Year in Stories

Nevada Law Foundation grants support organizations that improve access to justice in Nevada. Through careful selection and oversight, we ensure our grants impact the lives of our friends and neighbors most in need of legal assistance.

Nancy, a young Nevada girl, was placed in foster care because her mother neglected her. Her aunt wanted to adopt her, but was stymied by a difficult adoptions worker at the Department of Family Services (DFS). Legal Aid of Southern Nevada referred Nancy’s case to the Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP attempted to facilitate communication between Nancy’s aunt and the DFS adoptions unit, and eventually requested DFS appear in court to explain why the adoption process had been stalled. CAP also requested that the court review the case every sixty days to make sure the adoption process could move forward. One year later, through LASN and CAP’s persistence, the adoption was finalized.

“I would not have been able to obtain a divorce if attorney assistance was not available. I have no resources available to me above the cost of living. I needed help to get out of a dangerous situation. People in bad situations need this type of assistance to help them survive. [Volunteer Attorney for Rural Nevadan’s] help was exactly what I needed. Thanks!”

John and Betty Smith purchased a used car on credit from the dealer with a $2,500 down payment. The Smiths were not given the smog certificate required by law and therefore could not register or legally operate the vehicle. They sought help from the Legal Aid Center in Las Vegas (LAC). The LAC instructed the Smiths to withhold their first monthly payment, and helped them write a demand letter. The dealer nevertheless proceeded, three days after the payment was due, to repossess the vehicle. Suit was filed and the case proceeded to court-annexed arbitration. LAC represented the Smiths, arguing unlawful contract, material breach of contract, and failure to provide proper notice of intended disposition of the collateral after repossession. The Smiths were awarded over $8,000, plus attorney’s fees and costs.

*names have been changed to protect confidentiality