(Photo not that of the actual clients.)
“Ben,” a 91-year-old WWII veteran, and his 89-year old wife, “Rita,” came to St. Johns County Legal Aid, JALA’s St. Augustine office, in desperation, saying the courthouse had sent them.
Just after Christmas 2018 the couple, who had been married for 68 years, had agreed to take in their 34-year-old schizophrenic grandson as he was getting out of jail. Ever since his arrival in their home, he had been disrespectful and unstable and had refused treatment. Ben said if the situation continued one more day, he was going to have a stroke.
The grandson was outside the legal aid office in the couple’s car, having jumped in and refused to get out when they were leaving to go to the legal aid office. When he got out of the car, the car alarm went off and police responded. The officers stayed while a legal aid attorney met with Ben and Rita, who then handed the grandson a notice to vacate by 5 p.m., along with a resource pamphlet with information about social services, as well as homeless and mental health services.
Within five days, legal aid obtained a court order requiring the grandson to vacate the couple’s home. Some situations have no happy ending, but legal aid can provide a couple like Ben and Rita a measure of legal protection and support in a time of great need.
