We recognize the impact that Covid-19 is having on our community, and we want to reassure you that there are resources available to help you during this difficult time. Please remember, there are people who can help you manage your feelings, stress, and anxiety that this crisis has caused. You are not alone.

Courts

Courts are gradually returning to in-person operations, but most matters are still being held virtually (through the use of technology, such as Microsoft Teams or teleconference).

To protect our health, safety measures will be in place, including: 

• Anyone entering court houses must wear a mask.
• All staff who interact with court visitors must wear a mask.
• Areas will be marked for proper physical distancing.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers and barriers will be installed.
• Temperature checks and screenings for all visitors of state courthouses. (Officers will use an infrared thermometer without physical contact with the visitor.)

Courts are beginning to accept non-essential matters. The type of cases that are being heard may depend on the jurisdiction (area) you live.

Courts will continue to hear matters that are "essential" or are emergencies. These include:

• Temporary Order of Protection
• Child protection cases where there is an application to remove the child from the home
• Any other case that the court considers essential

To find out more, talk to a lawyer in your county, or speak to a crime victim advocate, or go to the NY Courts website.

Resources on NY Crime Victims Legal Help

See additional information on our Safety Issues Page about:

• Orders of Protection
• Safety and Voting

See additional information on our Family Law Issues Page about:

• Child Support
• Visitation

See additional information on our Money & Financial Issues Page about:

• Stimulus Checks (2020 and 2021)
• Utility shutoffs
• Scams

See additional information on our Employment Issues Page about:

• Emergency Paid Sick Leave
• Emergency Paid Family Medical Leave
• NYS Emergency Paid Leave
• Workers' Compensation
• Unemployment Insurance

See additional information on our Victim Rights Page about:

• Applying for victim compensation without a police report if you are a domestic violence victim

See additional information on Housing Issues Page about:

• Evictions
• Foreclosure
• Rent Relief
• Shelters
• Housing Protections

Additional Resources

• Please go to LawHelpNY and Empire Justice Center for COVID-19 related legal information and resources.
• For services in New York State impacted by COVID-19, please go to the NYS Department of Health.

Updated January 19, 2021