Providing Extra Assistance to Older Adults who want to assert and defend their rights in Small Claims Court in Marin County.
The late Genevieve Lockhart, a resident of Marin County for many years, was sued in small claims court by an attorney for $2,000 in legal fees for services that were never fully rendered. An older adult at the time, Ms. Lockhart looked for someone to help her defend herself in Small Claims Court. She was unable to find anyone to help her, which caused her a great deal of stress. Though overwhelmed, Mrs. Lockhart did represent herself in Small Claims court with minor support from her trusted estate planning attorney. Justice was served when the judge recognized that the lawyer was trying to take advantage of Mrs. Lockhart and reduced the required payment to $500. Regardless of the moral victory, Mrs. Lockhart was very affected by the stress of being involved in legal proceedings without support. Mrs. Lockhart had the vision that other older adults in Marin should have the legal support that she was unable to locate. The Lockhart Small Claims Support Program exists because of her bequest to Legal Aid of Marin. It is our answer to the anxiety and worry she experienced as an older adult in Marin County facing the Small Claims Court System.
Services Provided
- Education and Information about Small Claims Court and Procedures
- Legal Advice on Civil issues (housing, consumer purchases, debt, employment)
- Help Preparing demand letters, complaints & cross - complaints
- Assistance in planning for small claims court hearings
- Small Claims Court Appeal assistance and/or representation
- Services provided in both English & Spanish
