed away recently. She has not lived in the mobilehome but, as it is the only asset of her father's estate, but like to be able to sell the mobilehome on her own terms. She has encountered resistance from the mobilehome park, which has included the park using a warehouse lien to attempt to sell the mobilehome. Client would like assistance filing an affirmative case against the park to prevent them from moving forward with the sale of the Client's mobilehome.
Restitution Collection, PLC 16-103TBD
Client was the victim of a foreclosure rescue scam that cost Client thousands of dollars. The perpetrator was prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney, was placed on probation and had a restitution order entered against her. The perpetrator paid about one third of the restitution order while on probation. Now that the perpetrator is off probation, Client seeks to convert the restitution order to a civil judgment and collect from the perpetrator's assets. Email DIrecting Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Writ of Mandate, PLC 16-1035696
Client is a disabled housing voucher recipient who seeks assistance obtaining a writ of mandate against a local housing authority. Client was terminated after not responding to alleged lease violations due to her disability. She had previously received notices from her landlord and housing authority stating that she had violated the lease, but Client believes there is no basis for the notices. Client also believes she was not afforded due process during the termination proceedings. Client has a court appearance in early August, where she will seek a continuance to secure representation.
Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695 Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
Adversary Proceeding, PLC 16-1035585
Client is in his 60s and survives only on government benefits. Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case as a pro se debtor in order to get a fresh start after a divorce and the loss of his business. Client received notice of an adversary proceeding seeking to except certain debts from discharge and to deny his discharge entirely. Client seeks assistance defending this matter as he does not believe he has done anything to justify not receiving a full discharge of his debts. Client primarily speaks Vietnamese.
Probate Dispute, PLC 16-1035250
Client is a Marine Corps veteran in his 60s. His brother recently passed away, and the brother's VA fiduciary was appointed administrator of the estate. Initially, the administrator declared that there were no living relatives, but in fact the deceased had a number of siblings and nieces/nephews. A probate case has already been opened, and Client would like assistance asserting his rights in the probate case.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Youth Music Education) - Franchise, PLC 16-1036150
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to equip, educate and empower youth through music, music technology and the arts. Due to the success of its programs, client is considering establishing additional chapters within California and other states. Client seeks legal advice and guidance on how to set up social franchises as a nonprofit organization.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Automotive) - Litigation/Negotiation, PLC 16-1036151
The client is a low-income Orange County resident who leases a storefront for his automotive business. A local government agency exercised its power of eminent domain to acquire a construction easement over the parking lot next to the business. Client claims that his business has suffered as a result of the construction, specifically due to obstruction to the entrance and street closures. Client's actual losses greatly exceed the amount originally offered by the agency for anticipated losses. Client seeks legal assistance with determining his options for additional relief.
Small Business - LLC Member Dispute, PLC 16-1035717
Client is a low-income small business owner who is an equal member of a 2-member LLC. Client's business partner has blocked client from receiving business income and is refusing to allow client access to the business premises. Client seeks legal advice and guidance on how to enforce his rights and interests in the business.
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1 Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 15-1032775
Client is a 14-year-old unaccompanied minor from El Salvador. Client came to the United States because of the violence he encountered in El Salvador and to reunite with his mother. Client's mother always took full financial and emotional responsibility of the client. Client's father was never a part of his life and the father is now deceased. Client is adapting well in school and hopes to continue his education to become a fireman. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
1 Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 15-1032862
Client is a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor from Guatemala who seeks assistance in filing a 1-parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petition. After client's father passed away in a car accident in Guatemala, client's mother became the sole provider for client and his siblings. Client's mother then came to the United States to find work to support them while client and his siblings lived with grandparents in Guatemala. Client now lives in the U.S. with his mother.
