Legal aid clinics for flood victims OTTAWA - The legal aid offices of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE)and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), along with other community agencies, will host a series of free, legal clinics for individuals in Putnam County most affected by the flooding and who are facing potential legal issues.
The meetings are scheduled for Thursday, September 27 and October 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Putnam County Courthouse, Assembly Room, 245 E. Main Street in Ottawa.
Attorneys and advocates from ABLE and LAWO will be available for brief consultation, including the review of insurance policies, leases, and mortgage agreements.
The following topics will be covered at upcoming clinics (note: topics may change based on the needs of the flood victims).
Thursday, October 4 - Dealing with Foreclosure and Working with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)Learn what you need to know when working with FEMA. You may be eligible for a number of types of assistance, including temporary housing, uninsured emergency personal needs, unemployment assistance due to a disaster, and debris removal from private property, crisis counseling, and more.
Thursday, October 11 - Dealing with Foreclosure and Landlord/Tenant Issues Tenants have a right to safe and healthy living conditions. This session will cover what to do if your landlord will not make repairs needed to protect the health and safety of you and your family. In addition, in some cases a tenant may be entitled to end the lease, or file suit to force the landlord to make repairs.
Thursday, October 18 - Dealing with Foreclosure and Insurance and Mortgage Company Issues
Most home owner's insurance covers a number of weather related damage, but few policies cover flood damage. People with questions about their insurance policy and what is covered should bring a copy of their policy to the clinic. People with questions about their mortgage are also encouraged to attend and bring copies of their mortgage papers.
The free legal aid clinics will include informational presentations each hour, at 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Volunteer attorneys will also be on hand to provide legal advice to flood victims for their individual issues. Those individuals who need full service legal assistance from ABLE or LAWO will be assessed for eligibility at the meeting, while others will be directed to community volunteer lawyers who are available on a pro bono basis. Future meetings will be announced.
For additional information, contact Patricia J. Robb, Communications Director, at 419-930-2517 or 419-350-6017 or probb@ablelaw.org
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