Alias used to protect client’s identity
For years, Catherine Lane, an elderly U.S. veteran, lived with a paperwork issue she could never quite resolve. Her birth certificate listed a different name than the one she had used since joining the military — the name her service records reflected and the name every agency and provider knew her by.
That mismatch followed her everywhere.
Whenever Catherine tried to renew her driver’s license, update documents, apply for housing, or access benefits, the conflicting names created delays and confusion. What should have been simple processes became time-consuming barriers.
When Catherine connected with the SALSA Veterans Team at a walk-in Veteran’s Legal Advice Clinic, she finally found a clear path forward.
SALSA paired her with pro bono attorney Lauren Thompson, who stepped in to help untangle the problem. Lauren guided Catherine through the legal name change process, helping her petition the court so that her legal identity would finally match the name she had lived under for decades.
Lauren ensured the paperwork was complete, accurate, and aligned with Catherine’s military documents — turning a complicated, intimidating process into a manageable one.
In addition to securing her legal name change, SALSA also helped Catherine successfully enroll in the VA healthcare and benefits system — something she had been denied since her separation from service in 1998. For the first time in more than two decades, Catherine now has access to the care and resources available to her as a veteran.
With these barriers finally resolved, Catherine is now able to:
- Renew her driver’s license
- Submit complete and accurate housing applications
- Access the benefits and services she relies on
- Move forward without her documents working against her
- Receive VA healthcare and benefits she was previously unable to obtain
This success was made possible through the commitment of volunteer attorneys like Lauren Thompson and the support of community partners and donors who believe in ensuring veterans receive the legal help they need.