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VETERANS
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Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695 Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1034936
Client is a Marine Corps veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom. Client injured his back during service and was placed on light duty for a significant period of time. Client's Commander did not want him in the unit any longer and discharged him, claiming he had a chronic adjustment disorder. Client does not suffer from this disorder and believes he was improperly diagnosed and wrongly given a General discharge. Client would like assistance in applying for a discharge upgrade, as well as for medical retirement.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035153
Client is a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East during Operation Enduring Freedom. During Client's service, he experienced several traumatic events, and began suffering from PTSD. In an effort to deal with his PTSD, Client self-medicated with Marijuana, and tested positive during a drug screening. Client was subsequently given an Other Than Honorable Discharge. Since discharge, Client has been a productive member of society. Client would like assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.
Probate Dispute, PLC 16-1035250
Client is a Marine Corps veteran in his 60s. His brother recently passed away, and the brother's VA fiduciary was appointed administrator of the estate. Initially, the administrator declared that there were no living relatives, but in fact the deceased had a number of siblings and nieces/nephews. A probate case has already been opened, and Client would like assistance asserting his rights in the probate case.
VA Benefits, PLC
Client served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. During a training exercise in service, Client injured his right ankle and still suffers from this disability. Client has never filed for benefits for his ankle and is seeking assistance submitting a fully developed claim. Client's formal claim is due May 2017.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Special Needs Trust, PLC 16-1036159
Client is very low income Orange County resident and cancer survivor. Client was recently awarded a settlement from an employment discrimination claim resulting from her cancer diagnosis. Client seeks legal assistance with establishing a Special Needs Trust to hold the settlement funds.
Special Needs Trust, PLC 16-1035903
Client is seeking assistance with setting up a Special Needs Trust for his 4-year-old son, who has severe autism, developmental disability, and intellectual disability. Client is his son's primary caregiver. Aside from connecting well with the family's puppy, who keeps him calm, Client's son requires constant supervision by his parents, who tend to him 24-hours a day.
Appointment of New Trustee, PLC 16-1035810
Client is the father of a young child who is permanently mentally and physically disabled as a result of medical negligence. As a result of her injuries, Client's daughter obtained a large medical malpractice settlement, which is now part of a special needs trust. The trustee is a professional fiduciary and the client is the "Trust Protector" with the power to appoint a new trustee with court approval. The trustee has continually refused to release funds for items which Client feels are necessary for his daughter's care. Client seeks assistance filing with the court to appoint a new trustee.
Advanced Heath Care Directive, PLC 16-1034831
Client is a 41 year old male and a monolingual Spanish speaker. Client is the sole supporter of a household of 8. He would like to establish a limited conservatorship over his disabled adult daughter. She has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Client additionally seeks assistance with an Advanced Health Care Directive.
Codicil and Revision of POA, PLC 16-1035719 Client is an elderly cancer survivor who lives in a mobile home. She seeks assistance with adding a codicil to her will. Her current will splits her property equally between her four children, but because of their efforts in assisting her financially, Client would like the will to reimburse two of her children prior to dividing the assets equally between all four. Client also has an AHCD and durable power of attorney and would like to add one of her children as an alternate to both of these instruments. Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah EfthymiouIrrevocable Trust, PLC 13-1026659Client is a 64 year old widow who owns her home and some restaurant equipment. She would like to create an irrevocable trust of all of her property with her children as beneficiaries. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker. Limited Conservatorship, Will, Advanced Directive, PLC 16-1035670, 16-1035706, 16-1035707 Client is a single mother in her early 50s. She is seeking conservatorship over her 18-year-old daughter who has intractable epilepsy, moderate intellectual disability and left hemiparesis (weakening of the left side of the body) due to a stroke that was noticed at age 2. Client also wishes to make a will and to prepare an advanced healthcare directive for herself. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Revision of Trust, PLC 16-1035457
Client is an Army veteran who served during Vietnam. Client had a trust created several years ago, but Client would like to revise it. Client is seeking assistance updating his trust to include new property that he has acquired, as well as changing the beneficiaries.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Will, PLC 16-1035355
Client is in her late 60s. She owns no real property, but owns an interest in a non-profit co-op where she lives. Client wishes to create a simple will to split her personal property between her daughters.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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