Small Town News

Free legal info via videophone in Gualala

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Action Network is now hosting free legal information sessions every Thursday afternoon in Gualala, via videophone.

The new service is provided by the Self-Help Legal Access Center out of Ukiah.

Though legal advice is not given, and an attorney/client relationship is not formed, members of the SHLA will provide information and direction in legal matters.

"In times of budget cuts an program slashing, the SHLA Center is thrilled to have expanded services to Gualala," said the SHLA's Tanya Ridino.

Ridino said she is investigating whether or not the service can also be provided at Action Network's location in Point Arena.

SHLA offers legal assistance with restraining orders, small claims litigation, family law and other legal matters.

SHLA is unable to provide assistance with criminal cases, bankruptcy or immigration, or unlawful detainer (eviction) cases and also will not attend any court hearings.

Walk-ins are welcome, says an Action Network representative, but scheduled appointments will be served first. To make an appointment, call (707) 884-5413. Spanish translation is also available by appointment only.

Ridino explained one recent Gualala case to exemplify what SHLA does for the community: "As but one example, recently a Gualala resident and Hispanic mother of two children who had separated from her husband due to domestic violence concerns called the SHLA center terrified about a notice she had just received from her husband that he was requesting sole custody of the children and that the issue would be decided on an emergency temporary basis by the Superior Court the next day.

"By actually seeing the forms which had been previously filed, via the videophones images, I was able to fully understand the legal process the mother was faced with and was able to provide her with crucial information she needed to be prepared for Court. Our services greatly assisted this woman with feeling confident when she got to court and the Judge did deny the father's request for immediate custody."

To contact SHLA directly, call (707) 468-2020.



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© 2011 Independent Coast Observer Gualala, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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