SUCCESS STORY

After losing their parents in a tragic car accident, Hemalata and her sister moved in with an aunt who treated the children poorly. At times, they were not even given basic necessities such as food and clothes. When Hemalata turned 18, she was ordered to leave the aunt’s home and was only allowed to see her younger sister in closely supervised situations. Three years later, Hemalata learned that her aunt had abused her younger sister and was threatening to send her away to a distant uncle. How could Hemalata protect her sister?

How Legal Aid Helped
Through our Guardianship Pro Bono Project, Legal Aid appointed a pro bono attorney to Hemalata’s case who acted swiftly to separate her sister from the abusive home.

• The attorney filed a court petition for temporary guardianship on behalf of Hemalata

• At the same time, the attorney also filed for removal of the aunt as guardian

• In a subsequent court proceeding, Legal Aid helped Hemalata successfully obtain permanent guardianship of her sister

Today Hemalata ensures that her sister is well cared for, and she is grateful to Legal Aid for reuniting her family.

To help give hope to children like Hemalata and her sister, please give a gift.