New York Pro Se Help: Free Court Self-Help Centers and Legal Aid by County
Going to family court in New York without a lawyer is common, and you do not have to figure it out alone. The court runs free help for people representing themselves, and nonprofit legal aid offices give free legal help to parents who qualify. Below, every county in New York gets no more than two places to call, both checked in September 2026.
Statewide: NY CourtHelp. Plain-language guides and forms to help New Yorkers represent themselves in family, housing, and other court cases.
Albany County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Albany, Altamont, Cohoes, Colonie, Green Island, Menands, Ravena, Voorheesville, and Watervliet.
Allegany County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Alfred, Almond, Andover, Angelica, Belmont, Bolivar, Canaseraga, Cuba, Richburg, and Wellsville.
Bronx County: court help from Bronx County Family Court Help Center, email BronxFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services NYC, phone (917) 661-4500. Covers New York.
Broome County: court help from Broome County Help Center, phone (607) 240-5954. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Binghamton, Deposit, Endicott, Johnson City, Lisle, Port Dickinson, Whitney Point, and Windsor.
Cattaraugus County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Delevan, Ellicottville, Franklinville, Gowanda, Little Valley, Olean, Portville, Salamanca, and South Dayton.
Cayuga County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Auburn, Aurora, Cato, Cayuga, Fair Haven, Meridian, Moravia, Port Byron, Union Springs, and Weedsport.
Chautauqua County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Bemus Point, Brocton, Cassadaga, Celoron, Dunkirk, Falconer, Fredonia, Jamestown, Lakewood, Mayville, Panama, and Sherman.
Chemung County: court help from Chemung County Help Center, phone (607) 240-5954. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Elmira, Elmira Heights, Horseheads, Millport, and Wellsburg.
Chenango County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Afton, Bainbridge, Earlville, Greene, New Berlin, Norwich, Oxford, Sherburne, and Smyrna.
Clinton County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Champlain, Dannemora, Plattsburgh, and Rouses Point.
Columbia County: court help from Columbia County Help Center, phone (518) 267-3170, email columbialawlibrary@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Chatham, Hudson, Kinderhook, Philmont, and Valatie.
Cortland County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Cortland, Homer, Marathon, and McGraw.
Delaware County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Delhi, Deposit, Fleischmanns, Franklin, Hancock, Hobart, Margaretville, Sidney, Stamford, and Walton.
Dutchess County: court help from 9th Judicial District Supreme Court Help Center, phone (914) 824-5457, email VirtualCourtHelp9JD@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Beacon, Fishkill, Millbrook, Millerton, Pawling, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Tivoli, and Wappingers Falls.
Erie County: court help from 8th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (716) 845-1816, email 8jdcourthelp@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services, phone (716) 847-0650. Covers Akron, Alden, Angola, Blasdell, Buffalo, Depew, East Aurora, Farnham, Gowanda, Hamburg, Kenmore, and Lackawanna.
Essex County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.
Franklin County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Brushton, Burke, Chateaugay, Malone, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake.
Fulton County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Broadalbin, Dolgeville, Gloversville, Johnstown, Mayfield, and Northville.
Genesee County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services, phone (716) 847-0650. Covers Alexander, Attica, Batavia, Bergen, Corfu, Elba, Le Roy, and Oakfield.
Greene County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Athens, Catskill, Coxsackie, Hunter, and Tannersville.
Hamilton County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Speculator.
Herkimer County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Cold Brook, Dolgeville, Frankfort, Herkimer, Ilion, Little Falls, Middleville, Mohawk, Newport, Poland, and West Winfield.
Jefferson County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Adams, Alexandria Bay, Antwerp, Black River, Brownville, Cape Vincent, Carthage, Chaumont, Clayton, Deferiet, Dexter, and Ellisburg.
Kings County: court help from Kings County Family Court Help Center, email KingsFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services NYC, phone (917) 661-4500. Covers New York.
