English
EspañolUnity House’s domestic violence program has a 24-hour domestic violence hotline; emergency shelter; provides 911 cell phones that are available for victims of domestic violence free of charge (for more information, call 518.272.5917); Individual counseling and group support is available to victims of domestic violence and their children; support groups for stalking; and more. The Unity House Law Project provides free legal consultation and representation to victims of domestic violence. The Law Project staff provides assistance in preparing legal documents, court accompaniment, safety planning and emotional support in addition to direct representation. Legal services include: assistance in obtaining orders of protection, custody, child support, divorce and other family court related matters.
Legal Assistance
Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims of abuse and others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer who you can consult with to get advice. Please note that we list the organizations by the county where the office is located – however, many offices may likely serve multiple counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click “View All” to look through the complete list of organizations. You can also contact law schools in your area to ask if they have a legal clinic.
Rensselaer
Unity House
Richmond
Catholic Charities Community Services
Catholic Charities Community Services provides legal consultations, representation, and assistance to documented and undocumented newcomers regarding most immigration matters, including citizenship applications, family petitions, cases involving domestic violence, and cases that are in immigration court. Services are provided in English, Spanish, French, Romanian, Polish, Albanian, Japanese, and Arabic. Clients are charged nominal fees. Generally, our consultation fee is $50 ($85.00 for consultations with an attorney.) Fees for other services vary. Fees may be reduced or waived according to need.
Legal Aid Society - Staten Island Neighborhood Office
Provides general legal services in the areas of housing, benefits and family law, including domestic violence to low-income Staten Island residents.
New York City Family Justice Center - Staten Island
The FJCs provide many criminal justice, civil legal, and social services in one location to victims/survivors of domestic violence, trafficking and elder abuse. Services include safety planning and risk assessment, counseling for victims and their children, civil legal assistance on immigration and family court matters, meeting with a prosecutor, accessing shelter, applying for housing and financial assistance, filing police reports, language interpretation, and a wide-range of self-sufficiency services including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, financial literacy and counseling, computer skills classes, and many other services. Each FJC has a Children’s Room where children ages 3 and up can play in a safe and supervised space while their parents receive services. Appointments are not needed - you may just walk in to the FJC Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To see a list of agencies that are housed at the FJC, see here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/downloads/pdf/NYCFJC_List_Services.pdf
Staten Island Legal Services
Staten Island Legal Services provides free legal advice and representation to eligible individuals and groups on Staten Island in the following areas: Family Law; Domestic Violence; Foreclosure Prevention; Immigration; Financial Counseling; Special Projects.
Rockland
Center for Safety & Change
Provides the following services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault: 24/7 crisis hotline; Individual and group counseling; Support and empowerment groups; Advocacy and accompaniment; Safety planning; Legal services, including representation in court on the following cases: orders of protection, divorce, custody, child support, guardianship; Information and referral services; Community outreach and education; Children’s services and educational advocacy; Transportation; Assistance with New York State Office of Victim Services applications; and more. The address listed is the main, walk-in office. There are satellite offices in Spring Valley and Haverstraw.
Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, Inc.
The Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, Inc. provides legal advice and representation to victims of domestic abuse in Rockland County.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley - Spring Valley office
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides civil legal services to low-income people in all seven counties of the Hudson Valley including Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. This office serves Rockland County. Domestic violence services they provide include advocacy and representation for survivors including orders of protection, child/spousal support, child custody and visitation, and referrals for other issues related to safety and support.
Proyecto Faro (Project Lighthouse)
Proyecto Faro is an immigrant-led organizing effort geared to immigrants in Rockland County who feel insecure due to their immigration status. They host monthly legal clinics where you can learn more about your case and possible avenues of relief, and get help completing forms. They also have a network of pro bono and “low-bono” lawyers who may be able to take your immigration case.
