Names changed for privacy, photo not that of the clients.
“Scott Stief,” 57, a local government employee, came to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid when he and his wife, “Emily” were about to lose their home to foreclosure.
They had fallen behind on their home equity line of credit payments after Emily lost her nursing job of 25 years. Although Scott was working with the bank, the lender nonetheless started foreclosure proceedings.
Scott and Emly were having difficulty determining the amount they needed for reinstatement of the loan because of the interest payments and type of loan, and they had been served with a foreclosure notice.
JALA attorney Mike Pelkowski immediately began working to help the Stiefs avoid foreclosure, walking Scott through his court hearing.
JALA housing counselor Joy Bryant-Baucom meanwhile corresponded with the bank’s lawyers regarding the reinstatement figures and helped the Stiefs obtain City of Jacksonville Foreclosure Intervention Program funds. With the right reinstatement information and the city funds, she was able to get a check sent to the bank in the amount needed to get the loan reinstated.
“It was a pleasure working with Joy Bryant-Baucom,” Scott wrote. “She held my hand throughout the entire process and walked me through every step of the way. There were times I bombarded her with e-mails due to my overworrying and overthinking, and she always answered the e-mails without once losing her patience.”
He was also grateful to his JALA attorney.
“I also would like to thank Michael Pelkowski, who had a lengthy phone conversation with me and put me at ease,” Scott said.
Ultimately, the foreclosure was dismissed, and the Stiefs were able to remain in their home.
“I would personally like to thank Jacksonville Area Legal Aid for their assistance in preventing the foreclosure of my home,” Scott said.
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.
