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
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)
Your Rights Against Debt Collectors Under NYC Law
(Separate Website)
Find out how NYC's debt collection law help NYC residents.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
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
Improving Your Credit Report
(Separate Website)
This resource provides useful tips on how to improve your credit report.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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
Economic Empowerment Resource Guide
(Separate Website)
While this guide is specifically intended to provide helpful information for immigrant victims of violent crimes, it may benefit many New Yorkers who are entering the job market for the first time, researching college or other educational programs, or looking to change careers. It provides information about:
- high-school equivalency (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- welfare/job centers that service immigrants throughout New York City and accept applications for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid
- job training and job placement programs
- employment agencies
- personal financial literacy classes to teach how to budget and save money as well as take control of your debt
- financial aid for higher education (such as college)
- small business resources, including micro-loans
By: City Bar Justice Center - Immigrant Women and Children Project
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
Consular IDs and Bank Accounts
(Separate Website)
This fact sheet explains how consular IDs can help immigrants gain access to financial services.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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
Economic Empowerment Resource Guide
(Separate Website)
While this guide is specifically intended to provide helpful information for immigrant victims of violent crimes, it may benefit many New Yorkers who are entering the job market for the first time, researching college or other educational programs, or looking to change careers. It provides information about:
- high-school equivalency (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- welfare/job centers that service immigrants throughout New York City and accept applications for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid
- job training and job placement programs
- employment agencies
- personal financial literacy classes to teach how to budget and save money as well as take control of your debt
- financial aid for higher education (such as college)
- small business resources, including micro-loans
By: City Bar Justice Center - Immigrant Women and Children Project
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
How to Complain About Lawyers and Judges in NYC
(Separate Website)
An overview of how to file complaint against a Lawyer or Judge in NYC. Outlines client's rights and responsibilities.
By: City Bar Justice 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
Immigration Rights and Services Manual
(Separate Website)
This manual provides important information on the rights and services available to immigrants in New York City.
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
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
New York City Small Claims Courts - locations, directions, and court hours
(Separate Website)
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
Sending Money Home: Consumer Rights and Options in NYC
(Separate Website)
This resource provides useful information to protect yourself when sending money home.
By: Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project
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 Guide to Small Claims and Commercial Small Claims in: - New York City - Nassau County, and - Suffolk County
(Separate Website)
This Guide shows you how to:
- Start your case
- File a commercial claim
- Collect a judgment
- Contact government agencies
- Find the right court for your small claim case
By: New York State Unified Court System
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
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: Affidavit to Vacate a Default Judgment in a Consumer Debt Case
(Separate Website)
This free and easy program makes papers that help you tell a judge why you missed your court date or didn't answer a complaint in a consumer
debt case.
By: New York State Unified Court System
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: Name Change Program for Minors (NYC)
(Separate Website)
This free and easy program helps parents and guardians make a petition to change the name of one or more minor child. When you finish the program, you can print your New York City Minor Name Change Petition. The program will tell you how to file it in the courthouse to change the minor's name.
By: New York State Unified Court System
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online Name Change Program for Adults (NYC)
(Separate Website)
Click here for the Court's free and easy interactive computer program to complete an adult name change petition.
By: New York State Unified Court System
INTERACTIVE FORM: Online NYC Nonpayment Tenant Answer Program
(Separate Website)
This on-line, interactive program will give you information and help you prepare to answer a New York City nonpayment petition if you live in rent-stabilized or NYCHA housing.
By: Civil Court of the City of New York, with LawNY®
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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
INTERACTIVE FORM: Tenant Affidavit (Order to Show Cause) to Vacate a Default Judgment
(Separate Website)
This free and easy program should be used only if you already have a judgment against you from the New York City Housing Court. The program will ask questions that help you prepare a document that tells a judge why you missed your court date, or didn't answer a non-payment or holdover case in Housing Court. When you finish the program, you can print the document called an "Affidavit in Support of an Order to Show Cause" which you should give to the Clerk in the Housing Court. The Affidavit asks the judge to let you come back to court (i.e. restore the case to the Court calendar).
To access this interactive form, click on the "Go to form" tab.
By: NYC Housing Court
INTERACTIVE FORM: Tenant Affidavit to Restore Case to Calendar Program
(Separate Website)
Use this form if you need to go back to housing court to ask the judge to do something more on your case such as 1) give you more time to do what you promised to do, or 2) get the landlord to do what they promised to do or 3) for any other reason directly related to your housing case. Before you start filling out this form, it?s best to have the paper you signed in front of you so you can copy certain information the form asks you to provide. If this isn?t possible, you need to know who is suing whom in the case so the court can find the case in their records.
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
Video: New York City Small Claims Form Instructions Video
(Separate Website)
This is an overview of how to complete the SC50 Small Claims Statement of Claim form.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
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)
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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