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Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when faced with complex terminologies. To empower individuals with a better understanding of civil law, we aim to define and explain some common legal terms encountered in civil proceedings. By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and navigate legal matters with confidence. In this guide, we’ll […]

Beware of notario fraud! It’s important to understand the risks involved to protect yourself and your loved ones. Notarios are not lawyers, even though their title might sound similar. They cannot provide legal advice or represent you in immigration matters.  Some people pretend to be notarios to take advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking help with their immigration cases. They may […]

What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX protects individuals from gender-based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault. Title IX requires educational institutions to address reports of sexual violence and support […]

HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid, alongside dozens of other volunteers and local nonprofit organizations, were recipients of volunteer appreciation awards Friday morning at City Hall. We were presented with the Mayor’s Community Engagement Award. We received the award because of our involvement with the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation’s (NRCDC) […]

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). The theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound,” which aims to discuss the diversity among aging populations, and discredit stereotypes. For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time […]

The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) is seeking a renewal of a Federal Operating Permit (FOP) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Deer Park Terminal, where a hazardous chemical fire occurred in 2019. To discuss the permit application, a Public Hearing will be held on May 4th at 7 PM at the Gaines Mason Auditorium, also known […]

Not all legal problems are solved in the courtroom. Lawyers can help you with legal advice only or brief service. This is like an interview where you talk to the lawyer about your problem, and they give you advice. This can help you decide what to do next about your legal problem. In some cases, they may provide a brief […]

OneClean Houston Plan This year, the Houston Mayor’s office has released a plan to combat illegal dumping called OneClean Houston Plan. The plan calls for better enforcement, prevention, and education on the consequences of illegal dumping.  The OneClean Houston Plan is a combined effort between the Mayor’s office and community members, which include homeowners, community members, the industry, and nonprofits, […]

A whole week in April each year is dedicated to recognizing crime victims, their rights, and their stories. It is an annual campaign that focuses on the victims’ rights movement, federal legislation, court decisions, government actions, and programs working with crime victims. The week-long campaign raises awareness and helps victims rebuild their lives. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a […]

Legal aid is a valuable resource for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Yet there are many misconceptions about legal aid that keep people from asking for help. In this article, we will debunk five common myths about legal aid. MYTH: Legal aid is only available for criminal cases. FACT: While legal aid is often associated with criminal defense, it […]

Guide to Legal Rights Legal rights are the entitlements and protections established by law, and they exist to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and justly in various legal contexts. Understanding legal rights is crucial for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their interests, and this is especially true for low-income individuals who may face additional challenges to accessing […]

UPDATE – To ensure all Medicaid recipients who received renewal packets in April have at least 30 days to respond, as required by federal guidelines, HHSC has extended the deadline to return renewal packets from May 8 to May 15. Attention Medicaid recipients: CONTINUOUS COVID MEDICAID ENDED  YOU MUST FILL OUT RECERTIFICATION PACKETS OR YOUR MEDICAID WILL BE CUT OFF. WATCH […]

Domestic violence can have serious consequences for survivors. It is important for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to seek support. In this article, we will explore the legal and non-legal options available for survivors of domestic violence. Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence Civil legal aid can be a helpful resource for survivors of domestic violence by providing […]

Each April, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country commemorate Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that highlight HUD’s fair housing enforcement efforts, enhance Americans’ awareness of their fair housing rights, and emphasize the importance of ending housing discrimination. Our Fair Housing team focuses on the right to stay in decent and […]

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $300,000, and you qualify for a $40,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts). You will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $260,000. Not all homes qualify for a homestead […]

Civil legal aid helps people access basic necessities, such as health care, housing, government benefits, employment, and educational services.  According to Legal Service Corporation’s 2022 Justice Report, nearly three quarters (74%) of low-income households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the previous year.  A third (33%) of low-income Americans had at least one problem they attributed to the […]

Bailey met her boyfriend Danny through her friendship with his sister. They dated on and off for several years, often separating due to Danny’s emotional and physical abuse towards Bailey. When Danny was arrested for robbery, Bailey decided that was the final straw, and broke up with him. She had been working hard towards her career as a licensed security […]

Lone Star Legal Aid joined Children at Risk for an educational bus tour generously co-sponsored by Houston Young Lawyers Association and Vinson & Elkins LLP on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 2900 Weslayan St. Ste 400, Houston, TX 77027. This tour and discussion aimed to help expose the realities of domestic minor sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation […]

The Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 5-11, 2023. Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or even how to prevent foreclosure or bankruptcy. NCPW is a time to help people understand their consumer rights.  Texas […]

Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire on May 11, 2023. Earlier this month, there was an announcement ending the additional funding for SNAP recipients due to the PHE ending, […]