Senior Advocacy Network - Senior Law Project - Modesto, CA

Dedicated Legal Aid for Older Adults in Stanislaus County

Access to justice is a fundamental right, especially for older adults facing housing insecurity or legal exploitation. Established in 2011 by attorney Joyce Gandelman, Senior Advocacy Network - Senior Law Project provides vital, no-cost legal assistance to residents aged 60 and older across Modesto and Stanislaus County. Funded in part through the California Department of Aging, the Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging, and the State Bar of California Legal Services Trust Fund, this nonprofit organization ensures vulnerable seniors receive quality attorney representation. The program was honored with the California State Bar DEI Leadership Bronze Seal in 2024 for its dedication to equity and community service.

Housing Defense and Foreclosure Prevention Advocacy

Maintaining stable housing is critical to the health and independence of seniors. The legal team at Senior Advocacy Network works tirelessly as tenant rights advocates and residential real estate lawyers to keep seniors safely housed. The firm assists older adults facing unlawful detainer evictions, unfair rent increases, habitability violations, mobile home park conflicts, and lease terminations. Staff attorneys provide court representation, draft responsive pleadings, and negotiate with landlords during dispute resolution.

Through its Homeownership Preservation Program, serving Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, and Mariposa counties, the organization also helps seniors prevent foreclosure. Attorneys evaluate property liens, explore mortgage loan workouts, and defend against predatory lending practices to protect seniors from losing their homes.

Essential Estate Planning and Powers of Attorney

Establishing clear legal authority before an emergency arises is vital for older adults. Serving as dedicated power of attorney lawyers and wills lawyers, Senior Advocacy Network assists qualifying seniors with advance legal planning. Staff attorneys draft durable financial powers of attorney, granting trusted representatives legal authority to handle banking and property affairs during incapacity.

Additionally, the program prepares advance health care directives and, through a volunteer attorney wills panel, assists seniors with simple wills to ensure personal property is distributed according to their wishes without costly probate disputes.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Services

Many seniors living on fixed retirement incomes face overwhelming credit card balances and aggressive collections. Acting as knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyers and debt relief lawyers, Senior Advocacy Network assists eligible seniors with Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings to discharge burdensome debts and stop creditor harassment.

Elder Abuse Protection and Restraining Orders

The organization provides urgent legal support to obtain elder abuse restraining orders in Stanislaus County Superior Court, protecting older adults from physical, emotional, and financial abuse.

Why the Community Relies on the Senior Law Project

• No-Cost Legal Representation: Free legal services for Stanislaus County seniors aged 60 and older with no income barrier for core legal services.
• State Bar Recognized: Recipient of the California State Bar DEI Leadership Bronze Seal for excellence in legal access and diversity.
• Bilingual Services: Full legal intake and counsel available in both English and Spanish.
• Holistic Senior Advocacy: Combining legal representation with housing counseling and emergency assistance.

Contact Senior Advocacy Network in Modesto Today

Senior Advocacy Network - Senior Law Project is conveniently located at 821 13th Street, Suite A, in Modesto, California. Stanislaus County legal intake is available by calling (209) 577-3814, with housing intake at (209) 497-6226. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. If you need to find a lawyer for a senior family member regarding eviction defense, powers of attorney, or debt relief, contact the office today for free legal guidance.