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LSGMI's Pro Bono Opportunities

Saturday, September 01, 2018 10:10 PM | Nakia Ruffin (Administrator)

The Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. has various pro bono opportunities below. If you are still busy getting ready for school or catching up from vacation perhaps you have a colleague that has the time to help out!

Looking for a fulfilling after work event? Join us during one of our clinics:

Small Claims Clinic

Simple Divorce Clinic

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL CIVIL

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #1 (18-0473825)

Mortgage Servicer Refuses To Explain Constantly Changing Mortgage Amounts

Client is afraid that he will be in foreclosure if the mortgage history discrepancies are not resolved. He has called company several times and gets various conflicting explanations. Client previously battled company for almost 4 years before the matter was resolved in client's favor. He needs help battling this mortgage servicing company that is no stranger to bad practice!

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #2 (18-0474786)

Veteran Needs Help Probating Sibling’s Estate

Veteran is caring for his deceased brother’s minor and disabled children. He needs legal assistance with probate process for car and bank account.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #3 (18-0475102)

Hidden HOA Costs Driving Veteran Out

Client is a vet on disability who is threatened with loss of his home from a master association maintenance cost never disclosed to him at closing, which closing documents support. The client has the money for the maintenance but does not want to pay late fees, attorney’s fees and costs. This is a Mission United veteran pro bono opportunity!

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #4 (18-0474835)

Needs 501 c 3 -Creating Opportunity for Teenage Youth

Long time Overtown community member and educator is seeking legal representation to obtain 501 c 3 status for non-profit organization that will provide community service opportunities and educational programs to underprivileged youth, ages 14-20 years old.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #5 (18-0472457)

Tax Situation in Puerto Rico

The case involves an individual who was living and working in Puerto Rico. She filed her PR returns. In 2015, the IRS issued a CP2000 because client did not report her PR income on her US return. She had to file a US return because she took a distribution from her 401(k) and also failed to report that event. In 2016, the IRS disallowed client’s Form 2555EZ saying that her foreign tax home was disallowed. The taxpayer really did live and work in PR. She paid rent and everything.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #6 (18-0474359)

Creditor Debtor/ Secured Transaction

Opa-Locka company trying to expand the business. Client seeks to recover possession of a solid waste disposal truck purchased using personal loans. Truck possession, title and registration was placed into another business entity controlled by client's relative in Central Florida, and business proceeds were intended to cover debt service. No security agreement or lien was ever placed on truck. Business has stopped making debt service payments. Clients looking to understand options to recover possession of truck and operate waste disposal business in Miami-Dade County. Legal needs include: advice and counsel on options to recover truck and assistance with perfecting security interest in truck, if possible, and recovering possession.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #7 (18-0473404)

Chap.7/Debt Collection

Client lives alone. She suffers from severe diabetes and cognitive impairment. Her 43 year old son, who lived with her and supported her financially, was recently killed in a motorcycle accident. Her mother has helped her pay her mortgage, taxes, and insurance but now has stage 4 lung cancer. Client has $50,000 in credit card debt. She has multiple collection cases pending and anticipates more. Seeking an attorney to assist with debt collection regulation and potential Chap. 7 Bankruptcy.

FAMILY

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #8 (18-0474405)

Respondent Vacationing From Family Responsibilities Monroe County (Divorce)

Petitioner seeks a divorce, child support, alimony and equitable distribution of assets (marital home and business). Petitioner explains that she worked as the assistant to the husband in his realtor business for nearly 20 years. Respondent recently indicated that he will be moving, or has moved, to Honduras and has failed to pay the mortgage for months or provided any support to Petitioner and children. Petitioner filed action in May 2018 and Respondent/Husband filed answer and counter-petition.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #9 (18-0474507)

Four Children Desire To Be Adopted

Combat veteran is seeking your assistance to adopt his 4 step children. The veteran's wife (biological mother) was granted 100% legal and physical custody of the children, via a Virginia Court Order. The children, range in ages 12-16. They have not had contact with their biological father for over 6 years, despite family attempts to facilitate a relationship. The children have strongly expressed a desire to be adopted, going so far as to inquire about the time frame for them to be adopted.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #10 (18-0474061)

Disabled Child Needs True Guardian and Disability Benefits

Client is seeking assistance in getting legal custody of her disabled great niece. Client’s sister had a court dependency shelter order from Broward County giving her custody. Client’s sister became sick, and moved in with client bringing the disabled great niece. Client’s sister died and left great niece in client’s care. It has been a year since Client’s sister died. Child’s biological mother has continued to receive the child’s disability benefits. Client is trying to get child into better educational programs and provide assistance but is unable to do so legally. Biological mother has abandoned child.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #11 (18-0474134)

Establishment of Paternity for Veteran Who Wants to be a Father

Navy combat veteran is seeking your assistance with establishment of paternity in Miami Dade County. The mother is seeking full custody with no time sharing. She is not allowing the veteran to see his child. The veteran wants to be a father and be a part of his child's life. Case has been ordered to mediation. This pro bono opportunity is brought to you via the Mission United Project.

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