Featured Articles

Protecting Children from Financial Abuse in Sex Abuse Settlements

Published on: January 10, 2016 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

What happens when a child receives money from a legal settlement?

Whenever a young child receives a financial settlement, the potential for financial fraud exists. Minors don’t have the same rights as adults when it comes to sex abuse settlements. And they cannot enter into any agreements on their own. As a result, this means that they can’t bring lawsuits, make settlement decisions, open bank or investment accounts, fund annuities, or purchase real estate. As a result, a competent adult must perform these acts on the minor’s behalf.

Thankfully, the courts in California supervise sex abuse settlements made to minors. Furthermore, court orders are necessary to approve all forms of sex abuse settlements with minor plaintiffs.

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Sex Abuse Lawsuit Filed as a Result of Molestation by Wrestling Coach

Published on: December 27, 2015 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Sex Abuse Lawsuit Filed against San Ramon Unified School District Due to Molestation by Wrestling Coach

District officials allegedly failed to detect predatory grooming behavior for over ten years, giving coach the opportunity to molest.

The San Jose, California law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard has filed a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit against the San Ramon Unified School District, New Life Church of Alamo and convicted predator and former California High School wrestling coach Kevin Lopez.

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Audrie Pott Case

Published on: June 1, 2015 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Justice for Audrie Pott and Her Family

Audrie Pott was just 15 years old when she was sexually assaulted. She was then photographed and humiliated at school by her assailants. Audrie Pott took her life eight days later. After waiting seven months for law enforcement to charge the assailants, the parents of Audrie Pott turned to attorney Robert Allard. Mr. Allard filed a civil lawsuit against the assailants and their families.

The civil lawsuit and the publicity surrounding Audrie’s sexual assault and suicide led to two significant changes in the law and a public apology from the assailants. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the civil case did a “service to the broader public” by “reminding us of the courts’ ability to bring clarity to societal issues-and the value of individuals who take grievances public in ways that help shift the course of history toward a truer justice.”

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