Victims of domestic violence are faced with the daunting task of navigating an intricate and often overwhelming legal system.  Unaware of where to begin when seeking to obtain protection from the court system, they may find their legal needs easily ignored or unmet.

With direct representation and other assistance from STEPS, victims are able to access a legal system that may once have seemed inaccessible.  We educate clients, providing them with the tools to understand the process and actively participate in court proceedings. 

The Program

STEPS’ Civil Legal Services staff  provide direct representation throughout New York City in Family Court, in Supreme Court for uncontested divorces, and with Citizenship and Immigration Services for domestic-violence-related petitions. We also assist pro-se litigants with drafting petitions and responses and counsel them regarding upcoming court appearances.  Our legal services staff speak both English and Spanish.  Translation services are available for most other languages.

On-site legal counseling and education for organizations working with victims of domestic violence in New York City is available as well as periodic Saturday clinics.

Crisis counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment, and clinical services are available on-site through STEPS’ other programs for clients requesting such assistance.

Eligibility

Eligible Civil Legal Services clients are victims of domestic or dating violence living in New York City.

What to Expect:

Initial screening is done over the phone when we assess whether the legal problem fits our criteria prior to scheduling an in-person interview. Once this initial assessment is completed a case conference will be held to determine whether or not we can accept the case.

PLEASE NOTE: A screening interview – even one done in person – does not mean we have accepted your case. We are NOT your attorneys UNTIL you sign a representation agreement. That agreement will list the issues with which we are assisting you.

 We cannot accept all of the cases referred to us.  If we are unable to provide representation, we will make every effort to provide an appropriate referral.