Legal Services of Southern Missouri | News

Foreclosure Deal May Offer Relief

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:55 -0600

The Springfield News-Leader highlights foreclosures in the Springfield Metropolitan area and work by Legal Services Staff Attorney Summer Masterson . To read the full story visit http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120219/NEWS01/302190043?fb_ref=artrectop%3Bartsharebottom&fb_source=home_oneline

Funding For Legal Aid is Drying Up

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:11 -0600

Missouri Lawyers Weekly recently highlighted federal funding cuts for the four Missouri Legal Services programs. Read the entire article at http://molawyersmedia.com/blog/2012/02/03/legal-services-corp-faces-shrinking-budget-as-demand-for-legal-assistance-grows/

Free Tax Preparation for Low-Income People

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:44 -0600

This tax season, Springfield, MO residents with incomes of $31,000 or less (any age) or up to $57,000 (age 51 or less and 65 or older) can get free help in preparing their tax returns through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Legal Services of Southern Missouri is providing space for this service at its Springfield office through its partnership with Across the LIfespan (ATLS) Coalition on Tuesday evenings from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. through April 10, 2012. To make your tax preparation appointment, please call 417.864.0030.

The ATLS Coalition is comprised of Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Missouri State University, the IRS, Drury University, Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, Missouri Department of Revenue, United Way, the Springfield-Greene County Library District, University of Missouri Extension, and Consumer Credit Counseling.

Abusers Use Custody Battles as a Way to Seek Control

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:50 -0600

As part of the Child Abuse and Neglect series by the Springfield News-Leader, LSSM Staff Attorney Kendall Seal provides input on child custody proceedings and how abusers may use the system as a way to control their victims. To read the full article visit http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201150333.

Child Abuse

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:27 -0600

Child abuse and neglect across the Ozarks is brought to light by the Springfield News-Leader. To read the full article visit: http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201150327.

U.S. Census Bureau Poverty Statistics

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:14 -0600

The U.S. Census Bureau released its poverty statistics, and the data show that nearly one in five Americans qualifies for civil legal assistance at the legal aid offices funded by the Legal Services Corporation. To read the full article visit http://www.lsc.gov/press/pressrelease_detail_2011_T274_R50.php.

Jerry Redfern Selected as a "2011 Men of the Year" Honoree

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:53 -0600

LSSM Board member Jerry Redfern was selected by the Springfield Business Journal as one of the 2011 Men of the Year Honorees. Mr. Redfern also served as LSSM's Board President from 1998 - 2005. During his tenure as President, Mr. Redfern lead the merger between Legal Aid of Southwest Missouri, Meramac Area Legal Aid Corporation, and Southeast Missouri Legal Services, Inc. The merger created a 43 county service area, and the organization changed its name to Legal Services of Southern Missouri. To view the entire article visit http://sbj.net/main.asp?SectionID=48&SubSectionID=108&ArticleID=90292.

LSSM May Realize Budget Cuts

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:28 -0600

(Springfield, MO) -- Congress dropped the budget for the corporation that supports free legal services at more than 100 spots across the country.

Hundreds of low income residents of the Ozarks could get turned away from free legal aid if these cuts go through.

Right now, they're only general spending recomendations, and they're bundled together with a load of other proposed cuts.

Still, Legal Services of Southern Missouri is bracing for a possible blow.

Elizabeth, a domestic abuse victim claims her ex-husband was emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive in her household.

"My children, they're special and they don't deserve to be treated that way," she says. "If I had not had legal aid, I would have been stuck in that situation. If there wasn't funds for domestic violence centers, I would have nowhere to go."

With the help of Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Elizabeth says she got a protective order, a safe home, and found an attorney to help with a divorce.

"We get about 10,000 applications a year on an average year and we're able to help about 2,500 people," says Douglas Kays, executive direction of Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

Attorneys there could soon be helping fewer people.

Earlier this year, Congress okayed a 4-percent cut to the National Legal Services Corporation. Now, the House Appopriations Committee is proposing taking away another 26-percent from the group next year.

