The Municipal Employees Legal Services held webinars on Family Law (Oct. 28), Real Estate (Nov. 30), and Student Debt (Dec. 8) that each drew scores of concerned union members seeking legal advice. These webinars now are available online to members at www.dc37.net.

“The pandemic has wreaked havoc on working families. COVID-19 has led to the interruption of non-custodial parent and grandparent visitation, impacted child support, and caused a spike in domestic violence,” said MELS Director Bill Whalen.

The top three Family Law issues discussed by MELS lawyers were child support, visitation, and ACS Child Protective Services intervention in the home.

Members can view the Family Law webinar replay at https://bit.ly/3e2JbQI or view the slides at https://bit.ly/3oC4vBq

“Family issues can adversely impact one’s ability to function at work and more,” Whalen said. “No DC 37 member has to face this alone.”

At the MELS Real Estate Webinar on Nov. 30, lawyers and housing experts explained the home-buying process. They discussed retaining and working with a realtor, financing and mortgages, seller and purchaser concerns, and home inspections.

Members can view the Real Estate webinar replay at https://bit.ly/2Jf96d7 or view the slides at https://bit.ly/37mclYb

On Dec. 8, MELS Senior Attorney Joseph Davidson and other lawyers led a webinar on student loan debt and the CARES Act. They shared information on COVID protections for student borrowers, income driven bankruptcy can play in discharging or reducing student borrower obligations.

“The pandemic further exacerbates the circumstances that hit DC 37 members hard, especially those essential workers providing vital city services during this unprecedented global health crisis,” Whalen said.

MELS attorneys are available to help DC 37 members who are covered by the free legal service. For more information, please contact the MELS Screening Unit at 212.815.1111.

On Dec. 8, MELS Senior Attorney Joseph Davidson and other lawyers led a webinar on student loan debt and the CARES Act. They shared information on COVID protections for student borrowers, income driven repayment plans, loan consolidation, rehabilitation after default, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Viewers can view the Student Loan Webinar replay at https://bit.ly/2K0d6Ou or view the slides at https://bit.ly/3oAUow0

MELS legal experts also discussed the role bankruptcy can play in discharging or reducing student borrower obligations.“

The pandemic further exacerbates the circumstances that hit DC 37 members hard, especially those essential workers providing vital city services during this unprecedented global health crisis,” Whalen said.

MELS attorneys are available to help DC 37 members who are covered by the free legal service. For more information, please contact the MELS Screening Unit at 212.815.1111, or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.