Law Services News – June 2017
June 1, 2017
Long Island Pro Bono Attorneys Work To Bridge The Justice Gap
June 9, 2017
Given a dearth of free legal services for child support litigants, we are always looking for new ways to serve our client community.
NSLS continues to provide free legal advice by phone for child support litigants, custodial and non custodial parents in Suffolk.
The attorney volunteers in our Self Help Child Support Project are often able to follow up phone guidance by setting up personal meetings with clients. The attorneys do not provide direct representation to litigants. To access the service, call 631 822-3279.
In addition to this free service, the Suffolk County Courts in Central Islip have two computer terminals containing the NYS Do-It-Yourself court forms drafting program set up immediately to the right of the General Clerk’s Office. In the morning hours, a liaison is present to help people work with the computer program. The court papers are printed and filed immediately. Litigants are given the Affidavit of Service form and written service instructions.
Also, Pro se litigants can go straight to the Probation Dept. on the 3rd floor (same in Riverhead) to get help completing any Family Court petition if they’re not comfortable using the DIY terminals. It’s best to arrive close to 8:30, when they open. Nearly all staff in this unit speak Spanish, and Language Line is used for clients speaking other languages. Clients living out of state with matters concerning a Suffolk County Family Court order can contact the Probation Unit for assistance.