Worried about foreclosure? Facing a divorce? Curious about Social Security benefits?

During the 22nd annual People’s Law School on Saturday, Feb. 20, local attorneys will provide free education about common legal topics at St. Mary’s University.

This joint project of the San Antonio Bar Foundation and the St. Mary’s University School of Law will be held at the law school’s Law Classrooms Building. The doors for the event open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Classes begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m.

“This is a great event for the community to learn about their legal rights and talk to attorneys who have different practices and specialties,” said attorney Dominic J. Negrón (J.D. ’13), who will be teaching a class on guardianship. “Many adult children are caregivers for their parents or other loved ones. Loved ones may lose their ability to manage their affairs, and I will explain the pros and cons and process of guardianship.”

Local attorneys will share their experiences during 45-minute sessions on a variety of topics, including:

  • Living wills
  • Divorce
  • Bankruptcy and foreclosure
  • Planning for nursing home or in-home care
  • Protecting yourself against identity theft
  • Conducting legal research
  • Immigration and citizenship
  • Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits

After each session, attendees can ask questions and speak with the presenters.

Attorney Doug Bineham (J.D. ’90), who practices family law focusing on divorce cases, said he understands that “divorce is not easy.”

“For many people, it is the only time they will ever be in a courtroom,” Bineham said. “I will explain the divorce process and share tips on how to work with an attorney, how to manage expectations and even how to save money on legal fees.”

Attorney Steven Medina, J.D., will educate attendees on drafting a will, living will or power of attorney.

“Most people understand why they need a will,” Medina said. “But there are other protections people can draft for themselves. For instance, if someone was having a surgery with a lengthy recovery, they may want to have someone temporarily manage their business or affairs. We will discuss how best to set up those protections.”

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