This request was the first one to give us pause; $320.58 was needed to pay off a lawyer’s bill. We really struggled with this request because we did not want to set a precedent by paying an outstanding debt.
Our client Harold is developmentally disabled. He worked full time and had been married. His marriage had ended and he was anxious to put it behind him. He was not eligible for legal aid because he had been working. He hired a lawyer who’s final bill was a very reasonable $1,070.58. There was no way Harold could afford that. Harold’s dad was able to come up with $750 but the balance was owing and causing great stress to Harold. Harold has applied for ODSP and was eligible. That would have insured that he would qualify for legal aid but he would have to start the whole process over. We viewed this as a gap in the legal system. The situation was causing extreme stress and anxiety to Harold during an already difficult time. He needed to move on with his life.
We decided this was a quality of life request and we approved the grant.