Bills & expensesLegal & immigration
Legal fees for Melanie's wage-theft claim in Rochester
A wage-theft claim deadline is approaching and Melanie can't afford the lawyer.
🇺🇸 Rochester, New York, United States4,154 views
I'm facing a wage-theft claim. My hearing is scheduled for September, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $2,950. I have been told by three legal-aid offices that their waiting list is longer than my deadline.
I have all of my paperwork ready, and my caseworker at Rochester Welcome Centre has confirmed that my case is valid.
If I miss the deadline I could lose my right to stay with my family and my job. My children were born here and this is the only home they know.
I'll share any non-sensitive updates as the case moves along.
Funds cover only the filing fees, translations and attorney retainer.
Where the $2,950 goes:
• Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $185
• Certified translations and document copies: $185
• Attorney retainer: $2,580
I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.
Updates from Melanie
Update from Rochester: I made the first payment toward certified translations and document copies. We're at 66% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.
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sending love, Melanie. Shared this with my family. Greetings from Bologna.
Rooting for you, Melanie. This could happen to any of us. I'm in customer support myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Love from Varanasi.
Thinking of you and your family, Melanie. I hope things turn around soon. Love from Jodhpur.
Hope things get better soon. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Sent it to 10 people at work.
Hope things get better soon, Melanie. I hope things turn around soon. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like
I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Greetings from Malang.
Keep going. Your post was clear and honest. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Blessings.
Hope you get there. I hope September is when things finally get easier. Love from Hải Phòng.
Shared this with my family. After 30 years in public service I know how hard it's to ask for anything.
Stay strong. Shared this with my family. My father had a similar thing happen so this one hit home. God bless.
best of luck, Melanie. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. I'm in accounting myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you
Take care, Melanie. Hope this works out for you. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like. Love from New York!
You're not alone. It takes guts to ask. Well done. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected. Thinking of Rochester
Sending strength, Melanie. Hope this works out for you. Blessings.
You're not alone. Shared this with my family. My neighbor in Jakarta donated after I showed her your page. Love from Jakarta.
Best of luck, Melanie. Your post was clear and honest. My colleague had a similar thing happen so this one hit home. Love from Rio de Janeiro.
Best of luck, Melanie. Hope this works out for you. Wish I lived closer to Philadelphia so I could bring a meal. God bless.