Successful eviction with the assistance of LaWanda at Merit Legal Services. The Compton Courthouse judge informed me to hire an attorney to prepare, file, and serve my UD court documents. I called and left messages for few attorneys and eviction service companies from Yelp. Lawanda called me back within the hour of receiving my voicemail. Other attorneys said they required $2700+ down payment to start--but no guarantees of case is unsuccessful. After consulting with LaWanda, I decided to see her in her legal office the same day. Line by line, LaWanda reviewed my prior UD (eviction) documents and immediately informed me of the missing information that the judge mentioned. She also wrote a declaration letter to the judge to here my experiences with the non-paying tenant and that I simply want possession of my home and tenant to pay rent. LaWanda served the tenant at home, took a picture of the notice on the doors and texted it to me. She filed and mailed all of the Proof of Services (very important) and did same for the Writ. Merit Legal Services helped me successfully evict tenant within weeks. I recommend this company for all your legal services. Thanks, LaWanda. I hired her on 9/28/22. read more

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional support and guidance provided by Ms. LaWanda Ford during my recent marriage and divorce proceedings. From the very beginning, she demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail that made a challenging and emotional process far more manageable. Ms. Ford was consistently responsive, clear in her communication, and extremely knowledgeable about the legal steps involved. Her ability to explain complex documents and procedures in a way I could easily understand helped me feel more confident and informed every step of the way. Thanks to her dedication and support, I was able to navigate the legal process with far less stress and uncertainty. Her work was not only efficient but deeply compassionate, and I am truly grateful for everything she did to assist me during this time. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. LaWanda Ford to anyone in need of paralegal services related to family law. Sincerely, Cedric April 21st, 2025 read more

I had a very very difficult tenant that did not follow the lease requirements. I served the tenant the proper notice, but did not complete the updated version. When this came to my attention I contacted Lawanda and let her take the reins. Well, she did that and more. She completed the proper eviction along with all the necessary paperwork. Lawanda filed all documents with the proper court timely. Also, served and posted all necessary paperwork to the tenant. Ms. Ford took a great deal of stress off of me. With her excellent services I was able to get that tenant out without additional issues. I then contacted my friend and told of her of the excellent and timely actions took to get my matter resolved. She then obtained Merit Legal Services to assist in the eviction of her tenant and assist the Real Estate salesman to get the property up to par for sale. The property is now in escrow. I honestly recommend Merit Legal Service and it helps that she is well versed in the issues and so very kind and thoughtful. read more

La Wanda is an absolute pleasure to work with. She surpassed all my expectations and was remarkably dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for my case. I cannot recommend her enough. La Wanda ensured I understood the intricacies of my case, patiently explaining legal terminology and potential outcomes. Her transparency throughout the process gave me confidence and peace of mind, as I knew exactly where things stood at all times. She also consistently prioritized my needs and concerns. She took the time to understand EXACTLY what I needed and made sure she was prompt. She respected deadlines, quickly responded to my inquiries, and provided regular updates on the progress of my case. Her professionalism and commitment to delivering results in a timely manner were truly commendable. La Wanda's professionalism and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes is truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend Merit Legal Services for all your legal service needs! read more

Professionalism, Expertise, Patient, Understanding are just a few of the words that come to mind when talking about Merit Legal Services (Ms. La Wanda Ford). I called Merit Legal services and explained that I had a Tenant that owed several months of back rent. I spoke with Ms. La Wanda Ford who said "I can help you with that". Ms. Ford filed the paperwork and kept me informed of the steps that she was taking. Being a Senior Citizen, I found Ms. Ford to be very patient and understanding when explaining procedures, She understood that she had the expertise and I did not. Myself and other Senior Citizens can tell you that we don't always get this kind of patience and understanding when dealing with individuals or businesses. I am pleased with the outcome and will definitely recommend Merit Legal Services. Thank you, Merit Legal Services and Ms. Ford Charles B. read more

Omg i was going through a hard time in my life as i was going through a divorce. I didn't have the time or energy to try and figure it out myself, so i searched for an attorney to help me file for divorce when i found out how much it cost i was like oh no that was alot of money for an uncontested divorce. So one day s friend of mine told me about Merit Legal Services where I met La Wanda Ford, CEO of Merit Legal Servies and she filed my divorce for half the price, i must tell you what a pleasure it was having her file my divorce she is so sweet, pleasant, and knowledgeable her energy and professionalism is such a breath of fresh air if i could i would give this business 10 stars. La Wanda Ford you rock! I tell you people if you need Legal Services look no further this is the place to go no matter what you need they do it all! read more

I needed assistance with my divorce. It took two and a half years for this nightmare to finally end. I didn't have a lawyer and each time I contacted one I was told that it would take up to one year to get my final judgement signed off by a judge. When I met Ms. Lawanda Ford and the rest of the staff at Merit Legal Services, not only was Ms. Ford very kind, understanding, respectful and when I tell you she was ON IT, she was. Merit legal services is very affordable! We sat down and went through all my paperwork and she filed for me right away and within 6 weeks I had my final judgement signed off by a judge!!!! NOT 6 months or a year later, 6 WEEKS! I not only recommend Merit Legal Services but I certainly recommend Ms. Lawanda Ford. Thank you for your service read more

There's nothing more stressful than paperwork, especially when it comes to legal matters that can have a major impact on your future if not completed thoroughly and properly. With that being said, Lawanda has been a tremendous help to me. Her professionalism, legal knowledge and (always) pleasant demeanor contributed greatly to the decrease in the amount of stress I had regarding my situation. LaWanda accessed and completed all of the necessary documents pertaining to my court case within a timely matter. She routinely kept me informed throughout the process, and provided consultation when necessary. So far 2018 has been filled when a multitude of challenging events for me; however thanks to Lawanda's wise consult and efficiency, I now have confidence. read more

