LSNJLAW SM

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Welcome to the LSNJLAWSM website, provided by Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ). LSNJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free civil legal assistance to low-income people in New Jersey. Find legal information by clicking on a legal topic or typing a few words into the search box.

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Legal Topics
  • Housing

    Housing

  • Government Aid and Services

    Government Aid and Services

  • Family and Relationships

    Family and Relationships

  • Victims of Crime

    Victims of Crime

  • Jobs and Employment

    Jobs and Employment

  • Taxes

    Taxes

  • LGBTQIA+

    LGBTQIA+

  • Disability

    Disability

Know Your Rights Videos

LSNJ creates videos to help people understand the law and their legal rights. We add new videos often, so check back soon to watch more.

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Events
Apr 16, 2024Expungement Seminar April 16, 1:30 - 3:00 PM

Staff from Central Jersey Legal Services (CJLS) and Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) and the Union Vicinage Office of the Ombudsman will share information about the types of records that can be expunged and how to file for expungement. This is an in-person informational seminar at the Elizabeth Public Library on 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. The seminar is free, but registration by April 2 is required.

Apr 4, 2024LSNJ Job Fair

Legal Services in New Jersey is hiring attorneys, paralegals, assistants, and more for positions throughout the statewide system of Legal Services organizations. Thursday April 4, 3:00 to 6:00 PM at 100 Metroplex, Edison, NJ

Jan 24, 2024Medicaid Redetermination and Appeals 7:00 p.m.

Join LSNJ and NJ Citizen Action for a free webinar—Understanding Medicaid Redetermination and the Appeals Process—Wednesday, January 24, at 7pm.

Dec 27, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Dec 20, 2023Landlord Tenant Informational Seminar 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational seminar to assist self-represented litigants with landlord tenant court processes. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Dec 14, 2023Divorce Process Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for a divorce application. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Dec 12, 2023Expungements: Information Webinar 10 a.m. - Noon

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic and Hudson Vicinages will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. This is an informational webinar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Nov 22, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Nov 15, 2023Landlord Tenant Informational Seminar 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational seminar to assist self-represented litigants with landlord tenant court processes. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Nov 14, 2023Expungements: Information Webinar 10 a.m. - Noon

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic and Hudson Vicinages will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. This is an informational webinar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Nov 9, 2023Divorce Process Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for a divorce application. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Oct 25, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Oct 18, 2023Landlord Tenant Informational Seminar 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational seminar to assist self-represented litigants with landlord tenant court processes. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Oct 12, 2023Divorce Process Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for a divorce application. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Oct 10, 2023Expungements: Information Webinar 10 a.m. - Noon

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic and Hudson Vicinages will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. This is an informational webinar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Sep 29, 2023Rent Increases: Your Rights Under the Law in New Jersey 11:00 a.m.

Staff from Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ), Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS), and William Paterson University will provide an overview of your rights around rent increases via Zoom. Registration is not necessary. Click to join: https://lsnj.pub/RentIncreases-Sep23 Meeting ID: 945 3623 3542 | Passcode: 210426

Sep 27, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Sep 20, 2023Landlord Tenant Informational Seminar 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational seminar to assist self-represented litigants with landlord tenant court processes. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Sep 14, 2023Divorce Process Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for a divorce application. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Sep 12, 2023Expungements: Information Webinar 10 a.m. - Noon

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic and Hudson Vicinages will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. This is an informational webinar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Aug 23, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Aug 17, 2023Renters’ Rights Zoom Presentation, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Legal Services of New Jersey will provide a brief overview of tenant habitability rights with the Sussex County Library system.

Learn more

Aug 16, 2023Landlord Tenant Informational Seminar 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational seminar to assist self-represented litigants with landlord tenant court processes. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Aug 10, 2023Divorce Process Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for a divorce application. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Aug 8, 2023Expungements: Information Webinar 10 a.m. - Noon

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic and Hudson Vicinages will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. This is an informational webinar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

Jul 26, 2023Post-Divorce Motions Informational Webinar 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Staff from Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) and the Passaic Vicinage will present an informational webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing a post-divorce motion. This is an informational seminar only. Individual cases will not be discussed or resolved. Registration is required.

May 25, 2023Assisting Immigrant Families 9–10 a.m.

Join us for a brief presentation and Q&A session. We will discuss SNAP and WIC eligibility, especially for immigrant households. Our focus will be on public charge, language access, and the applications. Appointments for one-on-one assistance can be made. Spencer Elementary, Parent’s Room, 66 Muhammad Ali Ave., Newark, NJ. Call 973-733-6931 to register.

Apr 25, 2023SJLS Expungement Seminar 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Join LSNJ and SJLS for this reentry informational seminar with staff of the Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage Ombudsman at the Gloucester County Old Courthouse on 1 N. Broad Street in Woodbury. A brief overview of the eCourts expungement system and information about current expungement laws and procedures will be provided. For additional information or to request an accommodation, email [email protected] or call (856) 878-5050, ext. 15159.

Apr 20, 2023Expungement Event 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join SJLS, the Salvation Army Kroc Center, Rutgers Law School-Camden, the NJ Office of the Public Defender, and the NJ Judiciary for this free event to discuss your expungement with an attorney and possibly file that day. The event is free, but preregistration is required. Register through the SJLS Centralized Intake Unit.

Mar 27, 2023Rent Increases - 6:00 p.m.

Join Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, Legal Services of New Jersey, and the Hoboken Public Library for an overview of tenant rights related to rent increases. This event is in-person at the library (500 Park Avenue, Hoboken) and registration is not required.

