Find sample documents below or use Search this site in the upper right-hand corner.These documents are examples for courts and legal aid programs to copy and change for their own states. These should not be used as current legal advice. Examples provided with assistance from Transcend under LSC TIG # 9061.  Attribute to: Peace. |
Plain Language Library
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Examples of online plain language usage for topics related to housing, finance, divorce, health care and writing a will. These interviews were created using A2J Author (R) and are hosted on the LawHelpInteractive server. | 177k | v. 5 | Sep 30, 2011, 11:13 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample affidavit requesting a change of home parent (English and Spanish). Courts and legal aid providers can use this plain language form as an example for a better affidavit form. | 128k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:55 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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How to prove your identity (specifically for disaster victims though may be modified for other situations) | 69k | v. 4 | Sep 19, 2011, 10:53 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Don't use some of the most valuable pieces of print real estate to print a long disclaimer about information and advice. Consider using this "Not Legal Advice" stamp instead. | 643k | v. 4 | Sep 30, 2011, 10:44 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Plain language samples organized by areas of the law, as well as Before and After samples, recommended reading, online training, and templates for content creators. | 2216k | v. 2 | Oct 11, 2011, 8:44 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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21k | v. 1 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:34 AM | ahineline@lawny.org |
Administrative Forms & Documents| Selection | File type icon | File name | Description | Size | Revision | Time | User |
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Agency sign-in sheet for "help your help yourself" | 244k | v. 6 | Sep 19, 2011, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Example attorney fees retainer add-on, BEFORE plain language review. This informs legal aid clients about how attorney's fees awards are handled by the agency. | 33k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 2:12 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample handout legal aid programs can modify and hand out to people they turn away. Might be good for a statewide legal aid website. | 83k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:53 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample retainer agreement from Legal Services agency. | 106k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample local bar disclaimer, in several languages. | 261k | v. 4 | Apr 20, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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2010 Office Holiday closure signs in 3 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese). | 327k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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2011 Office Holiday closure signs in 3 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese). | 327k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 11:01 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample retainer agreement legal aid programs can modify for use with clients. Is your retainer understandable? | 128k | v. 4 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:54 PM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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"Are Debt Collectors After You?" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. | 133k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample Cease and Desist Letter. Modify for your jurisdiction and share. | 113k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:23 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Legal assistance for disaster victims: how to deal with contractors. | 67k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:38 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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How to Get Your Security Deposit Back. Sample plain English flier. | 163k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:22 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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112k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:56 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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216k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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"Get Ready for Small Claims Court" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. | 227k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 8:57 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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"Get Ready for Small Claims Court" - a plain language sample that courts and legal aid providers can change for use in local jurisdictions. In Spanish. | 224k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 8:57 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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274k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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309k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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128k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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142k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:56 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
| Selection | File type icon | File name | Description | Size | Revision | Time | User |
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133k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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Sample Restraining Orders Fact Sheet in 6 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese). | 287k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample Custody Mediation FAQ. | 119k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample visitation FAQ. | 289k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample visitation FAQ (Spanish). | 291k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Don't Put Your Kids in the Middle of a Custody Dispute. Plain language example. | 314k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:20 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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A domestic violence abuse worksheet for agencies and their clients. | 143k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Domestic Violence Accordian handout in plain English. | 51k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:19 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Domestic Violence Poster | 471k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:19 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample Domestic Violence FAQ. | 179k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample informational packet on Domestic Violence from Kentucky Legal Services. | 296k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (English) | 42k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Spanish language sample informational packet on Domestic Violence from Kentucky Legal Services. | 164k | v. 8 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (Spanish) | 39k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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A sample safety plan flyer for victims of domestic violence. | 115k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample shelter application for agencies and their clients. | 134k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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101k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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105k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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460k | v. 4 | Mar 11, 2011, 6:31 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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Samples of homework assignments completed by students in the 2012 Plain Language Seminar. | Dec 31, 2012, 11:02 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |||
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Example of suggested plain language revisions to a document as a part of individualized mentoring sessions. | 143k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:29 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Sample Notice of Request for Guardian, written in plain language with the assistance of a plain language expert. | 181k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:32 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Draft of a "Rights of a Job Applicant" section of a website. Reviewed and edited as part of plain language mentoring session. | 181k | v. 2 | Dec 31, 2012, 11:35 AM | ahineline@lawny.org |
