LEGAL ADVICE HELPLINES

The Center for Elder Law & Justice operates two free helplines that offer brief consultations to help address your legal questions and concerns. Center for Elder Law & Justice is a nonprofit organization. All assistance provided is free of charge to ensure accessibility and equity for those in need.

The Legal Advice Helpline is a free service offered by the Center for Elder Law & Justice, providing answers to brief legal questions and referrals to additional legal resources for individuals throughout New York State. Staffed by experienced attorneys and certified law student volunteers, the helpline addresses a wide range of legal issues, including consumer protection, health insurance, housing concerns, and more.

Senior Legal Advice Helpline

Eligibility Requirements

  • New York State resident

  • Age 55 and up

  • Answers to brief legal questions

  • Referrals for in-depth legal services

  • Consumer protection

  • Health insurance denials of coverage

  • Landlord-tenant issues

  • Nursing home & assisted living concerns

  • Public benefits including Social Security, SNAP, HEAP

  • Wills and estates

We Can Assist With…

  • Attorneys are available to take calls Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

  • If you call outside of these hours, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and any relevant details. We can also be contacted via email.

  • An attorney will return your call within three business days.

How It Works

Contact the Senior Legal Advice Helpline

The Surrogate's Court Help Center is a partnership between the Center for Elder Law & Justice, volunteer attorneys, and the Erie County Surrogate's Court. It offers free phone consultations to low-income, unrepresented individuals who need brief legal advice and guidance on Surrogate's Court matters.

Surrogate’s Court Help Center

The Surrogate’s Court handles legal matters related to the affairs of deceased individuals, including the probate of wills and the administration of estates for those who pass away without a will. It also oversees adoptions and certain types of guardianship cases

What is Surrogate’s Court?

Free brief legal consultations are available regarding topics including:

  •  Adoptions

  •  Estate administration, including small or voluntary estate matters

  •  Guardianship proceedings

  •  Unclaimed funds belonging to a deceased relative

  • Probating wills

We Can Assist With…

Contact the Surrogate’s Court Help Center