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Photo is not actual image of client.

“Charles,” a 64-year-old veteran, came to JALA after losing a foreclosure case concerning his late mother’s home, where he had been residing since 2012. He had been making the payments after his mother’s death, but fell behind due to life-threatening health issues. He then fought on his own for seven years to save the home.  By the time he came to JALA, a final judgment had already been entered and a sale date scheduled. JALA filed a successful emergency motion to postpone the sale, to allow time to address Charles’ lack of title through probate. Then JALA filed a probate action and obtained title for Charles. With title, he was able to gain the loan servicer’s recognition of his survivor-in-interest status, which would enable him to apply for loss mitigation programs. JALA helped him apply for a loan modification, as well as a special program to obtain down payment assistance to make the loan modification terms affordable. Charles was able to accept the modification, make the down payment with the assistance, and have the foreclosure sale cancelled. Without JALA’s help, the foreclosure had been a foregone conclusion, but instead Charles was able to remain in his family home with a payment he could afford.

About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.

If you are an attorney wanting to volunteer with probate and heirs property issues, contact JALA Pro Bono Director Aaron Irving, at (904) 356-8371, Ext. 363, or Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.

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