Servicios Legales de PR (SLPR) GivingTuesday 2021

Ensuring that low-income communities and at-risk individuals have equal access to justice and our legal system is the mission and purpose of the special fund created through this project.

Through thick and thin, whether after a natural disaster or not, PRLS has provided legal assistance and support to countless individuals, protecting them from foreclosures, domestic abuse, or predatory consumer practices, guaranteeing their rights in family law, special education, among others.

Today we share the story of don Ceferino who almost lost his home because of a foreclosure suit, brought against him for allegedly failing to comply with the terms of his reverse mortgage loan. A few years back, he had found himself in need of funds to cover health related expenses and repairs to his house due to damages caused by Hurricane Maria. In the bank he was sold the idea of procuring a reverse mortgage loan against the equity of his home. He did not understand the terms or responsibilities of the loan and they were not explained to him prior or after he signed the loan agreement. Clearly, in the short-term, the reverse loan agreement worked against his best interests and threatened him with the loss of his home.

Don Ceferino lives by himself, and he does not have transportation or a phone. Nonetheless, he arrived at our Caguas Direct Service Center, referred by local Court officials who understood the injustice that was being done against him and knew we could help him. He was scared and afraid because he had received a notice of a judgment against him of foreclosure, that stated that his home was going to be sold in public auction.

Our Foreclosure Prevention Unit team went to his house, to personally meet with him and after reviewing the case, took on his representation. Utilizing all of their skills, the team was able to stay the execution of the judgment and work out an amicable solution, that concluded with the bank withdrawing their allegations and requesting the voluntary dismissal of their case.

This story is representative of what elderly people in Puerto Rico are dealing with on almost a daily basis because of unscrupulous lenders who, in this instance, conveniently explained the terms of reverse mortgages in a way that lead the owner to believe that they do not have any responsibility other than to sign the loan documents. The dishonesty of the lenders throughout the mortgage acquiring process has resulted in a very large number of debtors who lack understanding of their mortgage products and how these agreements can affect their properties.

Our services will continue to be available to the people and communities most affected by these types of economic chicanery and deceptions with the resultant legal problems they create. Please continue to support our unique mission and work. Visit our website servicioslegales.org, or our social media channels to keep abreast of PRLS’ response to our client needs.