What kind of help is available?

• Free legal advice on issues of divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support
• Advice and drafting for Order of Protection
• Brief services, such as drafting papers and help preparing court documents, on a limited basis
• Representation for family and domestic violence related immigration law matters on a limited basis
• Extensive personalized safety planning
• Referrals including, but not limited to, counseling, shelter services, housing resources, tax services, health services and other support services

Will I have to pay?

No, all of our legal services are completely free. 

What can I expect? How does the process work?

When you call or text (212)742-1110, you will be directly connected with our paralegal. You can also email them at legalintake@shalomtaskforce.org

If you leave a message, indicate whether it is safe for legal staff to leave you a return message.

Note, the number you receive a call back from may be different than the number on the website. They will speak to you about your situation and schedule an Intake appointment that will occur over the phone with you.

After completing a confidential Intake appointment, your case will be assigned to an experienced attorney, who will get in contact with you to provide advice and to answer you specific legal questions. 

I am an undocumented immigrant. What will happen when I call?

We provide services regardless of your immigration status. Your immigration status will not affect your ability to seek help. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you do not need immigration status or a social security number to seek legal help ICE will not be notified when you reach out for help, if you go to Family Court, or if you call the police 

I have an upcoming court date. Can you help?

• Unfortunately, emergency legal representation cannot be provided by STF Legal Department.
• Please call STF Legal Department at least a week ahead of your appearance to talk through your options
• If you are unrepresented, we are able to provide legal advice and can talk you through what to expect in court.
• We do take on cases for representation when possible

I have previously sought help and found it unhelpful/ stressful/ negative. How will my experience with STF Legal Deparment be different?

• We recognize that domestic abuse can be emotional, verbal, psychological, financial, spiritual, physical, sexual or based on your immigration status.
• We recognize the complexity of addressing domestic abuse in the Jewish Orthodox community and are culturally responsive in our practice
• We have a unique understanding of the pressures and difficulties Orthodox people face when trying to get help, and we consult with over 150 clients each year

I have limited English speaking abilities. Can you still help me?

• When you call STF Legal Department, you can ask to be immediately connected to an interpreter.
• We have access to interpretation services at all times
• We frequently work with clients whose primary languages include, but are not limited to, Russian, Hebrew, Farsi and Yiddish

Will the phone number register on my cell phone?

Yes, STF Legal Department will register the number that you are calling from Your safety is our primary concern. If you leave a voicemail, indicate whether it is safe for legal staff to leave you a message. 

We advise saving our number 212-742-1110 under a false name, and making sure that your phone is password protected If you believe that your abuser is tracking your technology, try calling from an alternate safe line (a friend, family member or public phone)

Note, the number you receive a call back from may be different than the number on the website

What are STF Legal Department hours?

The paralegal will respond to all communications within 48 hours Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM.

If you do not directly reach the paralegal at 212-742-1110 please leave a message with your name and phone number (and whether it is safe to leave you a message on that phone number) and she will get back in contact with you 

Note, the number you receive a call back from may be different than the number on the website