Kays says proposed federal cuts would translate to $500,000 less for Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

"We help about 2,500 people a year," says Kay. "We'd probably have to reduce that by 500 or 600."

In a media release about the proposal, the House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said, "Given this time of fiscal crisis, it is also important that Congress make tough decisions to cut programs when necessary to give priority to programs with broad national reach that have the most benefit to the American people."

If you want to get legal aid, you have to meet certain income guidlines. The executive director says maximum income for a single person is just more than $13,000 a year.

For a family of four, it's about $28,000.

To view the interview visit http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=514897

LSSM's Legal Staff Works With Domestic Violence Cases Daily

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:50 -0600

Springfield, MO) -- A man says his one-year-old girl was safe in his care throughout the night as troopers issued an endangered person advisory.

The Missouri Highway Patrol sent out an alert saying the girl was taken by Charles Knapp after he broke into his ex-girlfriend's home, assaulted her and grabbed the baby.

It happened in Aldrich, Missouri around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday at E. 512th road.

Springfield police confirm the baby was located on the 1900 block of E. Monroe in Springfield.

They say a man was detained but released. Hours later, the father, 26 year-old Charles Knapp, showed up at KOLR10 with his baby girl, McKenzie.

He says no one was more surprised than he when he learned he was the subject of a manhunt.

Knapp claims he did not assault the child's mother and has shared custody with her. He says he's had McKenzie since Tuesday afternoon when he picked her up. He denies a dispute with her mother.

"All the accusations are false and that's why police released her into my custody," said Knapp.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said Knapp still had custody of his daughter. Although, it was still unclear who was supposed to have legal custody of the little girl.

"It takes again, a thorough review of the facts in each case to determine what's going on," said Kendall Seal, an attorney with Legal Services of Southern Missouri. "I think in a lot of these cases, you have a level of domestic violence at play, a level of manipulation at play."

Legal Services of Southern Missouri deals with domestic cases daily. This situation is not out of the ordinary for lawyers there.

"It's important that the court system, that law enforcement and the community respond in a clear direct way," said Seal.

A member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says the Polk County Sheriff's Office originally requested an Amber Alert be issued for the child. The patrol issued the endangered person advisory after talking with at least one investigator and deciding that the circumstances did not qualify for an Amber Alert. To view the story visit http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=494807.

Summer Masterson Helps Joplin Tornado Victims

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:43 -0600

Legal Services of Southern Missouri Staff Attorney Summer Masterson recently volunteered to assist individuals and families displaced by the Joplin tornado. The effort coordinated by The Missouri Bar, provides for Missouri lawyers to visit with storm victims and offer pro bono legal advice. Ms. Masterson assisted victims with a variety of legal matters including landlord/tenant, family law, and insurance matters.

Treasury Issues News Rules Covering Directly Deposited Benefits

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:32 -0600

In spite of long-standing statutory provisions protecting Social Security and other federal benefits from creditors, judgment-creditors routinely get banks to freeze accounts containing exempt funds and regularly satisfy their judgments with such funds, often leaving the account-holder destitute.

This situation will change on May 1, 2011 when new rules go into effect governing garnishment from accounts into which certain exempt federal benefits are directly deposited. The new rules are designed to assure the account holder of uninterrupted access to at least two months worth of benefits.

Visit the National Senior Citizens Law Center for full article.

April is Financial Literacy Month

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:24 -0600

A Great Time to Share Free Resources from the FTC

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has information to help you make the most of your money whether you’re a student, young adult, parent, older person, or military service member.

“Making well-informed decisions about money is a key life skill,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Financial Literacy Month is a great time to learn your financial rights – or teach someone you care about.”

Information from the FTC can help people gain mental muscle by understanding how credit reports and credit scores affect the rates and terms they get on loans; how to exercise their rights when dealing with debt collectors; how to protect their personal information and minimize the risk of identity theft; how advertising affects them; and much more:

· Money Matters offers short, practical tips, videos, and links to reliable sources on a variety of topics in English and Spanish, ranging from credit repair, debt collection, job hunting, and job scams to vehicle repossession, managing mortgage payments, and avoiding foreclosure rescue scams.

