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Home > Volunteer > Case Listing

June 2009

VIP offers the unique opportunity to positively affect the lives of low income Philadelphia residents. We provide resources to assist you throughout the case, including mentors, interpreters, law students and training materials. Join the VIP team by taking a case!

If you are interested in taking one of the following cases, please click on the email address following the case to send an email to the VIP staff. Thank you!

 

Urgent Need


Civil Forfeiture
I am interested in this case >
(59) 090989
Client, who supports her disabled husband and herself, seeks assistance in a forfeiture matter. Client moved into property she inherited from her mother and stepfather in August 2008. Prior to the client moving into the property, the DA filed a Petition for Forfeiture due to alleged drug activity at the property. Client does not know the individuals who were living in the property before she moved in. Client has pending probate matter to acquire title to property. Client needs representation to defend her in action. Status conference is listed for July 24, 2009 at 9 am in Room 478 of City Hall.

Contracts I am interested in this case >
(59) 090991
Client, a single working mother of 6 children, seeks assistance in a contract matter with a city agency in relocation to a new home. The client’s home was subject to eminent domain of the city and she was forced to relocate. The client states that the city agency provided her with assistance in the sale of her former home, the mortgage, and purchase of new home. Since client moved into the new home in April 2004, severe structural damages have come to her attention. Client immediately tried to resolve the damages with the agency, but the condition of the property has worsened. Client needs representation to negotiate with or litigate against agency to have repairs completed and certified.

Landlord/Tenant Public Housing I am interested in this case >
(66) 090838
Client needs assistance fighting an eviction from her home by PHA. Client was arrested after becoming violent with her mother, upon hearing news of her brother’s murder. Client has a history of mental health difficulties and responded very badly to the news about her brother. Client’s mother is advocating on her daughter’s behalf in the matter. Client needs representation at a hearing on June 24th to fight the eviction and remain in her home.

Landlord/Tenant Public Housing I am interested in this case >
(66) 090666
PHA tenant, and mother of three minor children, needs assistance to appeal an eviction. There was a drug raid on client’s house in September 2008, while client was at work. Client’s friend was arrested in front of the home. Client was told by the police that friend was arrested for a small amount of marijuana. Client reported the incident to the manager of the property and did not hear about it until after renewing her lease in Jan 2009, when she received a notice of termination. Client filed a pro se appeal and needs representation for hearing on August 10th 2009 in the Court of Common Pleas.

Homeownership/Probate I am interested in this case >
(74) 090252
Client is residing in the home titled in her deceased husband’s name. Client’s husband died intestate leaving behind a spouse and six children. Client needs assistance in filing a §3546 petition to obtain legal title to the property so that she can negotiate with the mortgage company to have the mortgage placed in her name. The property in question is currently subject to mortgage foreclosure proceedings. Client is currently being represented by another volunteer attorney in reference to the mortgage foreclosure.

Homeownership/Real Property
I am interested in this case >
(81) 090674
Client signed a lease-purchase agreement in 1993 with owner (husband of couple that owned the property), which wife did not sign but was aware of and for which she accepted payments. Client paid nearly twice as much for the home as she should have but did not pay property taxes as required by the agreement (owners also failed to pay taxes for the 3 years preceding the LP agreement). The City is threatening a tax sale. Husband and wife recently separated and transferred the property into wife's name. Client needs help with filing a quiet title action to enforce the lease-purchase agreement, transferring the property into client's name, and entering into a payment agreement with the City for the tax arrearages. The property, together with two other properties, also secures two mortgages obtained by the owners (one prior to the agreement and one after); the client wants to attempt to obtain a release from both mortgages. Client is very responsive.

Homeownership/Probate I am interested in this case >
(81) 090843
Client needs assistance raising and administering her foster mother’s estate. Client lived with her foster mother since her biological mother died when client was a child, but an adoption was never formalized. On the inaccurate advice of an attorney, foster mother also did not add client to the deed as intended. Client lived with and cared for adoptive mother until her death in 2005. Because of a small leak in the water pipe to client’s house, the water department is threatening a shut-off at the end of June (VIP is working on obtaining an extension of the shut-off). Mother’s only known living heir (husband predeceased her) is her cousin, who visits Philadelphia routinely and has agreed to do whatever is necessary to have title pass to client. Client will have probate fee available in July. The attorney will need to draft the renunciation (to allow client to petition for letters of administration) and a deed from client as administrator and cousin as heir to client as recipient of title; these will need to be signed by the cousin on the same day that the client petitions for letters so that client can apply for a repair program to avert the water shut-off. Client is very responsive.
 
Homeownership/Real Property  I am interested in this case >
(81) 090926
Client entered into a lease purchase agreement for her home with brother’s girlfriend (now brother’s wife) in 2003; the agreement was put into writing in 2004. She paid the purchase price in full. Title was to be transferred June 1, 2008, but seller refused and has been trying to sell the property through an agent. Seller also has two outstanding mortgages on the property, one of which is going into foreclosure. Client needs assistance quieting title to the property (the lease-purchase agreement has been submitted to the Recorder of Deeds) and negotiating with the mortgage company to assume the mortgage (a mortgage foreclosure volunteer attorney will assist client with this portion of the case). Taxes and utility bills on the property are current. Client is very responsive.


