Access Justice Brooklyn provides accessible community legal education specifically for older Brooklyn residents, focusing on legal and economic issues of concern for seniors such as wills, estate planning, consumer debt, government benefits; and threats to homeownership such as foreclosure, reverse mortgages, and deed theft. In all of these areas, we also offer advice, brief advocacy, and representation to resolve individual legal matters.

These services help older Brooklyn residents – and by extension, their families – feel financially stable, retain ownership of their homes, and age safely in their communities.

  • Advanced Life Planning: We help relieve the stress of planning for end of life concerns by assisting with the preparation of wills, healthcare proxies, and power of attorney.

  • Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy: We assist in reordering finances through Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions and operate courthouse clinics, providing free legal advice and limited scope representation to help people with an array of consumer debt problems.

  • Homeowner Assistance: We provide foreclosure intervention and prevention services to support Brooklyn homeowners.

If you need legal help, you can start an online intake here. If you prefer to speak with staff directly, our intake hours are Monday through Thursday between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call (718) 624-3894 or email us at help@accessjusticebk.org.

National Grid Foundation Senior Legal Education & Assistance Program (NGF Senior LEAP)

Through our National Grid Foundation Senior Legal Education & Assistance Program (NGF Senior LEAP), Access Justice Brooklyn staff and volunteers present on a variety of topics at senior centers, community organizations, and other venues throughout Brooklyn or virtually via remote platforms, to educate seniors about the importance about:

  • The importance of wills, power of attorney, healthcare proxies, and other life planning documents
  • Foreclosure prevention, deed theft, and home repair scams
  • Consumer debt, bankruptcy, and debt collection
  • City, State, and Federal benefit programs available to older adults

Each presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session to identify other areas of concern to seniors. Individuals who have specific legal issues and meet our financial eligibility criteria may also make follow-up appointments for further assistance.

If you would like to schedule a NGF Senior LEAP presentation or if you are seeking additional information, please contact Jessie Carnevale Staff Attorney, Elder Law or call (718) 473-9210.

Senior Resources