State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) encouraged New York metro-area seniors with legal questions or concerns to take advantage of free legal counsel on a variety of aging related issues.
"Many seniors have never had the opportunity to speak directly with an attorney," said Senator Stavisky. "These legal clinics, sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, will be a great benefit to any senior who needs answers to basic legal questions."
Senator Stavisky noted that lawyers who specialize in elder law issues will be seated at individual tables and provide 15- to 20-minute, face-to-face consultations with pre-registered seniors. If a senior’s legal problem is beyond the scope of the attorney’s knowledge or is too complicated to solve within the appointment’s allotted time period, the lawyer will direct him or her to additional referral sources.
"Seniors face important legal decisions that will affect them and their families, whether it be related to pensions, retirement, Medicare, landlord/tenant matters, public benefits, legal custody of a grandchild, or grandparents’ rights," the Queens lawmaker said. "Speaking with an attorney can help seniors understand what each choice may mean and whether there are any risks involved."
Upcoming senior legal consultation clinics will be held in Westchester, the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. In Queens, the clinic will be offered on Monday, November 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. on the campus of St. John’s University in Jamaica. Seniors looking for more information or to pre-register can call Ronald Fatoullah & Associates at (718) 261-1700.
"In these times of complex legal matters, the decisions you make can be very important," Senator Stavisky concluded. "I’m pleased that older New Yorkers, especially the poor and disabled, have a place to get the legal information they need to live in good health and with dignity."
