Our Director of Advocacy and Organizing has compiled this resource guide to help connect you with legal assistance for a variety of needs. While Goddard Riverside provides housing-related legal services through Goddard Riverside’s Law Project, we recognize that other legal matters may fall outside our scope. This guide highlights organizations and resources that can assist with issues such as family court, debt collection, and more.
We hope this information helps you find the support you need!
Free Legal Assistance for All Legal Issues
These resources provide pro-bono or free legal help across various legal issues. Use the filters to find assistance specific to your needs.
Major Citywide Legal Service Organizations
These organizations cover various legal areas and have income eligibility requirements.
Community-Based Legal Services
Some organizations focus on specific legal areas. For example, the Goddard Riverside Law Project specializes in housing-related cases. These groups collaborate through the LEAP Coalition.
Specialized Legal Services
Family Court Cases
- Family Legal Care: Supports unrepresented parents and caregivers navigating Family Court.
Debt Collection or Bankruptcy
- CLARO (Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office): Provides limited legal advice for low-income New Yorkers sued by debt collectors.
Housing Court Cases
- Housing Court Answers: Offers referrals to free legal services for eviction cases and guides for pro-se tenants.
Hotline: 212-962-4795 (9 AM–5 PM) - Met Council on Housing: Lists tenant-only lawyers, including private practice attorneys.
Foreclosure Matters
- MFJ Legal Services
- Legal Aid Foreclosure Prevention Project
- Manhattan Legal Services
- NYLAG Foreclosure Prevention
Help for Crime Victims
If you are a crime victim, New York Crime Victims Legal Help connects you with legal assistance on issues like housing, family, employment, and finances.