Legal Aid Chicago works to help survivors of violence and trafficking begin new lives.
Legal Aid Chicago attorneys, specializing in several different areas of law, came together to help Kathy. After suffering years of horrific physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Kathy finally obtained an order of protection against him which made him move out of her home. The relief was short-lived because, without her spouse’s income, she could not afford the mortgage payments, and a few months later the bank threatened to foreclose.
Kathy came to Legal Aid Chicago, terrified of living on the streets with her small dog Molly.
“I didn’t have the money to pay for legal bills,” Kathy said. “I was completely lost and I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. This is not just a house, this is my home..”
A Legal Aid Chicago family law attorney helped Kathy secure a divorce from her abuser, as well as get his name removed from the title of her home. A consumer law specialist helped her get a loan modification so the foreclosure was dismissed and she could stay in her home. During all legal proceedings, a Legal Aid Chicago social worker helped Kathy to get the support she needed to feel safe and secure, especially when she had to face her abuser in court.
“[Legal Aid Chicago] saved me,” Kathy wrote in a note to Attorney Benna Crawford. “I really cannot imagine what would have happened to me if it were not for all of your help. I will always be indebted to you. Thanks to all of you, Molly and I will be ok.”
