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Prairie State Legal Services - "Making a Positive Difference" |
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| Mary's Story Child Support / Pro Bono |
| Mary’s story is a wonderful depiction of the child support and pro bono work that we do at and through Prairie State Legal Services. Shortly after Mary contacted the Peoria office, she was in a severe car accident which required her to be on a respirator for several weeks. Mary’s case was left open in our office until she was physically and emotionally able to pursue the child support matter. After Mary was released from the hospital, we prepared petitions to increase child support and a petition for rule to show cause for her ex-husband’s failure to pay child support and medical expenses for both of her daughters. The case was further complicated by the fact that the ex-husband was dodging service of the court documents. |
| After successfully obtaining service of the documents upon Mary’s ex-husband, we were able to obtain a judgment against Mary’s ex-husband in the amount of $2,901 in unpaid child support and $1,236.32 in unpaid medical expenses. In addition, Mary’s child support was increased from $35 to $100 per week. The award of the child support and medical expense reimbursement is making a positive difference in Mary’s life and the lives of her daughters. |
| After Mary’s severe car accident, she realized that it would be wise for her to have a will and health care power of attorney prepared. Through the pro bono program of our office, we were able to refer this matter to a private attorney who prepared and executed a will and health care power of attorney for Mary without charge. |