The Broome County Bar Assocation's Grievance Committee provides two committees to investigate complaints against lawyers: Ethics & Unlawful Practice Committee; Greivance & Fee Reconciliation Committee. Will address issues concerning Broome County Attorneys.

Provides the courts to deal with criminal, civil, small claims and traffic issues. Designated parking, elevator, wide doors, accessible bathrooms

For sources of legal counsel, advice, representation and/or information, Office for the Aging at 349-3484,

The Dutchess County Office For the Aging Legal Services for the Elderly provides legal advice to Dutchess County residents age 60 and over. There is no financial eligibility requirement for assistance through this program; however, it is intended for those senior citizens who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.

The primary focus of legal services offered through Dutchess County Office For the Aging is generally on immediate threats to income, shelter, patients’ rights and health matters. Preparation of simple wills is also available. Prospective clients may make an appointment for this service by calling Dutchess County Office For the Aging, 845-486-2555 or toll free at 1-866-486-2555. Make your plans sooner rather than later!

Nationally, attorneys who specialize in elder law can be found by contacting the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. (https://www.naela.org/)

The Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) Program provides an immediate response to families in crisis and attempts to identify and facilitate access to appropriate services. The program’s goal is to address the need for early, effective interventions to reduce out of home placements and Family Court involvement for troubled youth.

“The highly trained and experienced staff and volunteers at Empowered Pathways offer a variety of dispute resolution services.

Mediation allows people an opportunity to speak and be heard, while a neutral manages the conversation. It helps improve communication, improve relationships, and solve problems. Our professional mediators are trained and certified in accordance with standards set by the New York State Unified Court System, and their services offer real and lasting solutions. These services are free or low-cost.

SMALL CLAIMS

Intended to allow parties involved in Small Claims proceedings to settle more quickly and with greater say in the process. Mediation can help find a resolution that the parties themselves choose.

These agreements are enforceable by the referring court, happen quickly, and offer a flexibility and satisfaction unique to the mediation process. The process is strictly voluntary, and it offers both claimants and respondents an option they might not previously have been aware of.

RESTITUTION

Focused on allowing parties (individuals, groups or communities) to verbalize the harm done to them and their need for it to be acknowledged by the perpetrator(s) of the harm.

This mediation focuses on active involvement by the victim and the offender, giving them the opportunity to mutually rectify the harm done to the victim in a process that promotes dialogue between them. Traditional justice systems focus on punishment. Restitution changes that emphasis, working to not only make victims whole again, but to highlight accountability for offenders.

ARBITRATION

Intended to allow parties a quicker, legally binding solution to the court process. Like a hearing held in the courts, during an arbitration, standards of evidence are applied to all evidence submitted to the parties.

All testimony is given under oath, and the Arbitrator has the power to subpoena witnesses when needed. The Arbitrator will weigh the evidence and testimony submitted and issue a decision within 30 days of the hearing. The decision is binding for cases referred from the local courts under Article 75 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules.”

Services Provided : Assisting and advocating for our county's residents aged 60 and over, and their caregivers, through programs and services designed to promote health, safety, dignity, and independence.
Services include Caregiver support, Educational, Emergency, Employment Placement & Training, Energy Assistance, Legal, Financial, Health&Nutrition, Long Term Care insurance information/HIICAP, Information/Referral Case management, EISEP personal care services, Transportation, Volunteer Opportunities, Home Delivered Meals, congregate meals, loan closet for small medical items, loan closet for hearing enhancing devices. Ombudsman advocate program.

Provides the courts to handle criminal, civil, small claims and traffic issues. Ground level entrance in rear from parking lot

CIVIL Representation is provided in domestic relations, housing (primarily eviction proceedings) and unemployment cases. See also, Specialized Projects. FAMILY COURT Representation is provided to adults in abuse/neglect, custody/visitation, termination of parental rights, paternity, family offense and child support violation cases. APPEALS Representation is provided to persons on appeal from criminal convictions and from judgments of Onondaga County Family Court. PAROLE Represents parolees in parole revocation proceedings brought by the NYS Division of Parole. EXTRADITION Representation is provided in Onondaga County Court to persons facing extradition to another state to answer criminal charges.

Offers legal services of various types, such as unmarried couples can register their relationships, tax appeals, property tax assessment challenges, etc.