Equal Access To Justice

Problem:

Did you know that veterans, who have faithfully served our country, often have trouble accessing the benefits they are entitled to? “Suzanne,” a proud veteran who was disabled during her military service, applied for much-needed VA disability benefits. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs denied her three claims on three separate occasions, claiming they did not find a link between her medical condition and military service.

Impact:

Because Suzanne sought help through DVAP’s Veterans Clinic, she was matched with a volunteer attorney. She and her attorney went to court and won her case. Not only did Suzanne begin to receive monthly benefits, she received the past benefits she deserved.

Problem:

Did you know that there are parents in Dallas County who wait years to get divorced because they are unable to afford a lawyer to represent them? Parents like “Sonia,” a hard-working, Spanish-speaking mother of two who had been abandoned by her husband, worked extra jobs for two years to save money to hire two lawyers to file for divorce on two separate occasions. Both times she didn’t have enough money to pay the lawyers to complete the divorce. Her first case was dismissed while the second case lingered in the courts.

Impact:

Sonia then learned about the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and applied for help. Her volunteer attorney stepped in before the second case was dismissed and was able to finalize Sonia’s divorce, including custody, child support, and medical support orders. In fact, her volunteer attorney was able to complete Sonia’s years-long divorce journey within days of Sonia asking for help.

Problem:

Did you know that old criminal charges which have been dismissed routinely show up on background checks years later, making it difficult for people to get jobs? As a young man, “Charlie” was charged with shoplifting, but the charge was dismissed over 10 years ago. Despite the dismissal, the charges continued showing up on background checks and made it difficult for him to get a job.

Impact:

With the help of his DVAP volunteer attorney, Charlie’s criminal record was expunged. As a result, Charlie was hired for the bus driving job he wanted.