The VLP focuses on serving people with special problems in gaining access to the legal system, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, persons affected by chronic illnesses and victims of domestic violence.  The VLP’s primary referral areas are Family Law, Elder Law and Consumer Law, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  In addition to serving those in need through direct representation, the VLP has established several innovative education and outreach programs for seniors and self-represented litigants.

 

FAMILY LAW

 

VLP volunteer attorneys provide assistance to families and individuals in crisis, providing representation and counsel on a variety of family law matters including child and spousal support, custody, visitation and uncontested divorce.  The family law program is designed with special concern for women who are victims of domestic violence and with a keen sensitivity to resolving familial conflicts with a minimum of disruption and animosity. 

 

Uncontested Divorce Clinic

The VLP has an active self-represented uncontested divorce program that assists men and women whose lives are in crisis or at a standstill because they were abandoned or are victims of domestic violence and/or emotional abuse.  Most are referred to the VLP by the Office of the Self-Represented in Supreme Court.  Others learn about the VLP clinic from other legal service providers. 

 

ELDER LAW

 

Senior citizens have special needs that often make it more difficult for them to gain access to the justice system, and indigence compounds the problem.  The primary goal of the VLP’s Elder Law program is to empower seniors by educating them about their legal rights and options.

Senior Legal Education and Assistance Program  (Senior LEAP)

Senior LEAP is the VLP’s innovative public education program that provides seniors with essential information about life planning and fraud prevention.  The VLP trains volunteer attorneys and works with Brooklyn Senior Centers to arrange informative presentations to groups of seniors in two important topic areas:

Advance Medical Directives: Seniors learn about the importance of health care proxies, living wills and powers of attorney.  At the conclusion of the presentation, volunteer attorneys are available to answer questions and help seniors complete their own health care proxies if they choose. 

Fraud Prevention: Seniors learn how to recognize and avoid scams that target the elderly including  fraudulent telemarketing, sweepstakes, home improvement, investment and utility scams.   Seniors are provided with the tools they need to protect their credit and assets.

 

CONSUMER LAW

 

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Consumer bankruptcy protection is often chosen as a last resort by individuals and families facing insurmountable debt after trying to cope with job loss or serious medical problems.  VLP volunteer attorneys assist individuals with drafting bankruptcy petitions and by representing them in Chapter 7 proceedings in the United State Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of New York.

Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO)

 

The Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO) is a free, weekly walk-in clinic at Kings County Civil Court where consumers can obtain free information about debt collection.  CLARO is a joint project of the VLP and Brooklyn Law School, with the collaboration of MFY Legal Services and Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project (NEDAP).  It was created in cooperation with Kings County Civil Court to address the needs of unrepresented consumer debt litigants.  CLARO is held every Thursday at Kings County Civil Court (141 Livingston Street) from 2:30 to 4:30 PM  and 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION

 

As the pro bono component of a unique partnership with South Brooklyn Legal Services Foreclosure Prevention Project, the VLP will represent and assist Brooklyn residents facing foreclosure as a result of subprime or unconventional loan products through the Pro Bono Foreclosure Panel, a panel of trained pro bono attorneys recruited, trained, supervised and mentored by the VLP.  The Pro Bono Foreclosure Panel will provide representation and advice and counsel in foreclosure defense litigation; in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions; and at short sale closings.  In addition, within the framework of limited representation proposed by SBLS, the Pro Bono Foreclosure Panel will represent homeowners at mandatory settlement conferences.

 

ARTICLE 17A GUARDIANSHIP

In January 2009, the VLP initiated a multifaceted legal services project assisting clients with obtaining guardianship of a mentally retarded or developmentally disabled person.  In New York State, parents or guardians of persons who are mentally retarded or developmentally disabled are considered the natural guardians of their children until their 18th birthday. After a person reaches 18 years of age, he or she is presumed to be a legally competent adult and able to manage his or her own affairs.  If an individual is not able to manage on their own, a parent or legal guardian must obtain legal guardianship under Article 17A of the S.C.P.A.    The VLP will assist residents of Brooklyn either with pro se assistance or direct representation in Kings County Surrogate’s Court.  Petitioners will meet with attorneys to complete all the necessary forms to obtain guardianship pro se.  If it appears that additional assistance is required for follow through, an attorney may choose to appear in court with the litigant. Volunteer attorneys will have the support and assistance of Sidney Cherubin, the VLP Supervising Attorney, throughout the process. At this time, there are no other organizations in Brooklyn providing assistance with Article 17A petitions.