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  • I am a ...

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  • The Courts

    The Courts The mission of the Unified Court System is to promote the rule of law and to serve the public by providing just and timely resolution of all matters before the courts.

    • New York City Courts
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    • Long Island Courts
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    • Upstate Courts
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    • Specialized Courts
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    • Appellate Courts
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    • Rules
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    • Town & Village Justice Courts
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    • County Clerks, (NYC)
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    eCourts: eFile (NYSCEF), eTrack, Pay Online & more...
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  • Forms
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  • CourtHelp

    CourtHelp Get help when you don’t have a lawyer. Information here is constantly being updated to reflect changes in the law.

    • DIY Forms
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    • Safety & Violence
      dropdown triangle
    • Problems with Money
      dropdown triangle
    • Guardianship
      dropdown triangle
    • Families & Children
      dropdown triangle
    • Criminal
      dropdown triangle
    • After the Case Is Over
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    • Homes & Evictions
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    • When Someone Dies
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    • Small Claims
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    • Getting Help at the Courthouse
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    • Name Change and/or Sex Designation Change
      dropdown triangle
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  • About Us

    About Us The administration of the court system. Learn about our work and our structure.

    • Administration
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    • AMICI Podcast Series
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    • Careers
      dropdown triangle
    • Civic Engagement
      dropdown triangle
    • Contact Us
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    • OCA Support Units
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    • Publications
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    • Public Information
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    • Special Events
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    • Bias & Misconduct Complaints
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    • Terms of Court Calendar & Holidays
      dropdown triangle
    Hon. Joseph A. Zayas and Hon. Norman St. George

    Featured

    Court Leadership
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  • Programs & Services

    Programs & Services

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    Featured

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  • Find a Court
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CourtHelp Getting Help at the Courthouse

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  1. Home
  2. Representing Yourself in Court
  3. Getting Help at the Courthouse

In This Section

  • Getting Help at the Courthouse
    • Court Help Centers
      • Community Resources
    • Lawyers & Legal Help
      • Find a Lawyer
    • Free Court Services
    • Getting Court Records
    • How the Clerk's Office Can Help
    • Language Help (Interpreters)
  • Court Forms & Fees
    • Fee Waivers
  • Court System Basics
    • The Right Court for Your Problem
    • Privacy of Court Cases
    • Confidential Records
    • Redaction Rules
    • People Who Work in the Courtroom
    • Official Policy on ICE Arrests in Courthouses
  • Court Case Basics
    • Basic Steps in a Court Case
    • How Court Cases Start
    • How Legal Papers Are Delivered (Service)
      • Conspicuous Service
      • Substituted Service
      • Mailing Copies of the Papers
      • Common Examples of Bad Service
      • Filing an Affidavit of Service
    • Trial
      • Discovery
      • Evidence
    • Judgments
    • Settlements
    • Ways to Settle Your Case (ADR)
    • How to Ask the Court for Something
      • Common Examples of Motions
    • Getting a Judge Assigned to Your Case (RJI)
    • Statute of Limitations
      • Statute of Limitations Timetable

Quick Links

Ask a Law Librarian
DIY Forms
eFiling
Find a Lawyer
Help Centers
LawHelp
Legal Glossary
Public Access Law Libraries

You are not completely on your own at the courthouse. There are many ways to get help depending on your needs. Most of the services linked below are free and open to anyone who does not have a lawyer, and no appointments are needed.

Court Help Centers
Some courts have Help Centers located right at the courthouse to assist people who do not have a lawyer. These offices are staffed by clerks and court attorneys who provide free legal and procedural information, offer referrals and give out court forms and written information. Some Help Centers have volunteer lawyers to give free legal advice.
Law Libraries
Law libraries have resources for you to do legal research and law librarians can help you look up what you need.
Lawyers & Legal Help
Learn how to find free and low-cost legal help. Learn how to complain about an attorney or check an attorney's registration.
Free Court Services
Find out about free court services at the courthouse, including child care centers, help with ADA issues, and e-filing.
Getting Court Records & Case Information
Find out how and where to ask for court records.
How the Clerk's Office Can Help
Workers in the courthouse can't take sides or give legal advice. Find out what they can do for you.
Language Help (Interpreters)
If you cannot speak English well, learn about getting a free court interpreter to help you.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
Each Court has a person available to help people with disabilities. Find contact information, how a request is made and handled, and learn about the services and aids that courts can provide.
Resolving a Case Out of Court (ADR)
Find out about ways to work out your dispute without having to go before a judge.

Related Information:

Court Forms
DIY Forms
How to Ask the Court for Something

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