Family Court Help Desk

Family Court Help Desk: Free Legal Advice For Family Court Matters

If you would like to speak with an attorney about a family law issue, and your matter is in Erie County, please visit our In-Person help desk Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 11:30 – 2:00 pm at the Erie County Family Court on the 4th Floor.

If you would like to speak with an attorney about a family law issue, and your matter is in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans or Wyoming Counties, please call 716-823-3255 during the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm Monday & Wednesday to arrange an attorney phone consultation.

Family law issues include paternity, child support, spousal support, family offense orders of protection, custody, and visitation for parents, siblings, and grandparents. 

Please note: Our attorneys at both the in-person desk and phone line are only able to offer you a consultation if you are currently not represented by an attorney, and are low-income.

In September 2013, The Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), along with the assistance and support of the Erie County Family Court, implemented a new program to provide limited-scope advice to individuals with Erie County Family Court matters. The Family Court Help Desk is staffed by one or two law school interns and an attorney.

Upon arriving, a client is screened for eligibility and an intake is completed by the intern. Then eligible clients meet with the attorney for a one-time counsel and advice session.

 FCHD: Location and Times

Please bring all court paperwork, including petitions or orders for the attorney’s review.

Please note that the Help Desk has eligibility requirements, runs on a first-come first-served basis, and is for a one-time only counsel and advice session. The Help Desk does not provide a second opinion for clients that already have an attorney.

*The Help Desk is closed for holidays and whenever New York State Courts are closed. See here for court schedule.