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For the poor, a new path around probate
Picture this: A working-class grandmother dies after a long, full life at 85. She’s survived by a large, loving family and leaves behind some minor possessions, a few hundred dollars in a bank account, and a home in Houston – but no will. Probating an estate without a will is complicated and costly. The surviving heirs are going to need to hire an attorney, notice all known heirs, run an ad in the newspaper to notice all creditors, hire a second attorney to represent the unknown and missing heirs, and pay for several other costs. The price tag could easily reach $5,000 to $10,000. More »
Legal aid in action: Stories from the frontlines
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and JUSTICE FOR ALL. With a hand over our heart, we have all made the pledge. For many of us, it’s those final words – Justice For All – that echo loudest. More »
More state money is needed to provide legal representation for poor
This country has a legal-aid funding crisis. Matters are just as bad, if not worse, in Texas. Currently, 5.6 million Texans qualify for legal assistance with issues such as domestic violence, foreclosures and health care for the elderly. Yet insufficient state funding makes access to legal representation for the poor almost impossible. Only about 104,000 families receive help each year from a small group of legal aid organizations. More »
A middle ground between pro rates and pro bono
We talk a lot about pro bono work. Many of the most successful initiatives here at the Texas Access to Justice Commission have revolved around motivating attorneys young and old to gift low-income Texans with a slice of their time and knowledge. This work is crucial, all the more so because the number of people that need legal help vastly exceeds the number who receive it. More »
The story of #ProBono2015 Spring Break
Enjoy the story of 66 Texas law students having a truly life-altering SpringBreak experience through pictures & posts! You'll see these students immersing themselves in opportunities to help low-income Texans with their civil legal needs across the great state of Texas. More »
Probate Lawyers Support Pro Se Forms
Some probate attorneys want to help the effort if lawmakers pass a bill to require the Texas Supreme Court to create standard probate and wills forms for low-income Texans. Probate lawyer Craig Hopper told members of the Senate State Affairs Committee on March 9 that he already identified a potential panel of people who might collaborate to create "good forms" if the legislature passes Senate Bill 512. More »
Law students giving back
For the last two years, Pro Bono Spring Break harnessed the energy of student lawyers to support legal aid offices in underserved areas of the state. The gain for these students is two-fold: the satisfaction of helping low-income Texans in need of legal assistance and the hands-on experience that turns student lawyers into working attorneys. More »