Mar 15, 2023Expungements Informational Webinar, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Middlesex Vicinage staff, representatives from Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will present a webinar to assist self-represented litigants who are filing for an expungement application. Registration is required. For more information, an ADA accommodation or interpreting services, contact the Middlesex Vicinage’s Office of the Ombudsman at [email protected] or 732-645-4300, ext. 88748.

Feb 3, 2023Legislative breakfast addressing human trafficking in New Jersey at Montclair State University, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Panel discussion including experts from LSNJ, NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Covenant House New Jersey, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, and the Family Service League, will explore the impact of laws and policies on the lives of survivors of human trafficking.

Jan 26, 2023WEBINAR: Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention: Engaging and Empowering Youth and Families

This virtual workshop aims to help adolescents, young adults, and their parents/caregivers understand how to protect themselves from exploitation and what to do if human trafficking is suspected. Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Jan 26, 2023Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Month at the War Memorial in Trenton, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (break from 12-1)

The morning program will include a discussion with survivors, law enforcement, and advocates will focus on the vulnerabilities of people with disabilities. The afternoon program will include a special screening of the acclaimed documentary “Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic.”

Jan 19, 2023North Brunswick Public Library: Human Trafficking Tabling Event

Curious about resources concerning human trafficking awareness and prevention? Meet educators from the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking and the LSNJ PROTECT project, which provides legal assistance to victims of human trafficking. Thursday, January 19, 5 – 7 p.m. at the North Brunswick Public Library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick. 

Jan 18, 2023WEBINAR: Rent Increases and Habitability

Join South Jersey Legal Services and Legal Services of New Jersey for a brief overview of tenant rights related to rent increases and habitability. Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 - 7:30. The Zoom presentation can also be viewed in the community room of the library.

Dec 9, 2022Environmental Environmental Justice in New Jersey

Environmental Environmental Justice in New Jersey. Friday December 9, 2022 from 12:00PM to 1:30PM.

Dec 8, 2022Legal Services 55th Anniversary Commemoration

Please join us as we commemorate 55 years advancing justice in New Jersey. Thursday, December 8, 5:30 cocktail reception; 7:00 dinner and program. ​

Nov 10, 2022Understanding Taxpayer Rights with Legal Services of New Jersey

Curious about tax laws? Concerned about your rights as a taxpayer? On Thursday, November 10 at 6:30PM at North Brunswick Public Library, join Legal Services of New Jersey Senior Paralegal Valerio Gonzalez for a free virtual Understanding Taxpayer Rights seminar, where you'll learn important information on taxpayer rights & obligations, as well as ways to avoid common tax issues.

Sep 20, 2022South River Public Library Hosts Legal Services of New Jersey

South River Public Library Hosts Legal Services of New Jersey on Tuesday, September 20th, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Registration required.
English
Spanish
Portuguese

Sep 15, 2022Expungement Law Webinar: Eligibility, Gathering Records, & Process

Do you or does someone you know need an expungement? LSNJ’s Reentry Project (REP) provides legal assistance with record clearing and other legal service, to aid them in overcoming civil barriers related to past justice involvement. On Thursday, September 15 at 6:30pm, LSNJ’s Rosalyn Scriven will offer this virtual seminar providing a general overview of traditional expungement laws, clean slate, marijuana-related offenses, and the process of gathering records and filing for expungement online. 

Jul 20, 2022Bankruptcy Basics Webinar

Bankruptcy basics webinar with SJLS. Wednesday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration required

Jul 14, 2022Debt Collection Webinar

Are you being sued? Learn about the debt collection process with SJLS. Thursday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration required.

Jul 13, 2022Bankruptcy and Student Loans Webinar

SJLS webinar will provide overview of the treatment of student loans in bankruptcy. Wednesday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration required. 

Jun 28, 2022Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar

Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Tuesday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Jun 27, 2022Family Cases Informational Webinar

Family Cases Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Monday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to Noon

Jun 16, 2022Expungement Law Informational Webinar

Expungement Law Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Thursday, June 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Jun 14, 2022Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar

Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Tuesday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

May 31, 2022Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar

Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Tuesday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

May 10, 2022Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar

​​Landlord Tenant Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. Tuesday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

May 9, 2022Outreach Event, 1 to 3 pm

Join LSNJ and LSNWJ at the Manville branch of the Somerset County Library on Monday, in person or on Zoom. Get legal information and help applying for rental assistance and other services. 

Apr 25, 2022Family Cases Informational Webinar

Family Cases Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, and Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. April 25, from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Apr 21, 2022Expungement Law Informational Webinar

Expungement Law Informational Webinar with LSNJ, SJLS, Vicinage 15 Office of the Ombudsman. April 25, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Apr 7, 2022Understanding Taxpayer Rights virtual presentation

Join TLAP’s Senior Paralegal Valerio Gonzalez to learn important information on taxpayer rights & obligations, as well as ways to avoid common tax issues.​

Oct 5, 2021Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief

Following Hurricane Ida in September, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance became available in 12 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. ​

Sep 13, 2021Reparations Now

As we continue to raise awareness and understanding of systemic racism, more particularly the history, policies, and practices that intertwine to disadvantage Black people, we understand the increasingly urgent call for reparations.​

Hear from people we helped

WARNING! We have learned that the name Legal Aid or Legal Services has been used by scammers trying to convince people to wire money. The caller states that your child or grandchild is in jail and they need you to send money. This scam has been making the rounds for years and you should not fall for it. If you ever want to confirm whether someone from Legal Services has called you, call us directly to ask if someone tried to reach you. Here is a list of Legal Services offices and phone numbers.