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LITIGATION

FAMILY LAW

Custody I am interested in this case >
(59) 090829
Client, a veteran and father of two children who suffered brain trauma in 1999, seeks assistance in custody matter. Client tried to represent himself but has been unable to advocate and argue to the Court due to speech disabilities stemming from injuries in 1999. Opposing party is represented by counsel. Client needs representation to maintain partial custody and have his visitation schedule with his children defined. Honorable Judge Robert Matthews J. Matthews ordered client’s Petition to Modify withdrawn without prejudice and no further proceedings until client retains counsel.

Divorce I am interested in this case >
(66) 090542
Client and spouse received mutual PFAs by agreement and continued to live on different floors of the same house since 2007. Spouse violated PFA by threatening client and was evicted by a contempt order. Client needs representation in a divorce from opposing party with equitable distribution of property, and spousal support.

Divorce I am interested in this case >
(66) 090771
Client, mother of two, needs assistance in a divorce. Opposing party was evicted from the home by PFA in 2006 after he pointed a gun at one of the children and then turned it on the client. Client has full custody, and opposing party has supervised visitation. Client is very worried that husband will attempt to come back into the home after the PFA expires in August 2009. Client needs representation to obtain a divorce from opposing party to secure the safety of her children and herself.

Guardianship I am interested in this case >
(66) 091020
Client needs representation to become the legal guardian of his incapacitated mother. Mother is terminally ill and in hospice care. Client needs guardianship to make health and other decisions regarding his mother’s affairs.



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OTHER LITIGATION

Consumer Finance I am interested in this case >
(66) 090942
Client seeks assistance enforcing a payment plan entered into by agreement. The collection agency filed suit in 2008, and a default judgment was entered against client for approximately $7000. Client successfully petitioned to open the default judgment, and a judgment by agreement was entered for $2400, the principal balance only. Client has been making payments, but the collection agency is now demanding payment of the full amount.

Identity Theft I am interested in this case >
(66) 090759
Client believes that she is a victim of identity theft. Client has numerous unpaid traffic tickets, medical bills, and other debts with addresses in other states. The misinformation on client’s credit reports is affecting her ability to obtain employment. Client needs assistance addressing these matters and restoring her credit rating.

Licenses/Identity Theft I am interested in this case >
(66) 090837
Client is a victim of identity theft. Client’s cousin accrued several traffic tickets in client’s name about three years ago. Client attempted to settle the matter in Traffic Court but the Judge would not listen and entered a judgment against the client. Client did not realize that she could appeal the decision. Client was not able to pay the fines and now there is currently a bench warrant out for client’s arrest. Client needs representation to file a pro tunc appeal and assist her with lifting the bench warrant.

Licenses  I am interested in this case >
(66) 090717
Client, participant in the Federal Prisoner Reentry Program of US District Court for Eastern District of PA, needs assistance reinstating his driver’s license. Client was issued several traffic citations between 1992-1998, and is currently on a payment plan of $50 a month. Client still owes $2,100 and has suspensions totally over 26 years. Client needs assistance to obtain his license as soon as possible to be able to get an apprenticeship or employment.

Probate I am interested in this case >
(66) 090721
Client has been separated from spouse since the 1970’s. Since their separation client and her son, who is the biological child of spouse, have received no support or assistance from deceased spouse, despite his gainful employment. Client and son have and continue to struggle through financial hardship. Client recently discovered that her spouse is deceased. Client needs assistance to investigate if she, or her now adult child, is legally entitled to any assets of her recently deceased husband.



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LAWWORKS

HOMEOWNERSHIP

Fraudulent Deed Transfer and Probate I am interested in this case >
(74) 090044
Client’s father died in November of 2008, leaving client as his only heir. Client’s father, who suffered from dementia, resided in a nursing from early 2004 until his death. Client’s daughter coerced her grandfather into signing a deed transferring the property to her. Client became aware of the fraudulent transfer when he went to City Hall to obtain a copy of the deed. Client needs assistance in obtaining Letters of Administration for his father’s estate and then filing a quiet title action to have the fraudulent deed invalidated. Client will also need assistance in administering his father’s estate, though VIP may be able to find another attorney to do so if necessary.

Fraudulent Deed Transfer and Probate I am interested in this case >
(74) 090144
Client, mother of two disabled adult children, is the victim of a fraudulent deed conveyance. Client’s deceased mother was the record owner of the property. Client’s mother died in December of 2005, leaving client and client’s siblings as her only heirs. The fraudulent owner recorded a deed transferring title to himself in August of 2008. The fraudulent owner has since removed the client and her possessions from the property. Client’s siblings are willing to give their interests in the property to client. Client needs assistance in obtaining Letters of Administration for her mother’s estate and then filing a quiet title action to have the fraudulent deed invalidated, so that she can provide shelter and care for her two adult disabled children. Client will also need assistance in administering her mother’s estate, though VIP may be able to find another attorney to do so if necessary.

