Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right for You? Addendum - New Exemptions In January 2011, some of the amounts that a debtor may claim under New York's exemptions laws changed. As a result, debtors may generally claim more than they were previously allowed.
By: City Bar Justice Center
Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right for You?
(Separate Website)
Detailed information about bankruptcy, including the advantages and disadvantages of filing for bankruptcy, the types of debts that can be discharged, and the steps that would need to be taken to complete a bankruptcy.
**PLEASE NOTE: In January 2011, some of the amounts that a debtor may claim under New York's exemptions laws changed. As a result, debtors may generally claim more than they were previously allowed. Click on the resource above entitled "Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right for You? Addendum - Personal Exemptions" for information about the change in the law.
By: City Bar Justice Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Cope with Debt
(Separate Website)
This booklet gives general information about
what you can do if you have money problems.
By: Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
Frozen Bank Accounts
(Separate Website)
What to do if your bank account has been frozen by creditors. Includes a discussion of a law protecting people who receive government benefits like SSI and unemployment.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Restrained Bank Account Information on how to deal with bank accounts that have been restrained or frozen. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to get your bank account released.
By: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
What Bill Collectors Can and Cannot Do If You Owe Money
(Separate Website)
There are laws in New York State that protect you from being harassed by bill collectors. And you can't be thrown in jail because you owe money to a furniture store or your dentist.
By: Legal Assistance of Western New York
For more information about debts, debt collection, frozen bank accounts, wage garnishment, and repossession, click here
(Separate Website)
Building A Better Credit Record
(Separate Website)
Detailed information on how to obtain and fix your credit report as well as how to deal with debt. Also provides basic information about bankruptcy.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Ordering Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
Learn about how you can get a FREE copy of your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter The attached sample letter can be used to dispute incorrect or old information on your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language?
Learn about your right to receive information in your language during a "341 bankruptcy meeting"
By: U.S. Trustee Program
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
File a Credit Card Complaint Online
(Separate Website)
You can now file a credit card complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
They will forward your issue to the credit card company, give you a tracking number, and keep you updated on the status of your complaint.
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Do you have trouble with English? Are you unable to to speak, read, write, or understand English well?
(Separate Website)
Did you know federal agencies and organizations that get money from the federal government have to provide reasonable services to assist you? Learn more.
By: Federal Interagency Working Group on LEP
File a Credit Card Complaint Online
(Separate Website)
You can now file a credit card complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
They will forward your issue to the credit card company, give you a tracking number, and keep you updated on the status of your complaint.
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Getting an ID It is important to have some sort of identification. You need an ID to open a bank account, get on an airplane, etc. Learn how to get one.
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
If you are facing a debt collection, bankruptcy or consumer fraud issue visit our Consumer Fraud topic for more information.
(Separate Website)
By: Lawhelp NY
Immigration Law Glossary
(Separate Website)
This is a glossary of commonly used words and phrases when talking about immigration law. Definitions for each word and phrases are provided.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Is Your Lawyer Licensed to Practice? You should check to make sure your lawyer is licensed to practice before you hire them to represent you. Find out what you can do!
By: Lawhelp NY
Obtaining a Drivers License in New York State
(Separate Website)
Fact sheet on how to apply for a driver's license in New York State.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens
(Separate Website)
Learn about the requirements and steps needed in order for non-citizens to obtain a social security number.
By: Social Security Administration
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Truth About Immigrants' Banking Rights
(Separate Website)
If you are an undocumented immigrant learn about your rights to open a bank account and build a credit history.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Arabic / العربية
,
Spanish / Español
USCIS Information to Avoid Immigration Scams
(Separate Website)
This section of the USCIS website provides information on how to avoid scams, common scams, form filing tips, how to report immigration scams, and much more.
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Social Security Number and Card
(Separate Website)
A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. Many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number.
Learn the steps you need to take to get both your social security number and card.
By: Social Security Administration
Divorce Resources
(Separate Website)
This site provides information on obtaining a divorce in New York State. Here you will find general information and free divorce forms with instructions.
By: New York State Unified Court System
FAIR HEARING REQUEST FORM
(Separate Website)
This form can be used to request a Fair Hearing. You have a right to request a Fair Hearing to challenge virtually any action (or lack of action) that the Social Services agency takes on your request for benefits (welfare, food stamps, HEAP, child care, Medicaid, and other programs). You also have a right to request a Fair Hearing if Social Services makes a change to benefits that you already get, and you disagree with that change.
By: The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
For order of protection forms and information, click here
(Separate Website)
PLEASE NOTE: You may want to speak with a lawyer before you file for an order of protection.
FORM - Request for Compliance
(Separate Website)
You can use this form if you feel that the local social service agency has not followed your Fair Hearing Decision
By: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Information on Answering a Notice of Petition and Petition (Eviction/Dispossess Papers for Non-Payment of Rent)
(Separate Website)
If you are in court for a "Non-Payment" case, because the Landlord claims you owe rent, you have the right to tell the Court the reason(s) why the rent may not be owed. Here are some reasons, called defenses, which the
Court can consider in deciding how much rent you may owe to your Landlord.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
INTERACTIVE FORM: Collection Agency "Stop Contact" Letter
(Separate Website)
The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act gives you the right to send a letter to a collection agency telling them to stop contacting you. The letter can also point out billing mistakes and request verification of the debt (such as a copy of the contract that you signed). You can write a "stop contact" letter now using this interactive form.
