Ruth Hassell-Thompson's posts related to Judiciary

MAJORITY BRINGS MARRIAGE LAW INTO 21st CENTURY

Posted by Ruth Hassell-Thompson on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Package ends NY’s status as only state lacking no-fault divorce, guarantees significant protections for women

(Albany, NY) The Senate Democratic Majority passed a legislative package which fundamentally restructures matrimonial law to improve the process and outcome of divorce for all New Yorkers, particularly women and children who are often the most vulnerable when marriages are dissolved.

The requirement under current law to determine who is at fault for causing the divorce has significant financial and emotional costs, and unnecessarily forces couples in deteriorating relationships to rehash the bitter, painful and embarrassing reasons for divorce.

Senator Hassell-Thompson Speaks on Behalf of Reforming New York’s Matrimonial Laws

Public Protection Budget Ensures Equal Justice For All New Yorkers

Posted by Ruth Hassell-Thompson on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Majority adopts Interest On Lawyer Account funding in legislation

(Albany, NY) Recognizing the need to give all New Yorkers equal access to our justice system, the Senate Democratic Majority passed budget legislation on June 21, 2010 that fully funds the $15 million Judiciary appropriation for civil legal services for poor New Yorkers.

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Mt. Vernon), Chair of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction and Conference Chairwoman said, “We needed to stabilize Civil Legal Services in New York State and we did. Now New Yorkers who need legal assistance to stop foreclosure actions, to fight for unemployment benefits, to fight against housing evictions, debt collection and scores of other actions will have access to competent counsel.”