Roaming office brings legal advice to New York residents

The effects of the 2008 financial collapse are still being felt four years later as many homeowners struggle to stop home foreclosure. As many people know, New York, and especially Long Island, has been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. Although the number rate may not as bad as other states, many people would agree that any number above zero is too high. However, residents in Centereach, on Long Island, got a little free help from a mobile legal clinic operated by a Manhattan-based law firm.

The roaming legal clinic parked on Horseblock road in Centereach on Oct. 5, and provided free consultations with attorneys from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a variety of topics, including housing, consumer protection, and health care. The event was organized by state Sen. John Flanagan and sponsored by the New York State Office of Court Administration.

Appointments for the mobile law office were booked up within two days of notifying the public about the event. This is not surprising. People facing legal situations such as home foreclosure, bankruptcy, loss of income due to circumstances beyond their control, and even foreclosure fraud typically seek out guidance from experts in the law. Working with a lawyer can make it easier to navigate the court system and even secure a favorable settlement or verdict.

Flanagan is working to get another event scheduled later this year. However, many attorneys offer free consultations. Those in need of legal advice should seek out assistance as soon as possible to protect their rights.

Source: Newsday, “Foreclosure help comes Friday to Centereach,” Maura McDermott, Oct. 3, 2012