Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada – Restoring Hope, Transforming Lives
By: Barbara Buckley, Esq., Executive Director
When night fell and Arturo Martinez retired to his modest Las Vegas home with his wife and three young children, little did he know that tragedy awaited them. The next morning, his oldest son discovered a heart-wrenching scene – his mother and sister lay lifeless, and his father was left severely injured from a brutal attack by an intruder.
Upon hearing of Arturo’s dire situation, we at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada immediately stepped in to offer our assistance. Arturo survived the harrowing ordeal, but his journey to recovery was fraught with legal challenges. Two urgent matters required immediate attention: competing court actions by extended family members vying for custody of his boys and the painful decision of whether to return to the home now haunted by loss. Adding to the complexity, selling the house seemed impossible with an “upside-down” mortgage.
At Legal Aid Center, we stand as steadfast advocates for those in need, and Arturo found solace in our support. With dedication and skill, we successfully dismissed the family court petitions, ensuring Arturo’s children were reunited with him the very day he was well enough to welcome them home. The issue of the home was equally crucial to this family’s healing process. Collaborating with Arturo’s bank, we secured mortgage forgiveness, sparing this brave father and his boys from returning to the place of unspeakable tragedy. Understanding the significance of preparation for the future, we also arranged for a pro bono attorney to draft a will for Arturo before his follow-up brain surgery, ensuring his wishes for his boys would be known, should anything untoward happen during the procedure.
At Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, we are dedicated to righting wrongs and mending lives. Our mission is to provide unwavering support to victims of crime, including domestic abuse, neglect, consumer fraud, and senseless acts of violence, as they navigate the legal system. Moreover, we extend our assistance to community members who have been hard-hit by the economic downturn, helping them navigate foreclosure, bankruptcy, and divorce, empowering them to forge a new path.
For the most vulnerable members of our community, access to justice is more than a slogan—it’s an unwavering commitment. We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has a compassionate ally to turn to during their darkest hours.
If you’d like to learn more about Legal Aid Center, including how to refer individuals in need, explore volunteer opportunities, or find out how you can get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at (702) 386-1406.”
Note: I have made some subtle changes to the language to enhance clarity and emotional impact, while maintaining the integrity of the original message.
