Author: Matthew

Pro Bono Services in New York State

Resources If you cannot afford a lawyer, the resources below may be able to assist you. If you need further assistance, call the NYSBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-342-3661. New York’s free legal information resources https://ny.freelegalanswers.org/  This is an online resource where you can post a legal question and a lawyer will answer your … Continued

Other New York State Lawyer Referral Services

List of other LRIS programs Here is a list of county bar associations that have their own Lawyer Referral Services. If you live in one of the counties listed, please contact your local referral service. Of course if you have questions, you can call the NYSBA LRIS at 1-800- 342-3661. Albany County Albany County Bar … Continued

Client Rights and Responsibilities

Statement of Client’s Rights Statement of Client’s Rights Section 1210.1 of the Joint Rules of the Appellate Division amended April 15, 2013 (22 NYCRR §1210.1) 1. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and non-lawyer personnel in your lawyer’s office. 2. You … Continued

LegalEase: You and Your Lawyer

Who needs a lawyer? Sooner or later, almost everyone. Many people only think of seeing a lawyer after they develop a legal problem, but the best time to consult an attorney is before, not after, you have a legal problem. When do you need a lawyer? Early consultation with a lawyer can prevent serious problems … Continued

Adoption in New York

What is adoption? Adoption is a legal proceeding where one person (or persons) takes another into the relationship of parent and child and acquires the rights and incurs the responsibilities of a parent to the adopted person. What are the different types of adoption? Agency Adoption. Where the placement of a child is made through … Continued

Your Rights as a Crime Victim

Introduction You have been the victim of a crime. Perhaps you were injured or had your money or property stolen. An arrest has been made and the police have told you that the case will be going to court. Now what? What is your role from here on? Where can you get help? What rights do … Continued

Why you need a will

If you die without a Will The Court becomes involved. When you have not left a Will, the Court will appoint an administrator to collect and distribute assets. The administrator could be a family member or a public official. Such depends on the circumstances of the estate. Where you leave no Will, New York statutes effectively write … Continued

If You Have an Auto Accident

What should you do if you’re involved in an automobile accident in New York? STOP! By law, you are required to stop and exchange information. With whom? Other drivers Injured persons Owners of damaged property Owners of certain kinds of injured domestic animals Police, if present Do I have to call the police? Yes, if … Continued

Divorce & Separation

What are the grounds for divorce? Four of the “grounds” in this state are based on the fault of one of the parties: (1) cruel and inhuman treatment; (2) abandonment for one or more years; (3) imprisonment for three or more years; and (4) adultery.   The other (“no fault”) grounds are: (1) one year … Continued

Animal Law in New York State

Reporting Animal Cruelty To report animal cruelty, please contact your local county Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“SPCA”) or other humane enforcement agency or contact your local police department. The agency you call must have police powers to investigate, file a report, and arrest. Usually, each county has one agency that possesses … Continued