Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Yonkers, NY — including verified organizations, eligibility details, case types, and how to prepare before applying. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Yonkers, NY: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Yonkers and cannot afford a private attorney, several Westchester County and statewide programs offer free or low-cost civil legal help. These providers assist with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, domestic violence, family law matters, debt and consumer issues, senior legal needs, immigration-related civil cases, and public-benefits problems. Even when full representation is unavailable, most offer legal consultations, clinics, or procedural guidance. (You may also upload documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Yonkers
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) — Westchester Office
What they do: LSHV is the primary civil legal-aid provider for Yonkers and Westchester County. They assist with eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence, family law (custody, support), elder law, disability-related issues, public benefits, and consumer and debt matters.
Contact: Phone: (877) 574-8529. Yonkers office by appointment. Website: lshv.org.
Westchester County Family Justice Center
What they do: Provides support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Services include legal advocacy, help with protective orders, safety planning, court accompaniment, and referrals to attorneys.
Contact: 24/7 hotline: (914) 995-6581. Website: women.westchestergov.com.
Westchester County Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service
What they do: Offers modest-cost consultations with private attorneys for residents who do not qualify for free legal aid.
Contact: Phone: (914) 761-3777. Website: wcbany.org.
Legal Aid Society of Westchester County
What they do: Primarily handles criminal and family court representation for low-income individuals, including cases involving orders of protection, custody, and support. (Note: Most civil cases are handled by LSHV.)
Contact: Phone: (914) 286-3400. Website: laswest.org.
New York State Courts — Self-Help Center
What they do: Provides free forms, instructions, and guides for self-represented litigants in civil matters, including landlord–tenant cases, family law, child support, and small claims. No legal advice.
Website: nycourts.gov/selfhelp
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Yonkers
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Substandard or unsafe housing conditions
- Domestic violence and protective orders
- Family law: custody, child support, visitation (civil cases handled mainly by LSHV)
- Debt collection, credit-report errors, and consumer fraud
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, disability)
- Elder-law issues including exploitation or eviction
- Immigration-related civil matters (non-court representation)
- Record sealing or reentry issues (varies by provider)
What Yonkers Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense (handled by Legal Aid Society of Westchester, not civil providers)
- Personal injury or malpractice claims
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration removal/deportation defense
- High-asset or highly contested family-law disputes
When Yonkers Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court papers: Westchester County housing cases move quickly — contact LSHV immediately.
- You experience domestic violence: Contact the Family Justice Center for emergency support and legal advocacy.
- You receive debt-collection or garnishment paperwork: Keep all documents — deadlines are short.
- Your benefits are denied or reduced: Appeals must be filed quickly.
- You face unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions: Document problems and seek guidance from LSHV.
- Seniors experiencing fraud or eviction: Specialized legal aid may be available.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather key documents: leases, eviction notices, repair requests, photos of unsafe housing, debt letters, benefit denials, ID, pay stubs, and court papers.
- Create a timeline: note important dates — notices received, payments made, incidents, and deadlines.
- Prepare income & household details: required for eligibility screening.
- Write a brief summary: 2–3 sentences explaining your situation and the help you need.
- Highlight urgent factors: domestic violence, disability, senior status, eviction risk, or upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Westchester Bar Lawyer Referral Service: low-cost consultations with private attorneys.
- NY Courts Self-Help Center: free forms and step-by-step guidance for common civil cases.
- Volunteer legal clinics: periodic pro bono events hosted by LSHV or the Bar Association.
- LegalClarity document upload tool: get a plain-English explanation of your legal documents (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Yonkers Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Yonkers and cannot afford a lawyer, start with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley at (877) 574-8529. For domestic violence emergencies, call the Westchester Family Justice Center. If you don't qualify for free help, use the Westchester Bar Lawyer Referral Service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.