Monday, June 21, 2021

New York announces new Virtual Court Navigator Program for people who don’t have an attorney

The New York State Court System's Office for Justice Initiatives has announced a free Virtual Court Navigator Program for people who do not have a lawyer.

It is a free program, designed to help people without an attorney who either have or would like to start a court case in: Erie County Surrogate’s Court, Civil Supreme and Surrogate’s Courts in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties.

Virtual Court Navigators are specially trained, supervised and available to help court users prepare for virtual appearances, file court forms, organize court papers, get answers to general questions, find community programs and services, refer people to legal service providers, navigate the court’s website, and more.

The New York State Courts Access to Justice Program "is dedicated to improving equal access to justice for New Yorkers of low-income and modest means who cannot afford an attorney by making it easier to navigate the court system. The NYS Courts Access to Justice program develops resources, including self-help services and pro bono programs, to equalize the playing field for all litigants."

For more information about the Virtual Court Navigator Pilot Program click here.