Kansas Legal Services Helps Kansans Prevent Foreclosures Across the State

Kansas Legal Services, in a project funded by the Kansas Bar Foundation, has helped dozens of Kansans fight or prevent foreclosure of their family homes. KLS helped these Kansans in all parts of the state through its eleven field offices. KLS attorneys spent over 1,600 hours in legal assistance through representation and advice, as well as providing education and referrals

Ana Santos is pictured here with her attorney from Kansas Legal Services, Casey Johnson, after winning in Court against her abusive ex-husband who filed foreclosure on her home. Ana was so grateful for Mr. Johnson’s advocacy.

Ana came to KLS when her ex-husband was trying to foreclose on her home. She speaks only Spanish. In the original divorce decree, Ana was granted possession of the marital home until her ex-husband paid her $14,500 or until it could be sold. The ex-husband never paid and Ana stayed in the home.

Years later, Ana’s ex-husband filed the foreclosure case. KLS attorney Casey Johnson dove head first into this case. Over a year of litigation culminated in a trial. Mr. Johnson skillfully argued why, after years of abuse and manipulation, Ana should be entitled to the property free and clear. The Court deemed the contract for deed void, due to the fraud used to induce Ana’s signature. In addition, Ana will be awarded punitive damages against her ex-husband, which are yet to be determined.

Another successful foreclosure case occurred in Riley County. When a retired military veteran and police officer fell on hard times and required extended hospitalization for a major medical condition, he could no longer make his loan payments on his home mortgage. Events happened so quickly that it wasn’t long before the sheriff delivered court papers notifying him that the bank was going to foreclose and take away his home.

Fortunately, the client connected with KLS. After meeting with an attorney at KLS, he learned that he had special rights and entitlements as a retired veteran with a VA-Loan. The mortgage foreclosure process was put on hold; and after some research was done by KLS—Manhattan Managing Attorney Paul Shipp, negotiations with the bank’s lawyer ensued. The client was informed of his right to seek a loan modification; the bank agreed. The mortgage foreclosure was dismissed and he kept his home. n

Ana Santos with KLS—Kansas City Assistant Managing Attorney Casey Johnson, after winning a fight against foreclosure of her home.