STRESSED OUT & CONFUSED THAT WAS ME. Before being referred to LaWanda by an old friend. Had a tenant that kept giving me the runaround, 3 months had passed and I knew I had to do something. I called LaWanda on the phone to set up an appointment. The next day I went to her office and was greeted by her lovely assistant Jennifer. From that day forward I felt that LaWanda held me by my hand and hit the ground running, having to take all the legal steps that had to be taken a breeze. If you're in a situation that I was don't hesitate to call LaWanda, she's an angel walking this earth. Will forever consider her my friend. Thanks again for getting me out of that situation and giving my peace back. read more

Lawanda is great. She helped me with a eviction with a tenant that I had in South LA. It is a huge headache most the time navigating the eviction realm but I cannot thank Lawanda enough for her help. As much as I try to screen the tenants and make sure they would qualify and not have any issues, there are always times things slip through the cracks. Especially if you need help getting them to vacate the property and therefore you can receive the rents needed to pay your mortgage. Anyways she did such a great job I have referred others her way and will continue to use her services if needed. I would highly recommend her services if you are looking to get your property either back or you just need any help throughout the legal eviction process. read more

This was a very tense situation for me. I rented my home to someone under a verbal agreement. I thought I was helping him, but I wound up hurting me. The tenant was doing all kinds of things in my home, subletting rooms, and he put a ferocious dog in my yard to keep me out. I was referred to Nerut Legal Services and Ms. Ford handled my paperwork for a Family Move In eviction. We wound up serving a 3 day pay or quit and the tenant did not pay. We proceeded with the eviction and Attorney Kevin handled my case. The tenant then pushed for a jury trial and Kevin got us out of proceeding with it. He won my case and I was able to get my house back the next month and also half of the money owed. I am thankful for their assistance. read more

It was like a Blessing happened real quick. I had a landlord/tenant issue and was at my wits end. I just so happened to be driving down Manchester and stopped at Prairie, something said look over to your right. I looked and there it was Merit Legal Services at a bus stop. Affordable rates and provided everything that I needed at that time. I had a deadline I had to meet so Wanda stayed up for extended hours to make sure she met my deadline. And guess what "WE WON". She immediately helped me with my situation and didn't put me on hold. I would definitely recommend Merit to anyone. Not only do they take care of your business needs she also cares about her clientele. Believe me she has the answers....... read more

I rate Merit Legal Services 5 Stars for the following reasons: I own several small rental units in Los Angeles, and I have use Merit Legal Services for the past three (3) years to handle my "Three Day Pay or Quit Notices, as well as my Evictions. And, La Wanda Ford, CEO, of the company has dealt with my cases personally with excellent results. Ms. Ford pays close attention to details and follows through on the eviction process (holding your hand if need be) from initial filing to conclusion. Because of her excellent knowledge of the eviction process, more often than not, you won't have to appear in court. But, if by chance you do, she will accompany and assist you. read more

I found this company when I needed it most. I was desperate to get some people out of my house and La Wanda is excellent in the policies of eviction. She also is exceedingly kind and compassionate. Throughout the whole process she was in touch with me updating and providing emotional support in such a highly challenged situation. This company is highly commendable and La Wanda being there is a blessing to everyone who may need her help I now enjoy successfull outcome. Great thanks La Wanda and to your supportive and knowledgeable staff. More power to all of you. Delia Garcia Inglewood, CA 90301 read more

I had a great first experience working with Lawanda at Merit Legal Services. She helped me with two eviction cases simultaneously and both were successful. Lawanda was very responsive and always provided updates on my cases throughout the entire process, which was great so I knew exactly what the status was and what to expect during the open case. She was super fast at serving the tenants and was on the ball right away as soon as I decided to go with Merit Legal Services. I highly recommend her services for anyone looking for help with evictions. Now I know exactly where to go in the future! read more

I contacted Ms. Ford about some legal advice on my separation/divorce. She was very detailed and thorough with explaining my rights and California laws. After consulting other paralegals, I decided to go with LaWanda. Not only because her fees were very fair, but because she made me feel as if my case was just as important to her as it was to me. She did an excellent job at preparing my forms and filing paperwork. She always kept me updated throughout the entire process. I HIGHLY recommend Merit Legal Services to anyone needing assistance in her field. Donnell H. read more

I hired Ms. Ford for a landlord-tenant eviction, and she handled the matter with exceptional professionalism and efficiency. From start to finish, the process was smooth, timely, and well-managed. Evictions can be difficult and costly, but Ms. Ford's expertise made the experience far less stressful. Her services were effective and reasonably priced. I highly recommend Ms. Ford to anyone needing legal assistance with tenant issues. Her knowledge and professionalism are truly commendable. Thank you, Ms. Ford, for your exceptional work and dedication to my case !! read more

I could not have succeeded with my small claims case without the professionalism and expertise of Merit Legal Services. La Wanda Ford helped me pursue the deadbeats I had prevailed against in court. She was instrumental in helping me collect the award. Her understanding of the the court system and filing of the paper work involved was critical. She also offered emotional support during a trying time. I would highly recommend Merit Legal Services. read more

For quick and reliable legal services, I genuinely recommend to reach out to Merit Legal Services immediately!!! I appreciate that Lawanda has been resourceful and provided steady communication throughout the entire eviction process, as a landlord. In addition, I appreciated all of her knowledgeable legal advice with affordable prices for all of her services. Thank you Lawanda for your professionalism and all of your hard work!!!! read more