· Free Annual Credit Reports offers details about a consumer’s right to a free copy of his or her credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies, upon request, once every 12 months. Reviewing one’s credit report regularly is an effective way to deter and detect identity theft.

· You Are Here is a virtual mall where kids experience the FTC’s mission by learning about advertising, competition, and how to protect their privacy.

All of the FTC’s financial literacy materials are in the public domain. They can be posted, reprinted, or adapted to educate people about their consumer rights.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. “Like” the FTC on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

LSSM Opens New Headquarters in Springfield, MO

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:57 -0600

Legal Services of Southern Missouri hosted its Open House at its new facility located at Chestnut Expressway and Campbell Avenue in Springfield, MO. To read the full article visit http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-free-legal-services-a-new-building-to-provide-free-legal-services-opens-in-springfield-but-there-are-still-too-many-people-for-the-office-to-take-on-20110319,0,264538.story

"Parliamentary Pointers" scheduled for April 9, 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:29 -0600

Do you serve on a school board, a non-profit board, church board or city council? Have you participated in a meeting that didn’t run as smoothly as you’d like? Or would you just like to learn how to conduct meetings more effectively? Whether you are a board member or the president, this workshop is for you!

Dr. Leonard Young, Past President of the National Association of Parliamentarians, is an experienced, talented Professional Registered Parliamentarian, and presents parliamentary procedure in an interesting, understandable format.

Springfield Council of PTAs is sponsoring this event to benefit PTAs and other community organizations, whose work would be supported by the skills gained at this event.

For more information and registration information visit http://www.lsosm.org/workspace/media/uploads/files/parliamentary-20training-1-.pdf

LSSM Partners with Area Agencies to Provide Unbiased Representation to Victims

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:34 -0600

As a public interest, not-for-profit law firm, Legal Services of Southern Missouri (LSSM) can provide unbiased legal representation for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in the criminal cases against their abusers. The unbiased representation of victims in criminal court is not available through defense counsel, prosecuting attorneys or victim advocates. In an era of budget cuts and larger caseloads, LSSM is willing to provide the criminal courts with a new and more effective response to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. We hope that this partnership will enhance victim rights and safety through the criminal prosecution process; by clarifying the attorney-client relationship for all parties and providing a more ethical and individualized system response.

To read the full article visit http://www.lsosm.org/workspace/media/uploads/files/lssm_edge-article.pdf

Renewed Interest In Social Justice

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:32 -0600

Cheryl Capages shares her insight to practicing law and helping the poor. Ms. Capages recognizes LSSM's Executive Director Douglas B. Kays and the efforts of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. To read the full article visit the Springfield News-Leader at http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110203/OPINIONS05/102030313/Capages-Fresh-perspective-brings-renewed-interest-social-justice?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinions|p.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:48 -0600

Community Partnership, Legal Services of Southern Missouri and the ATLS Coalition hosted a reception on Friday, January 28, 2011, to recognize EITC Awareness Day and introduce the newest VITA free tax preparation site at Legal Services of Southern Missouri located at 809 North Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO.

The EITC is one of the largest anti-poverty programs which helps lift five million people, half of them children, out of poverty each year. However, the IRS estimates that 20-25% of qualifying taxpayers miss out on thousands of dollars every year because they fail to claim their EITC. So increasing awareness about this important, potentially life changing tax credit is crucial, especially for families and working people hit by hard economic times.

In attendance and/or addressing the group were City Councilman Bob Stephens, Greene County Commissioner Harold Bengsch, Stacy Burks of U. S. Senator Roy Blunt's office, and Dr. Sandra Byrd from Missouri State University.

SMBA Honors Executive Director Douglas B. Kays

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:51 -0600

During the January 21, 2011, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA) Installation Banquet, LSSM's Executive Director Douglas B. Kays was presented the annual "President's Award." SMBA President Brian Hamburg honored Doug Kays for his 30 years of service to the clients of Legal Services of Southern Missouri. Hamburg also recognized Doug for his dedication to pro bono assistance for those less fortunate.