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A sample Tenant's Guide to Evictions, from San Francisco Superior Court. | 160k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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A Spanish language sample Tenant's Guide to Evictions, from San Francisco Superior Court. | 76k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:54 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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A sample Tenant's Guide from Kentucky Legal Services. | 190k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:56 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (English) | 15k | v. 6 | Feb 22, 2010, 9:07 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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A Spanish language sample Tenant's Guide from Kentucky Legal Services. | 199k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 8:58 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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HTML version: for easy website use (Spanish) | 17k | v. 5 | Feb 22, 2010, 9:06 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample foreclosure information sheet written in plain language. | 142k | v. 5 | Feb 16, 2012, 9:38 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Sample Security Deposit information written in plain language. Review, update, and use in your state! | 112k | v. 5 | Feb 16, 2012, 9:38 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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179k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:41 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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228k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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Adult Name Change (Spanish) | 223k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:14 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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235k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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230k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:28 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 22k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 18k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 21k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Sample of work created by plain language course student after taking the course. | 33k | v. 2 | Apr 12, 2013, 7:38 AM | ahineline@lawny.org |
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Glossary of legal words and phrases, in English and Spanish. | 1020k | v. 4 | Apr 20, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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How to test the readability of your document. | 535k | v. 4 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:56 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Excellent single-page summary of major readability concepts. Copyrighted by Transcend. All rights reserved. | 245k | v. 5 | Mar 3, 2011, 4:48 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Excellent single-page summary of major readability concepts. Copyrighted by Transcend. All rights reserved. | 137k | v. 4 | Mar 3, 2011, 4:48 PM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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Spanish version of a plain language A2J script used in an informational A2J interview about Fair Hearings | 137k | v. 2 | Apr 30, 2013, 10:57 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Plain language A2J Script used in an informational A2J interview about Fair Hearings. | 122k | v. 2 | Apr 30, 2013, 11:00 AM | ahineline@lawny.org | |
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Social Security Disability in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 138k | v. 5 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:58 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 139k | v. 5 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:59 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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How to get unemployment aid. | 71k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:38 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) in plain language. A sample document for legal aid groups to revise for use in their programs. | 159k | v. 4 | Mar 12, 2012, 9:59 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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near-final draft | 160k | v. 5 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:55 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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139k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:54 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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How to Use a Court Interpreter | 70k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:13 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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136k | v. 3 | Dec 20, 2010, 8:54 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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How To Serve Someone | 467k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:13 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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How to Serve Someone (En Espanol) | 184k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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333k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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327k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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173k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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178k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:51 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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Testifying in Court (En Espanol) | 115k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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The Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project is thrilled to bring you Your Right to an Interpreter Poster - Editable Version! Adapt it it to meet your clients' needs. | Aug 13, 2012, 11:05 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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Advance Directive in plain English. Sample for replication. | 406k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:24 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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305k | v. 4 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:39 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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117k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:54 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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171k | v. 3 | Feb 22, 2010, 10:54 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | ||
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Probate - Frequently Asked Questions (En Espanol) | 159k | v. 3 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:15 AM | jhogue@lawny.org |
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This is a Spanish translation of a model plain language explanation of how to ask for help in a domestic violence situation. En Espanol | 125k | v. 5 | Jan 18, 2012, 1:33 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 132k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En espanol | 502k | v. 3 | Jun 30, 2011, 7:42 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 124k | v. 5 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 241k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 136k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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Don't Put Your Kids in the Middle of a Custody Argument (En Espanol) | 134k | v. 4 | Dec 12, 2012, 11:18 AM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 75k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 123k | v. 5 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 153k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 139k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 141k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org | |
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En Espanol | 151k | v. 4 | Jan 4, 2011, 12:04 PM | jhogue@lawny.org |