Legal Library
& Forms
Welcome to our legal library and forms catalog. Please feel free to download information or forms that will be helpful to your situation.
Disclaimer
This legal information is prepared by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and is not to be construed as legal advice. Unless otherwise noted, the content contained herein, including graphic images and text, is the exclusive property of LSHV. Except for personal use, these items may not be copied, distributed, displayed, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of LSHV. Please note that any applicable laws, orders, and directives are subject to change.
Know Your Rights: Child Care Services for Public Assistance Recipients
The Department of Social Services (“DSS”) must promise childcare services to a family who has applied for or is in receipt of public assistance when ALL of the following commitments are met:
Child care services are needed for a child under 13 years of age and
Child care services are necessary to enable the child’s custodial parent or caretaker relative to participate in activities required by DSS.
Know Your Rights: Address Confidentiality
If you are afraid of your abuser finding out your address in court, here are two ways to make your address private:
- If you have a case in NY Family Court, ask the court to keep your address private.
- Apply to NY State's Address Confidentiality Program. This free program is for survivors of domestic violence and members of their household to shield their addresses, including home, school, and work, from their abuser.
Know Your Rights: What is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, or OP, is a rule from a judge to limit contact between people. It protects you from an abuser. If you want someone to leave you alone, you can ask the Family court in writing for an order of protection (family offense petition).
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is when one spouse does not want to get divorced or the spouses do not agree on the terms of the divorce. For example, you might not agree on child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, or property division. In a contested divorce, the court (or judge) will try to get you both to agree. Otherwise, the court may decide for you.