Names changed for privacy. Photo not that of the client
The “Robertson” family came to JALA when they were under threat of losing the home they had worked hard to purchase. Several years before, they had entered a contract to purchase their rental home from family members, the “Sellers.” They paid a down payment to get started and dutifully made their monthly payments over the years.
When they were just a few months shy of having their house paid off, the Sellers started making unannounced visits to the Robertsons’ home designed to intimidate the Robertsons into leaving their home. The Sellers even called the police and falsely reported that the Robertsons were squatters. When that was unsuccessful, the Sellers took to appearing at the property, harassing the Robertsons, destroying their personal property, damaging their home, kicking in a door, and even cutting the electrical lines to the home. The Sellers went so far as to make threats and demand the Robertsons move in 24 hours. But the Robertsons stood firm.
The Robertsons were shocked at the behavior of these relatives they’d thought they could trust. But the battle for their home was just beginning. The Sellers filed an unlawful detainer action against the Robertsons, a type of removal action normally reserved for people who are staying on a property without permission of the owner. When the Robertsons told the court their side of the story, including that they had a valid contract to purchase the property, the Sellers changed their cause of action to an eviction, claiming that the Robertsons were month-to-month tenants whose tenancy had been revoked. That’s when the Robertsons turned to JALA.
Attorneys Annie Rodriguez and Adam Thoresen immediately started advocating in the courts for the Robertsons, giving them respite from the harassment and illegal attempts at removing them from their home. Rodriguez and Thoresen filed multiple legal responses and defenses to the lawsuit, presenting the court with an account of the Sellers improper actions against the Robertsons and with proof of the Robertsons’ contract to purchase the property. They also filed and argued a Motion to Dismiss the entire case based on the Robertsons’ rights to possess the property under the purchase contract. Their motion was granted.
JALA’s legal advocacy made a substantial difference in the Robertson family’s financial and living situation. They were ultimately able to stay in their home and uphold their equitable interest in the property under their lawful purchase contract.
