February 2019 Spotlight
A TRIBUTE TO SUPER VOLUNTEER GEORGE K. FORSYTH
A TRIBUTE TO SUPER VOLUNTEER GEORGE K. FORSYTH
We hope your New Year is going well so far! We’re kicking off February with our Spotlight
on a Volunteer. This month, we are shining a light on VLSP Super Volunteer, George K. Forsyth. George has been an active volunteer for decades providing pro bono services to survivors of domestic violence in matrimonial and family law cases. These cases are typically complex, emotionally charged, and difficult to place with a pro bono attorney.
George takes on multiple cases every year and 2018 was no different. In one case, the client’s spouse sought to exert power and control by homeschooling the children. George successfully obtained an order directing public school education. In the context of a violent relationship, this was a victory with consequences exceeding the education of the children.
In another case, a survivor was seeking child support from the non-custodial, self-employed parent. Those cases are notoriously difficult and require meticulous attention to detail because of opportunities to hide or shield income or assets in order to distort the calculation of child support. When the respondent is an abusive spouse, the difficulty can be compounded. One of the primary ways abusers attempt to maintain control is through access to finances because that access often means greater freedom for survivors. The cases George accepts have a lasting impact on individuals, their families, and our community.
Domestic violence is an ongoing scourge, but it is challenging to shine a light on it and maintain that light. Survivors may carry physical, emotional, and sometimes financial scars and need help. The court system can be a place in which a survivor is forced to interact with an abuser who may have greater resources, including representation. It’s not only empowering to have an advocate, it’s often essential to avoid an abuser using the courts as a weapon. Navigating the system without counsel can feel overwhelming and further traumatize survivors of abuse.
George is willing to mentor those who lack a background in family law but want to help. Thank you, George, for your unwavering support for those in crisis!
Ready to accept a Family Law case? How about joining our Family Law Panel? Please contact VLSP Managing Attorney Mary Beth Conway at (585) 295-5707 or mconway@vlsprochester.org.
Please visit https://www.vlsprochester.org/volunteer-opportunities for a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities. VLSP thanks our family of volunteers for their continued support and commitment to providing exceptional legal services to low income community members.
By Catherine J. Palermo, Pro Bono Director
