Representation for Respondents in Family Court
© 1997 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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I received a notice to appear in Family Court. I need a lawyer to represent me. Will your office represent me?

No. Persons who are ordered to appear in Family Court are called respondents. In many actions in Family Court, a respondent who cannot afford a lawyer has the right to an assigned counsel (Court-appointed lawyer). Generally, Neighborhood Legal Services does not represent respondents in cases where assigned counsel is available. Instead we are providing information on how you can obtain assigned counsel.

Can I get a lawyer appointed before I go to court?

No. You cannot get a lawyer appointed until you go to court the first time. At your first Court appearance, tell the Judge you need a lawyer but can't afford one. Ask the Judge to appoint a lawyer for you. The Judge's Clerk should give you a referral slip to the Assigned Counsel Program.

What do I do with the referral slip?

Take the referral slip and proof of your income to the office of Assigned Counsel, Room 670 Statler Towers, 107 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo.

What will the Office of Assigned Counsel do?

That office will check to be sure that your family's income qualifies you for free legal services. If you do qualify, that office will contact a lawyer to represent you. That lawyer should contact you before the next scheduled court date.

What if the Office of Assigned Counsel doesn't give me a lawyer?

Call us back as soon as possible.

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