City Council bill would provide free divorce lawyers to victims of domestic violence
Advocates often argue that the biggest way to help victims of domestic violence is by providing them with the financial support they need to get out from their horrible situations. In Brooklyn, Councilmember Mark Treyger is trying to do his part by introducing a bill on Wednesday that would provide victims of domestic violence with an attorney during divorce proceedings.
The bill would require the Office of the Civil Justice Coordinator to institute programs that would provide free, full legal services that would include all filing fees. This is intended to help victims of domestic violence who could otherwise not afford the cost of a divorce, which can range anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 at a minimum for contested divorces.
“I believe this is an issue of basic decency, fairness and justice for victims of domestic violence, to make sure that they have the basic resources to escape their abusers and secure their freedom and safety,” Treyger said. “There are countless victims of domestic violence who face great difficulty shouldering the financial burden throughout what is often a lengthy divorce process. This legislation will empower victims and help them move on with their lives.”
Brooklyn Boro
View MoreNew York City’s most populous borough, Brooklyn, is home to nearly 2.6 million residents. If Brooklyn were an independent city it would be the fourth largest city in the United States. While Brooklyn has become the epitome of ‘cool and hip’ in recent years, for those that were born here, raised families here and improved communities over the years, Brooklyn has never been ‘uncool’.