Stories of Justice: Marla and Her Son Face Eviction
Background
Marla*, a victim of domestic violence and her child were facing eviction during this past holiday season. For years, John*, the child’s father, had abused Marla, and eventually he abandoned her and their child. Unbeknownst to Marla, when John decided to abandon her and their child, he left behind a debt for two months of rent in the apartment they had shared. This led to an eviction being filed against her. Marla was helpless and unsure of what to do in this difficult situation.
Legal Assistance
Concerned about her housing situation and her child’s well-being, Marla sought legal assistance to maintain her housing. Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) through its’ LIFT Project, a program focused on providing legal assistance to domestic violence victims, was able to provide Marla with an attorney to help her litigate against the eviction. The legal representation received by Marla was at no cost to her.
Why It Matters
Why It Matters
During several weeks of extensive negotiations between the Legal Aid attorney and the landlord’s attorney, Marla and her child were able to remain in their apartment during the holidays. This also gave her time to raise additional funds to help pay off the debt left by the abuser. The negotiations led by the Legal Aid attorney resulted in a settlement agreement being reached between Marla and her landlord. In addition to providing legal representation, LAS’s LIFT Project was able to give rental assistance for a portion of the amount owed. This holistic approach of providing legal services resulted in the Complaint for Eviction being voluntarily dismissed, and more importantly it allowed Marla to remain in her apartment while she rebuilds her life.
Without Legal Aid’s intervention, Marla and her son would have been evicted and would have become homeless. Legal Aid programs in Broward County play a critical role in averting crises every day – particularly during the housing crisis we are presently experiencing. For more information about Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) or to support our mission through donations, please visit www.browardlegalaid.org
*Names, images, and some datils have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients
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