At the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, we try to help as many people as we can. Often, someone's problem does not fit specifically into one of our programs, but the person is eligible for AVLF services in every other way. When that happens, we ask for help from individual attorneys or firms who are willing to accept a case outside of an established program.
The following matters need the assistance of a volunteer attorney. If you can help in any way, please contact Tamara Serwer Caldas by e-mail or at 404-521-0790.
2. IDENTITY THEFT
RB - Bank #1 gave client's money to a man who claimed to be the client. Now, two years later, to prove he could not have been the person who secured the funds, the client provided a range of documentation, including proof that he was in prison at the time the money was handed to someone posing as him. Bank #1 also wants a copy of the cancelled check that represents the fraudulently procured funds, but that check is held by Bank#2 who will not release the check without a subpoena or "legal authorization." Will you help this client secure this check and recover the money?
3. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OWNS ALL INFORMATION
SR - The client's fiancé was killed in December 2005- she is raising their child. The client is the Administrator of the deceased's estate, and is in conflict with the deceased's Homeowner's Association, which has refused to release information about an insurance policy he may have had on the home, or insurance proceeds which may have been paid to the HOA in connection with such a policy. The unit nears foreclosure, and the client is desperate to try to save the home- will you help her investigate the status and determine her legal options?
4. PHONE COMPANY FRACAS
GL - The client switched his service provider and has the checks to show he paid off the account in full. Nonetheless, for years he has been harassed about a claimed $112, and cannot get the debt collectors to stop calling. He asks for counsel to intercede and to clear his credit report.
5. COLLECTION LAWSUIT DEFENSE
AS - The 67 year old client is being sued on a debt he knows nothing about. He has filed an answer of general denial, and very much wants a lawyer to assist him in this matter.
6. STOLEN CAR IN LIMBO
LP - Over a year ago the client's car was stolen from in front of her home.She filed a police report immediately, and was informed by the City of Atlanta, Zone 3, that the car would remain on the stolen list for 5 years.The client called to check on the status of the car for nearly 6-months, but she was told repeatedly that the car had not been found.In early April, she received a call from a male alleging that he cleans cars for auctions, stating that the car is currently in a towing company's possession. Then he stated that he had already purchased the car from that company, though the vehicle is still in the company's possession.The client called a local police department to inquire about how a stolen car could be sold at auction, and was informed that the car was picked up a day after it was stolen, and is not registered on the stolen list.The towing company told the client that the car was picked up for having an expired tag.The tags were not expired at the time the car was picked up.Client contacted City of Atlanta, which still claims that the car is on the stolen list.She needs help getting her car back!!
7. FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SCAM
CM - In January 2008, the client was about six months behind with his mortgage payments. He received a flyer from the adverse party ("AP") advertising how it could prevent foreclosure of his house. Client signed an agreement and sent AP $800. The client's house was due to be auctioned March 4, 2008. Client cannot get a response back from AP or his mortgage company. Apparently the AP arranged a forbearance agreement with the mortgage company, but the client could not come up with the $3,200 downpayment, and now the AP will not communicate with him. The client needs assistance making contact with the AP to and determining whether the foreclosure prevention scheme was lawful.
8. Manhole Destroys Client's Transmission and Contractor's Insurance Company Won't Pay
JH - The client ran over a manhole cover and sustained damage to his transmission.After he filed a claim with the city, the city's investigator referred him to the contractor working on that street, which in turn referred him to their insurance company.When the client disagreed with the amount that the insurance company offered him for the damage to his car, the company reevaluated the claim and determined they would offer him nothing.Will you help this individual in his dispute with the insurance company so that he can regain the use of his car?
9. Man Disabled in Motorcycle Accident Believes Payee Abused Authority
FS - The client sustained substantial injury in a motorcycle accident about three years ago.The client's sister (the adverse party or "AP") was named his payee for Social Security Disability.The Client learned that his sister transferred $19,000.00 of his money to her own bank account without telling him, but she claims that this was appropriate because he was living with her during a two-year period.Will you review the client's documents and advise him whether he has any legal claim against his payee and, if so, assist him in bringing such claim?
