How We Can Help

How We Can
Help

At Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), we provide comprehensive civil legal services to low-income individuals and families, at no cost. Our mission and commitment are to protect rights, promote justice, and ensure equal access to legal assistance for all.

Three people in business attire and glasses smiling for the camera.

Our Impact

At LSHV, our commitment is to protect rights, promote justice, and ensure equal access to legal assistance. As a non-profit law firm, we are dedicated to offering free comprehensive services that cover a broad spectrum of civil legal issues, aiming to secure the well-being and rights of low-income communities. 

Our work spans from housing and family law to employment and beyond, embodying our core belief in advocacy and the right to justice for everyone. We work with children and families, people with disabilities, the elderly, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those living with HIV and AIDS, survivors of domestic violence, and veterans and military families to ensure our efforts not only address the pressing legal needs of individuals but also contribute to building a stronger, more just society.

Available Languages

English
Spanish
French
Italian
German
Portuguese
Russian
Hindi
Haitian-
Creole
Romanian

Areas of Expertise

Elder Law

Elder Law

Our elder law attorneys are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate the complex legal and financial challenges that often arise with aging. We play a crucial role in ensuring the legal rights and financial well-being of older adults through estate planning and wills, guardianship, protection against elder abuse, fraud, and neglect, and issues related to retirement, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care planning.
Housing Rights

Housing Rights

We believe that everyone has a right to fair and affordable housing — our expertise encompasses a range of issues from tenant-landlord disputes to fair housing laws. Our legal team has been instrumental in interpreting and applying laws related to rent, eviction, housing discrimination, and property standards and we advocate for those who might otherwise be marginalized or unfairly treated in the housing market.
Family Defense

Family Defense

Let us help you navigate the complex and often emotionally charged realm of family law. We are adept at handling a wide range of cases, from divorce and child custody disputes to issues of domestic violence and child welfare. We want you to understand your legal options and the potential ramifications of your decisions and will work diligently to protect your rights and interests while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Our team works tirelessly to ensure your safety and rights by offering both protection and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. We provide legal counsel to victims to help them navigate complex legal proceedings, from filing restraining orders to representing them in court for custody or divorce cases. Our expertise encompasses a deep understanding of the laws related to domestic violence by integrating both family law and criminal law to ensure a fair outcome.
LGBTQIA+ Rights

LGBTQIA+ Rights

We are dedicated to not just legal victories, but also fostering a broader cultural understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights as fundamental human rights. We are deeply knowledgeable about the specific challenges and legal issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as discrimination in the workplace, housing, healthcare, and issues related to marriage and family law. At LSHV, our LGBTQIA+ rights team plays a crucial role in advocating for and protecting the rights of individuals within this community.
Social Security / Public Benefits

Social Security / Public Benefits

At LSHV, we act as the bridge between you and the support you need, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to under the law. Navigating the complex landscape of government assistance programs can be a challenge — we understand the intricate rules and regulations that govern Social Security, disability benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs, positioning us to diligently handle benefit denials or discrepancies.
Disability Advocacy

Disability Advocacy

We want individuals with disabilities to receive fair treatment in the workplace, equal access to public spaces and services, and appropriate educational accommodations. Our attorneys are well-versed in laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and other pertinent federal and state statutes that impact the lives of disabled persons, including employment, accessibility, education, and discrimination.
Veterans & Military Families

Veterans & Military Families

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) holds the conviction that veterans merit the same rights to justice domestically as they have defended internationally. To address these needs, we established our Veterans & Military Families Unit in 2012 as a comprehensive practice area, covering all our legal disciplines. This unit is operated by lawyers who are knowledgeable about and honor military traditions and culture.
Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

We bring a deep awareness of the medical, social, and psychological facets of HIV/AIDS and those dealing with issues related to healthcare access, discrimination, confidentiality, and employment rights for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Our health and wellness team provides legal guidance and representation to ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law, including access to necessary medical care and protection against discrimination in the workplace or other areas of life.
Other Services

Other Services

Explore our other services that include providing assistance specific to New York State or the individual counties we serve, including Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. These services can include consumer advocacy, special education, and community support services.