Legal Services
The Pace Women's Justice Center provides a number of legal services to survivors, to allow them to move on with their lives after abuse. PWJC deals with civil cases, which include: orders of protection, child custody, divorce, spousal support, and power of attorney. This allows our clients to gain a sense of independence outside of the justice system, which can be inaccessible to many people. Information and additional resources for the public available here.
PWJC serves clients on an emergency and as-needed: no one is ever turned away because of gender, sexuality, age, race, or citizenship status. While emergency services at our Family Court and Walk-In Legal Clinic are given regardless of socio-economic status longer-term legal services are determined by need. We offer a Moderate-Means referral program to those who do not fall under our need based guidelines.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or elder abuse please contact our Free Walk-In Clinic 914-422-4069 or our Free Legal Helpline 914-287-0739.
More information about the legal services we offer:
Walk-In Legal Clinic
Located on Pace University's Law campus, PWJC Walk-In Legal Clinic where victims of abuse can receive immediate advice and legal counsel. The Clinic is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and no appointments are needed to meet with one of our attorneys or paralegals. Referrals are also made to other victim services including domestic violence shelters, healthcare, and mental health services. The new Clinic, which opened in the summer of 2018, is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours (9 am-5 pm ).
Family Law Unit
Housed in our free Walk-In Clinic, PWJC Family Law Unit offers free legal services to low‐income victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including protective orders, custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and divorce. Our attorneys will work with clients until all legal issues are resolved. Referrals are made to outside agencies for help with immigration, emergency domestic violence shelter, counseling, safety planning, support groups, and other free social services.
Family Court Legal Program
PWJC offers free, walk-in legal assistance at both the White Plains and Yonkers Family Court. Our team of attorneys, pro-bono volunteers, and law students can assist in matters of emergency orders of protection, child support, and custody.
Elder Justice Unit
Free legal services to victims of abuse aged 60 and over who are Westchester and Putnam county residents, as well as extensive training and outreach on elder law and elder abuse issues. PWJC has a partnership with the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale to provide legal services and training with The Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention. In addition, pro bono attorneys help income eligible seniors create wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies.
Legal Helpline
Staff attorneys provide general guidance and information to callers about their legal rights, navigating the court system, and attorney referrals. Issues include but are not limited to:
- Custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Orders of protection
- Divorce
- Landlord/tenant issues
- Consumer rights
- Moderate Means Program
The Helpline opperates on Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.
PWJC serves all persons within each program’s parameters and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, ethnicity, marital or domestic partnership status, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or veteran status.