Photo is a stock image and not of the actual client.
How We Do Justice Matters - Denise
When Denise received a subpoena from a debt collector in late December 2024, it quickly turned a season of holiday cheer sour. She was completely blindsided, as this was the first time she learned of the alleged debt—one she wasn’t even sure was hers.
The collection agency claimed Denise owed money on a Modell's Sporting Goods credit card from 2016. She had no prior knowledge of the alleged $504 debt nor the default judgment that had been entered against her in 2018. More troubling was the discovery that the creditor had already made multiple failed attempts to garnish her wages and seize funds from her bank accounts.
Despite having lived at the same address for two decades, Denise insisted she never received any prior court notices or correspondence regarding the debt. Confused and frustrated, she felt the creditors were trying to take advantage of her.
As an elderly veteran living on Social Security and a modest state pension, Denise was understandably worried. Already navigating financial constraints, she carefully managed her limited income to cover rent, loan payments, and other living costs, with little room for unexpected expenses. Yet, she suddenly faced the prospect of losing her limited savings to an old debt that seemingly came out of nowhere. When the debt collectors attempted to garnish her bank account in January 2025, Denise knew she needed help.
Denise sought credit counseling through a local Newark municipal agency where she obtained credit reports from three different reporting agencies—all confirmed this particular debt was not on her credit report. Uncertain of what to do next, Denise received a referral to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ).
Turning to VLJ, Denise found more than just legal assistance, she found advocates who made her feel valued and heard. Working with Carmen Obando, a legal assistant in VLJ’s Debt Relief Legal Program (DRLP), and a dedicated volunteer attorney team, Denise received assistance challenging the default judgment and protecting her rights. From her initial conversation with Carmen, Denise felt something she hadn’t experienced elsewhere: genuine care and support.
The VLJ team quickly recognized several concerning aspects of her case. Research uncovered the alleged original creditor, Community Capital Bank, closed in 2011, and Modell's Sporting Goods filed for bankruptcy and closed all its stores in 2020. These facts, along with the six-year statute of limitations on debts in New Jersey, indicated the claims against Denise were unenforceable.
During a DRLP legal clinic, volunteer attorneys drafted a motion to vacate the default judgment and guided Denise through the complicated legal process. Despite these efforts, Denise encountered roadblocks. She claimed she never received correspondence from the plaintiff to appear in court. Moreover, Denise said the judge denied her motion without giving her a chance to argue her side in court—a decision that left her with more questions than answers.
Disappointed (and rightfully so), Denise turned to VLJ again. The VLJ team reassured Denise that while her federal benefits were legally protected from garnishment, they also recognized her right to challenge the court’s decision. Though VLJ could not directly handle an appeal, the team provided her with step-by-step instructions and forms to file a motion for reconsideration on her own. Determined to fight back, Denise felt empowered to continue advocating for herself and plans to proceed with the appeal on her own.
Denise’s story is especially powerful because of her determination to seek justice, and with VLJ’s support, she was able to confidently navigate the legal system. From the first time she spoke with a VLJ staff member on the phone to her legal clinic, Denise described her experience with VLJ as “incredibly positive.” She noted that through all of her experiences, she understands how special VLJ is, not only because of the “great work we do,” but because of the dedication and compassion extended to each client. Better put by Denise:
““In America, justice is supposed to be blind. But in reality, justice often depends on one thing—money. Every day, people like me, seniors who served their country, face legal battles they simply cannot afford to fight. Whether it’s aggressive debt collectors or fighting for one’s civil rights, the courtroom is an intimidating place—especially without legal representation. This is where Volunteer Lawyers for Justice stepped in, becoming a crucial partner for me when I would otherwise have had to manage on my own. They played a big role in leveling the playing field, helping me every step of the way. I am grateful for their assistance, because legal representation is not a privilege—it’s a necessity. Without it, the legal system becomes a tool of oppression rather than a protector of rights.””
Denise’s experience is a testament to the work VLJ does every day—ensuring community members like her are not left to navigate difficult legal challenges alone. Quality civil legal services can provide both practical help and emotional relief to those with nowhere else to turn. VLJ not only provides legal assistance to our neighbors during times of need, we do it in a way that puts the “just” back in justice.
Denise’s fight is more than about an alleged debt; it’s about having access to justice, dignity, and the right to be heard.
Because how we do justice matters.