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New initiative will bring legal assistance closer to rural communities through local outposts, traveling attorneys, technology, and community partnerships  HOUSTON, Texas — Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) will lead a major effort to expand access to civil legal services in rural Texas as part of the newly launched Rural Justice Initiative, a historic, multi-year investment designed to change how rural […]

When Michelle called us in late 2024, she was afraid of losing her house. A veteran, she’d served almost 5 years in the military where she received medals, ribbons, and other decorations. After her honorable discharge, she married, had a child, and bought a house. At age 41, she lost her job while going through a divorce and she fell […]

At age 82, Geraldine Ueckert knew she needed to get her affairs in order. It was weighing on her mind, but she didn’t have money for an attorney – and she didn’t know where to start. She had a will, but it was ten years old. She wanted help drafting a new one; she wanted to name her son as […]

Justin was homeless and living in a small town when he came to Lone Star Legal Aid looking for help. He relied on odd jobs to survive, caring for animals, mowing lawns, and doing whatever work he could find to get by. For months, Justin worked for a local man, Mr. Roy, doing maintenance and outdoor work. Then one day, […]

When Janet’s younger brother needed an immediate life-flight to a hospital from the facility where he lived, Janet realized something was wrong. Tommy is in his late 40s, just a few years younger than Janet.  He is severely autistic. He’s non-verbal, but he can understand what people say.  After his group home changed ownership, his behavior shifted. He began harming […]

When Liza’s daughter and four grandchildren came to live with her in 2024, it was out of deep concern for their safety. Her daughter had left an abusive relationship and was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the left side of her head. According to her doctors, the injury may have been caused by being hit in the head by […]

Michael received a frightening letter from the IRS. It said he owed more than $14,000. “Notice of Intent to Levy and your Collection Due Process Right to a Hearing,” the letter said in large type, next to a caution symbol with an exclamation point. Since Michael and his wife barely make $14,000 a year, the tax bill put them into […]

When attorney Shalette Mitchell first spoke to George, she wasn’t sure she could help him. George is legally blind. He was facing eviction, but that’s what happens when you don’t pay your rent. George hadn’t paid his rent in four months. According to George, however, there was an issue with the electricity in his apartment. He was withholding his rent […]

After Fernando received a notice in the mail, he appeared at the courthouse in the next town over. He showed the judge a notice from LVNV, a debt collection company. LVNV’s letter said he owed over $3,000 on a loan he’d taken out from Cross River Bank more than three years ago. But Fernando hadn’t borrowed money from Cross Bank. […]

Mr. Wilkins wanted to help his friend. She needed a car, so he co-signed on the loan. The 67-year-old disabled veteran didn’t realize he’d agreed to pay the car note if his friend defaulted. A few months passed and they lost touch. Twelve years later, something happened with the car and Mr. Wilkins had to appear in court. By the […]

Taylor is a 29-year-old veteran in rural East Texas. She lives on a small veterans benefit check in a modest apartment with her young daughter. She called Lone Star Legal Aid because she needed a Durable Power of Attorney, or DPOA.  The purpose of a DPOA is to allow you to designate a person to take care of your person […]

Everything gets harder after an eviction. First of all, you’re homeless. Secondly, you have an eviction on your record, which makes it harder to find a landlord who will rent to you. That’s why our attorneys work hard to keep people from getting evicted in the first place. Marcia received an eviction notice because she was late with her rent […]