In addition, to honor outgoing President Hamburg's tireless efforts for Legal Services and pro bono work, each and every member of the SMBA Board of Directors agreed to take on one pro bono case during 2011 for Legal Services. SMBA Executive Director Crista Hogan presented Doug with a letter acknowledging this gracious gift, signed by each member of the Board.

LSSM and SMBA have partnered on many projects over the past 30 years to ensure equal access to justice for low-income families.

LSSM Participates in TU College of Law Mentoring Program

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:34 -0600

LSSM's Director of Litigation Deanna Scott serves as a mentor in the University of Tulsa College of Law Mentoring Program which provides an opportunity for law students to learn and experience poverty law. To read the full article visit http://www.tualumni.com/redirect.aspx?linkID=5303&eid=75973

ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES CONSENT JUDGMENT AGAINST ELITE FINANCIAL SERVICES

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:05 -0600

Attorney General Koster today announced that the Massachusetts-based debt settlement firm Elite Financial Services, Inc., has agreed to refund all fees paid by Missouri consumers and cease operating in Missouri.

Koster said Elite Financial Services charged consumers a fee and promised to reduce their unsecured debt, such as credit card debt, but failed to do so in many instances. He said the company has agreed to an injunction barring them from accepting any business from Missourians and to refund all fees paid by any Missouri consumers who submit complaints to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office within one year of today’s date.

The Attorney General’s Office will send notices in the coming weeks to all consumers who signed up for so-called debt relief services with Elite Financial. The notices will inform Missouri consumers of their right to a full refund of any and all fees paid to this company.

Any consumers who do not receive a notice but believe they are entitled to a refund from Elite Financial Services should contact the Attorney General’s Office at 800-392-8222.

“The debt settlement industry has sought to profit from the fear and stress many Missourians are experiencing in these difficult economic times.” Koster said. “These so-called debt settlement companies prey on consumers who are desperately searching for a way to decrease their debt. These companies promise to magically reduce consumer debt by 50 percent or more, but in reality, most consumers end up worse off by following their advice. These companies will face aggressive consumer law enforcement in Missouri.”

Koster warned consumers to be wary of claims made by these companies and never to pay upfront fees for this so-called service.

Today’s settlement was filed in Oregon County, Missouri. Elite Financial’s conduct was brought to the attention of the Attorney General’s Office by Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2010/Attorney_General_announces_consent_judgment_against_Elite_Financial_Services/

Bill Morgan Elected as LSSM President

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:48 -0600

The Board of Directors elected William C. Morgan of Waynesville, Missouri as its new President.

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Mayor's Proclamation

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:17 -0600

As part of the ABA National Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Springfield Mayor James O'Neal recognized LSSM with a proclamation honoring the private bar for volunteering time to represent LSSM's low-income clients. City Councilwoman Cynthia Rushefsky presented the proclamation to LSSM's Executive Director Douglas B. Kays during the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association meeting on October 25, 2010. To read the proclamation, visit the 2010 ABA National Celebration of Pro Bono photo album on our Facebook page.

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‘Nowhere else to go’: Missouri legal services forced to reject more people who need help

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:08 -0600

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LSSM Testimonial - The Honorable John C. Holstein

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:42 -0600

LSSM Testimonial - The Honorable John C. Holstein - Justice For All Campaign Cabinet

LSSM Testimonial - Rebecca McDowell Cook

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:41 -0600

LSSM Testimonial - Rebecca McDowell Cook - Attorney at Law

LSSM Testimonial - The Honorable Stephen N Limbaugh Jr

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:39 -0600

LSSM Testimonial - The Honorable Stephen N Limbaugh Jr - US District Court Eastern District Missouri

Staff Attorney Kendall Seal & Client Story

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:44 -0600

A client story from Staff Attorney Kendall Seal.

Doug Kays KOLR 10 Interview

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:41 -0600

KOLR 10 interviews Executive Director Doug Kays.