Comments | mattblakk: Call for help for elderly lesbian aunt being evicted after partners death

mattblakk

Call for help for elderly lesbian aunt being evicted after partners death

Jul 11, 2009 20:37

This is reposted for friends of mine whose 85 year old aunt is being evicted from her home after her partner died by partner's daughter who does not approve of their "Lifestyle."

This is in Seal Beach in Southern California. Does anyone know of any resources which might be helpful?

from sushispook and podle

So - last night I got a somewhat distressed call ( Read more... )

Comments 8

scream4noreason July 12 2009, 01:02:13 UTC

Get this on tv! This is the most perfect example I ever heard of which might make str8 people understand why gay relationship recognition is so important.

Surely there are some nosey reporters who would love this.

super_robby July 12 2009, 03:14:18 UTC

Not sure about the laws and agencies appropriate to this situation in CA but I believe this counts as elder abuse. Try a domestic abuse hotline or a suitable state agency for referrals.

whitr July 12 2009, 03:44:10 UTC

My first thoughts are to contact GLBTQ lawyers, the local queer center or move rapidly up the food chain to the HRC or a SoCal equivalent.A quick google search for Seal Beachturned up a host of resources incuding:
http://www.southbaycenter.org/
http://www.centerlb.org/
places for them to start.

Hey Matt... evilmommytina July 12 2009, 04:32:40 UTC

Depending on how long they shared a home... if there is any evidence at all of the nature of their relationship (shared accounts, letters, etc) then your aunt may have rights via PALIMONY laws... since they were basically common law without the legal paperwork.

Whitr's resources are excellent - as is attracting the media... BUT... honestly - no media should be involved AT ALL unless your aunt condones it. It would basically throw her headlong into a spotlight she may not desire at this stage of her life.

Much love and strength to you and yours.

Hugs, Tina

zanyassmask July 12 2009, 05:46:49 UTC

this actually won't fly in CA. The laws are too good.

NCLR, ACLU -- any of those guys would be a good place to start.

tommytesto July 12 2009, 18:22:48 UTC

And SAGE.

Matt, I will drop a note to Karen if that is OK.

noahjames July 12 2009, 21:35:15 UTC

I was going to mention the same thing. I'm Canadian so I might not have full information, but from what I've heard, the aunt may have the oppourtunity to obtain legal claim if she can prove a relationship existed and that the property was maintained and/or purchased by the both of them. I would think it would be similar to proving common law status irregardless of gender.

Also, I'm pretty sure that the daughter can't start living in the house and/or forcing the aunt to leave before getting legal title to the property. The aunt should be in a position to call the police and have the daughter taken away... not that she might be able to do that.

In any case, I wonder if it is possible to have a relative or group come and advocate for her with the daughter and stay with her until the daughter is at least out of the house.

Noah