WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 8271

Relates to the right to counsel in certain family court proceedings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Maritza Davila

New York bill guarantees state-funded legal counsel for low-income individuals in specified family court proceedings, expanding access to professional representation in custody and related family law cases.

SUBSTITUTED BY S8197
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8271

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 8271 establishes a right to counsel for low-income individuals in certain family court proceedings in New York State. The bill would guarantee legal representation for parties who cannot afford attorneys in specified family law matters, expanding access to professional legal advocacy beyond current provisions.

Why is this important

Family court cases involving custody, visitation, neglect, and abuse determinations have profound consequences for individuals and children, yet many cannot afford legal representation. Without counsel, low-income parties face significant disadvantages in navigating complex legal procedures, potentially resulting in unfavorable outcomes that affect family stability and child welfare. This addresses a documented access-to-justice gap in the state's family court system.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Substantial state costs to fund public defense or legal aid expansion for family court counsel; budget constraints may limit implementation scope or timeline
  • Scope definition: Disagreement over which family court proceedings qualify (custody, child support, abuse/neglect, guardianship) and whether representation extends to all parties or selected categories
  • Court capacity concerns: Questions about whether courts can manage increased legal representation in proceedings, potentially extending timelines for case resolution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.