Handles civil cases which involve personal injury, property damage or liability, medical or dental malpractice, real estate actions, equity suits such as injunction proceedings, specific performance contract disputes, administration of trusts and foreclosure on mortgages, as well as adoptions, probate, family law and psychiatric cases. ADA compliant

The Broome County Family Court has jurisdiction over cases in accordance with Family Court Act of NYS including such areas as: child custody, child/spouse/family support, adoption, parental rights, cases of neglect and abuse, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), family offenses, paternity proceedings, handicap petitions.

Mission Statement: New York has the proud distinction of being the first state in the nation to enact a Human Rights Law, which affords every citizen "an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life." This law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions, based on age, race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military status, and other specified classes.

The New York State Division of Human Rights was created to enforce this important law. The mission of the agency is to ensure that " every individual . . . has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the State." It does so in many ways, including the following:

-Through the vigorous prosecution of unlawful discriminatory practices;

-Through the receipt, investigation, and resolution of complaints of discrimination;

-Through the creation of studies, programs, and campaigns designed to, among other things, inform and educate the public on the effects of discrimination and the rights and obligations under the law; and

-Through the development of human rights policies and proposed legislation for the State.

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Legal Clinics

* Help you get the legal information you need to be able to make choices about your life circumstances.

* Help you understand whether or not you need to retain an attorney to help with your situation by exploring what legal options and non-legal remedies may be available to you.

* Provide you with information about other legal resources in the community that you may not know about.

Legal Clinics offer free, private and confidential consultations with experienced attorneys about most civil legal topics, held at community agencies.

•landlord tenant disputes

•labor and employment issues

•disabilities

•civil rights

•immigration

•discrimination

All consultations are provided in private and confidential settings by attorneys whose area of practice includes the type of problem you are experiencing.

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Victim / Witness Services

About the Program

The Yates County District Attorney’s office has and will always consider assisting victims and witnesses as a top priority. The Victim Assistance program was started in October 2000 to ensure that the unique needs of survivors of crime were being met, throughout the court process and beyond. The program is funded through the New York State Office of Victim Services grant. The grant is written by the Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.

New York State Office of Victim Services

The Crime Victims Compensation Board was established on August 1, 1966 and is now named the Office of Victim Services (OVS). It provides financial relief to specified victims of crime and their families by paying non-reimbursed crime-related expenses or support, counseling, crime scene clean-up expenses, the cost to repair or replace items of essential personal property, reasonable court transportation expenses, and the cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter. In 1981 the Office of Victim Services began funding programs to specifically address the needs of crime victims.

Victim/Witness Coordinator

The Victim/Witness Coordinator provides victims with information about the court process and updates the victim on the status of their particular case, provides support and accompaniment to law enforcement agencies and court proceedings. The Coordinator informs victims of services available to them and makes referrals to appropriate agencies. The Coordinator also assists the victim with the Office of Victim Services' application when eligible.

The Immigration Unit provides legal representation, advice and information to non-citizen community members and their families.

The DCBA has an extensive Lawyer Referral Service to help you locate an attorney who can assist you. The DCBA does not have a pro bono program. DCBA does not have attorneys on staff to assist callers, and office staff cannot give legal advice. The DCBA office can usually direct you to someone who can answer your question.

Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-942-6906

Free legal help with legal issues related to being LGBTQIA. Legal advice and assistance on name changes, adoption, wills, divorce, and other matters.

Clinton County Youth Court is an opportunity for people ages 13 to 18 to serve as members of a court for young people who have committed offenses in our community. The goal of Youth Court is to prevent delinquency through positive peer influence. Offenders will be held accountable by their peers and sentenced to services that will benefit both the community and themselves. Typical cases include shoplifting, criminal mischief, vandalism, and other low level offenses. Offenders who have been arrested or charged with an offense volunteer to participate in the Youth Court Program. Training of new Youth Court members occurs once a year. Disabled Parking, Elevators