Lewis County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Castorland, Constableville, Copenhagen, Croghan, Lowville, Lyons Falls, Port Leyden, and Turin.
Livingston County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Avon, Caledonia, Dansville, Geneseo, Leicester, Lima, Livonia, Mount Morris, and Nunda.
Madison County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, DeRuyter, Earlville, Hamilton, Madison, Morrisville, Munnsville, Oneida, and Wampsville.
Monroe County: court help from 7th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (585) 371-3284, email 7thCourtHelp@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Brockport, Churchville, East Rochester, Fairport, Hilton, Honeoye Falls, Pittsford, Rochester, Scottsville, Spencerport, and Webster.
Montgomery County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Ames, Amsterdam, Canajoharie, Fonda, Fort Johnson, Fort Plain, Fultonville, Hagaman, Nelliston, Palatine Bridge, and St. Johnsville.
Nassau County: court help from Nassau County Supreme Court Help Center, phone (516) 493-3200. Free legal aid from Legal Services of Long Island, phone (631) 232-2400. Covers Atlantic Beach, Baxter Estates, Bayville, Bellerose, Brookville, Cedarhurst, Centre Island, Cove Neck, East Hills, East Rockaway, East Williston, and Farmingdale.
New York County: court help from New York County Family Court Help Center, email ManhattanFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services NYC, phone (917) 661-4500. Covers New York.
Niagara County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services, phone (716) 847-0650. Covers Barker, Lewiston, Lockport, Middleport, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Wilson, and Youngstown.
Oneida County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Boonville, Camden, Clayville, Clinton, Holland Patent, New Hartford, New York Mills, Oneida Castle, Oriskany, Oriskany Falls, Remsen, and Rome.
Onondaga County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Baldwinsville, Camillus, East Syracuse, Elbridge, Fabius, Fayetteville, Jordan, Liverpool, Manlius, Marcellus, Minoa, and North Syracuse.
Ontario County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Clifton Springs, Geneva, Manchester, Naples, Phelps, Rushville, Shortsville, and Victor.
Orange County: court help from 9th Judicial District Supreme Court Help Center, phone (914) 824-5457, email VirtualCourtHelp9JD@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Chester, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Florida, Goshen, Greenwood Lake, Harriman, Highland Falls, Kiryas Joel, Maybrook, Middletown, Monroe, and Montgomery.
Orleans County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services, phone (716) 847-0650. Covers Albion, Holley, Lyndonville, and Medina.
Oswego County: court help from 5th Judicial District Court Help Center, phone (315) 671-1144, email 5jdhelpcenter@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Central Square, Cleveland, Fulton, Hannibal, Lacona, Mexico, Oswego, Parish, Phoenix, Pulaski, and Sandy Creek.
Otsego County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, phone (877) 777-6152. Covers Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, Gilbertsville, Laurens, Milford, Morris, Oneonta, Otego, Richfield Springs, and Unadilla.
Putnam County: court help from 9th Judicial District Supreme Court Help Center, phone (914) 824-5457, email VirtualCourtHelp9JD@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Brewster, Cold Spring, and Nelsonville.
Queens County: court help from Queens County Family Court Help Center, email QueensFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services NYC, phone (917) 661-4500. Covers New York.
Rensselaer County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Castleton-on-Hudson, East Nassau, Hoosick Falls, Nassau, Rensselaer, Schaghticoke, Troy, and Valley Falls.
Richmond County: court help from Richmond County Family Court Help Center, email RichmondFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services NYC, phone (917) 661-4500. Covers New York.
Rockland County: court help from 9th Judicial District Supreme Court Help Center, phone (914) 824-5457, email VirtualCourtHelp9JD@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Airmont, Chestnut Ridge, Grand View-on-Hudson, Haverstraw, Hillburn, Kaser, Montebello, New Hempstead, New Square, Nyack, Piermont, and Pomona.