By: Legal Aid Network of Kentucky
INTERACTIVE FORM: Family Court Paternity Petition Program
(Separate Website)
Paternity means fatherhood. You can use this free program to write a paternity petition. After you file the petition, there will be a hearing in Family Court to decide who is the child's biological father.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
INTERACTIVE FORM: Family Court Support Enforcement/Violation Petition
(Separate Website)
You can use the Support Enforcement/Violation Petition, if the support order is not being followed. This free program will help you fill out the petition that you will need to file in Family Court.
You can use this program:
- If you already have a support order signed by a judge.
- If you are the one who receives the support payment.
- If no person on the support order gets public assistance.
By: New York State Unified Court System
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online Name Change Program (Outside NYC)
(Separate Website)
The adult name change form is used to ask the NY State Supreme Court to change your name.
This program will help you create the petition. You can use this program if:
You are 18 years old or older and
You are not in prison, on probation or on parole
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online Small Estate Affidavit Program
This interactive interview will help you fill out an Affidavit of Voluntary Administration. You can use this form to divide the property of someone who died. You can only use this form if the person who died had less than $30,000 worth of property.
By: Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® - Geneva Office
Other Formats:
Separate Website
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online Support Modification Program
(Separate Website)
You can use the Support Modification Petition to ask (or "petition") the Family Court to change a support order if there is a "change in circumstances." This program will help you fill out the petition that you will need to file in Family Court.
By: New York State Unified Court System
ONLINE FORM: Appeal a disability decision online
(Separate Website)
If your Social Security Disability application has been denied, click here to appeal the decision online.
By: Social Security Administration
Power of Attorney: New York Statutory Gifts Rider - Authorization for Certain Gift Transactions This OPTIONAL rider allows you to authorize your agent to make gifts in excess of an annual total of $500 for all gifts described in (I) of the Grant of Authority section of the statutory short form Power of Attorney (under personal and family maintenance), or certain other gift transactions during your lifetime.
By: City Bar Justice Center - Elderlaw Project
Power of Attorney: New York Statutory Short Form Your Power of Attorney is an important document. As the "principal," you give the person whom you choose (your "agent") authority to spend your money and sell or dispose of your property during your lifetime without telling you.
By: City Bar Justice Center - Elderlaw Project
Printable Form for Requesting a Fair Hearing Adjournment/Reopening
(Separate Website)
Print, complete, fax or mail this form to request an adjournment/reopening of your fair hearing
By: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Request an Adjournment or Reopening
(Separate Website)
If you are unable to attend your scheduled hearing and your hearing date hasn't passed yet, you may request a new hearing date. Click on this link for information on how to request an adjournment
By: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Request Compliance With a Fair Hearing Decision
(Separate Website)
If you have received a fair hearing decision that says that your local agency should do something and you believe that they haven't done it, you may submit a Compliance Complaint to us.
By: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Sample Cease Letter
(Separate Website)
Are debt collectors constantly calling you? Do you feel harassed by these calls? You can stop debt collection calls by sending a "cease letter" to the debt collector stating that you want them to stop contacting you. Here is an easy-to-use sample letter that you can type into directly or that you can print and fill out by hand.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Credit Report Info Packet
(Separate Website)
Contains everything you need to order your free credit report and dispute wrong information on your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Credit and Your Consumer Rights
(Separate Website)
Information about the federal laws on credit reporting, credit discrimination and debt collection.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Restrained Bank Account Information on how to deal with bank accounts that have been restrained or frozen. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to get your bank account released.
By: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Ordering Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
Learn about how you can get a FREE copy of your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Free Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
You can receive a FREE copy of your credit report once a year. Follow these steps to order your report safely.
By: New York State Attorney General's Office
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Free Credit Report Request Form
(Separate Website)
Use this form to order your credit report for free.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Consumer Tips for Retrieving Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
You do not have to pay to receive your free annual credit report. Before you request a copy of your report, make sure you request it from the right place, and read these tips to help you avoid potential problems.
By: World Privacy Forum
Reading Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
This fact sheet helps you understand the information on your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be Best
(Separate Website)
Information on how you can improve your credit rating and legitimate resources for low or no-cost help.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Correcting Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
This fact sheet explains what to do if you find incorrect information on your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Disputing the debt
(Separate Website)
This resource provides information on your rights to disputing a debt and how to do it.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
How To Dispute Credit Report Errors This resource provides useful tips to use when correcting your credit report. It also provides a sample dispute letter and a copy of an annual credit report form, you can fill in and mail out.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter The attached sample letter can be used to dispute incorrect or old information on your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Sample Follow Up Letter
(Separate Website)
Use this sample letter if the credit reporting agency does not respond to your dispute letter within thirty days.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Tips on Loans and Credit Card Scams
(Separate Website)
Information on illegal loan and credit card offers.
By: Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York
Sample Credit Card Dispute Letter This letter sample letter attached can be used to dispute an incorrect charge on your credit card bill.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Advance Fee Loan Sharks
(Separate Website)
Information on how to protect yourself against companies that offer loans for a fee paid in advance.
By: New York State Attorney General's Office
The Truth About Advance-Fee Loan Scams This resource provides additional background information in regards to being aware of advance-fee loans.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Building A Better Credit Record
(Separate Website)
Detailed information on how to obtain and fix your credit report as well as how to deal with debt. Also provides basic information about bankruptcy.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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