Homeownership/Real Property I am interested in this case >
(34) 090524
Client and her husband have been living in their home for over 10 years. Client’s husband entered into an agreement of sale with the owners (a married couple) in 1997 and paid over $11,000 up front, with the remaining $885 due at settlement. Client believes the additional $885 was also paid, though she is not sure. A closing never occurred, and title is still in the names of the sellers. The sellers came by the house in March of 2008 and told client they were still owed $300, and then they sent an eviction notice in August of 2008. However, client and her husband have not heard from them since. As a result, client and her husband need assistance in negotiating with the sellers to have the property transferred to them, through an insured title transfer if possible, so that they can do some plumbing repairs and enter into payment plans for the back water and tax bills. Client’s husband has a physical disability and is beginning to experience some memory loss, so VIP is assisting client in obtaining a durable power of attorney.

Homeownership/Real Property I am interested in this case >
(82) 090769
Client is a church that is seeking start a day care operation. Client is attempting to acquire a property for the day care, and sell another property to raise funds.


NON PROFIT / SMALL BUSINESS

Incorporation
I am interested in this case >
(82) 090823
Client prepares adults to enter and advance in the workforce through skills training. Client needs assistance with filing for 501(c)(3) status and review of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Incorporation I am interested in this case >
(81) 090365
Client is a historic preservation society created to ensure the preservation, restoration and maintenance of a church and adjacent building housing its library, archives, artifacts and offices. The society also wishes to educate the public about the history of the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The organization seeks assistance in creating a preservation trust and obtaining 501(c)(3) status.

General Counsel / Tax I am interested in this case >
(82) 090367
Client is an organization that assists work authorized immigrants with integrating into the Philadelphia area through skills training, education, and family support services. Client needs help with filing for 501(c)(3) status, including IRS form 1023 and review of client’s bylaws. Client would also like advice about liability insurance, unemployment compensation, and unrelated business income.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(82) 090768
The client is a faith-based mobile soup kitchen seeking 501(c)(3) status. The client has drafted articles of incorporation and bylaws, and needs assistance with a form 1023 application.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(82) 090696
Client provides mentors and counseling for at-risk young women. Client needs assistance filing for 501(c)(3) status.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(82) 090834
Client is a daycare center located in Northwest Philadelphia that serves client’s community through non-traditional evening and weekend hours. Client needs assistance with filing for 501(c)(3) status and review of Bylaws.


Tax I am interested in this case >
(82) 090676
Client is establishing an organization of retired physicians who will provide care for elderly homebound patients. Client needs assistance obtaining 501(c)(3) status for the organization.

Incorporation  I am interested in this case >
(82) 090727
Client is a not-for-profit LLC that provides a care facility for horses in Fairmount Park. Client and a 501(c)(3) at the stables are jointly negotiating a lease with the Fairmount Park Commission. The Park requires that client incorporate as a non-profit. Client needs advice about the best way to incorporate as a non-profit, help filing for non-profit status, and help negotiating a contract with the other organization at the stables.

General Counsel / Licenses I am interested in this case >
(82) 090928
Client is opening a store that makes and sells custom messenger bags, backpacks, biking accessories, and dog accessories. Client needs a consultation about necessary permits for running a business in Philadelphia and a review of contracts client will use for the business.


TAX 

Tax
  I am interested in this case >
(59) 081256
Client, a working father of four children, seeks assistance in a tax matter. Client received letter from IRS for liability for tax year 2005. Client’s tax return shows client should have received refund of over $4000. Client filed 2007 taxes but the refund was used to offset 2005 liability. Client also received reduced Economic Stimulus Payment. Client filed 2008 taxes timely and his refund of $1500 was withheld to offset liability. Client needs representation to resolve 2005 controversy and avoid continuing offset. Client is Spanish-speaking. Translation and interpretation are available.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(59) 090972
Client and her husband seek assistance in resolving tax controversy for tax years 2002-2006. Client is agent for her seventy-five year old husband who lives in a nursing home. Client received letters from IRS, including Notice to Levy, seeking over $30,000 in total liability for the years in dispute. Client needs representation to resolve outstanding controversy for tax years 2002-2006. Client also needs representation to determine her husband’s retirement benefits from his former employer that she may be able to use to pay down the liability. Client speaks Hungarian. VIP staff person is available to interpret at first face-to-face meeting. Language Line is available for assistance with interpretation in continuing communication with the client.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(59) 081305
Client, a disabled grandfather who suffers from a chronic cardiac condition, seeks assistance with a tax matter. Client received request for his tax return for 2006 by IRS. Audit possibly resulted from sale of property by his ex-wife. Client has not worked since 2001 and his only income is Social Security benefits. Client needs representation to respond to audit and prevent an attempt to levy his benefits.

Tax I am interested in this case >
(59) 091030
Client, a grandmother employed full-time, seeks assistance in a federal income tax controversy for 2007 tax year. The Earned Income Tax Credit, Exemptions, and Additional Child Tax Credit for client’s two grandchildren were disallowed. IRS seeks almost $6,000 from client in liability because of the adjustments. Client needs representation to obtain credits if rightfully claimed. If disallowed, client needs assistance in entering into an affordable payment plan and advice on avoiding future audit.