St. Lawrence County: court help from St. Lawrence County Help Center, phone (315) 379-2279, email LawLibraryStLawrence@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Canton, Gouverneur, Hammond, Heuvelton, Massena, Morristown, Norwood, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Rensselaer Falls, Richville, and Waddington.
Saratoga County: court help from Saratoga Supreme Court Help Center, phone (518) 451-8777, email lawlibrarysaratoga@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Ballston Spa, Corinth, Galway, Mechanicville, Round Lake, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, South Glens Falls, Stillwater, Victory, and Waterford.
Schenectady County: court help from Schenectady Supreme Court Help Center, phone (518) 285-8518, email lawlibraryschenectady@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Delanson, Schenectady, and Scotia.
Schoharie County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Cobleskill, Esperance, Middleburgh, Richmondville, Schoharie, and Sharon Springs.
Schuyler County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Burdett, Montour Falls, Odessa, and Watkins Glen.
Seneca County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Geneva, Interlaken, Lodi, Ovid, and Waterloo.
Steuben County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Addison, Almond, Arkport, Avoca, Bath, Canisteo, Cohocton, Corning, Hammondsport, Hornell, North Hornell, and Painted Post.
Suffolk County: court help from Suffolk County Supreme Court Help Center (Central Islip), phone (631) 740-3961, email suflawlibrary@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of Long Island, phone (631) 232-2400. Covers Amityville, Asharoken, Babylon, Belle Terre, Bellport, Brightwaters, Dering Harbor, East Hampton, Greenport, Head of the Harbor, Huntington Bay, and Islandia.
Sullivan County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Bloomingburg, Jeffersonville, Liberty, Monticello, Woodridge, and Wurtsboro.
Tioga County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Candor, Newark Valley, Nichols, Owego, Spencer, and Waverly.
Tompkins County: court help from Tompkins County Help Center, phone (607) 240-5954. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Cayuga Heights, Dryden, Freeville, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, and Trumansburg.
Ulster County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Ellenville, Kingston, New Paltz, and Saugerties.
Warren County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Glens Falls and Lake George.
Washington County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, phone (833) 628-0087. Covers Argyle, Cambridge, Fort Ann, Fort Edward, Granville, Greenwich, Hudson Falls, and Whitehall.
Wayne County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Clyde, Newark, Palmyra, Red Creek, Sodus, Sodus Point, and Wolcott.
Westchester County: court help from 9th Judicial District Supreme Court Help Center, phone (914) 824-5457, email VirtualCourtHelp9JD@nycourts.gov. Free legal aid from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, phone (877) 574-8529, email info@lshv.org. Covers Ardsley, Briarcliff Manor, Bronxville, Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Harrison, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck.
Wyoming County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services, phone (716) 847-0650. Covers Arcade, Attica, Castile, Gainesville, Perry, Silver Springs, Warsaw, and Wyoming.
Yates County: court help from NY CourtHelp. Free legal aid from Legal Assistance of Western New York, phone (585) 325-2520. Covers Dresden, Dundee, Penn Yan, and Rushville.
Where can I get free help with a family court case in New York without a lawyer? Start with NY CourtHelp, run by New York State Unified Court System. 27 of 62 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Legal Services NYC, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Legal Services of Long Island if you qualify by income.
Does every New York county have its own self-help center? No. 27 of 62 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by NY CourtHelp, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in New York.
Who gives free legal aid in New York? New York is served by 7 federally funded legal aid offices: Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Legal Services NYC, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Legal Services of Long Island. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center? It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid? A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call? Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free help with a family court case in New York without a lawyer?
Start with NY CourtHelp, run by New York State Unified Court System. 27 of 62 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Legal Services NYC, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Legal Services of Long Island if you qualify by income.
Does every New York county have its own self-help center?
No. 27 of 62 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by NY CourtHelp, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in New York.
Who gives free legal aid in New York?
New York is served by 7 federally funded legal aid offices: Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Legal Services NYC, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Legal Services of Long Island. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center?
It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid?
A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.