The New York Poor Person Form is a crucial document for individuals seeking to appeal a Family Court decision without the financial means to afford the associated costs. Specifically designed by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, this form enables eligible appellants to request permission to proceed as a poor person, thereby waiving certain fees, and to ask for the assignment of counsel. It outlines a detailed procedure for filing, including requirements for the notice of motion, service of motion papers upon all relevant parties, and the submission of supporting documents to the court.
In the heart of New York's judicial system lies a powerful tool designed to level the playing field for those who find the cost of accessing justice prohibitive. The New York Poor Person form, part of a broader legal framework, affords individuals the opportunity to seek permission to proceed in court without the burden of the associated costs and, in some cases, the assignment of counsel for representation. This form is used primarily in the appellate process, particularly within the context of appealing Family Court decisions. Key components include instructions for properly noticing all involved parties about the motion to proceed as a poor person, diligently serving motion papers to relevant entities including opposing parties, and complying with specific timelines to ensure the motion is considered in a timely manner. Additionally, the form requires a detailed affidavit in support of the motion, outlining the applicant’s financial situation, the nature and merits of the appeal, and the relative inability to bear the costs of proceeding. Central to the form's effective use are the criteria it sets for eligibility based on financial need, the nature of the legal challenge, and the procedural steps required to prevent any delays in the appellate process. What stands out is that this form highlights the state's commitment to ensuring that economic barriers do not preclude individuals from seeking justice. Beyond its functional use, the form embodies principles of fairness and access to legal representation, underpinning the New York judicial system's acknowledgment that justice should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial circumstance.
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION
THIRD JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 7288, CAPITOL STATION
ALBANY, NY 12224
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOVING FOR PERMISSION TO PROCEED
AS A POOR PERSON AND FOR ASSIGNMENT OF COUNSEL ON A FAMILY COURT APPEAL
1)At the top of the attached form is a Notice of Motion. The title of the case should be placed on the left hand side of the form and it should be written as the title appeared on the order or judgment appealed from. This is the caption. Below the caption is a sentence which begins "Please take notice...". The first date to be filled in is the date the attached affidavit in support of the motion was notarized. The second date to be filled in is the return date of the motion, which should be a Monday after service of the motion papers upon all parties as described in paragraph 2 below.
2)The motion papers should be served on all parties (if a party is represented by an attorney, service of a copy should be made upon the attorney and if a party is represented by the Office of the Attorney General, service of a copy should be made upon that office), and on the County Attorney of the County in which the papers from the lower court were filed and any Attorney for the Child. If service of the motion papers is done by personal delivery, the motion should be made returnable on a Monday at least eight (8) days after such service. If service of the motion papers is done by mail, the motion should be made returnable on a Monday at least thirteen (13) days after the motion papers are mailed.
3)As soon as possible after service of copies of the motion papers, the original motion papers, as well as proof that you have served the motion papers on the other parties, the County Attorney and the Attorney for the Child, should be forwarded to this office. If the motion is being made in connection with an appeal to this Court, you should also attach to the motion papers a copy of the order or judgment being appealed from, the decision, if any, upon which the order or judgment was based, and a copy of the notice of appeal.
4)THERE WILL NOT BE ORAL ARGUMENT ON THE RETURN DATE OF THE MOTION.
Revised:
February 19, 2014
1
Please fill in the underlined spaces in the follow ing form. Return the original to this Court, forward one copy to each of your adversaries, forward one copy to the County Attorney, one copy to the Attorney for the Child and keep one for your records.
SUPREME COURT
APPELLATE DIVISION
THIRD DEPARTMENT
IN THE MATTER OF
,
Petitioner(s) ,
v
Respondent(s) .
NOTICE OF
MOTION FOR PERMISSION TO PROCEED AS A POOR PERSON/ ASSIGNMENT OF COUNSEL ON APPEAL OF AN ORDER OF FAMILY COURT
Family Court
Docket No./ Index No.:
Appellate Division
Case No.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, upon the annexed affidavit sworn to on the
day of
, 20
, a motion will be made to this court, on the
,20 , in the City of Albany New York, for an order
granting the appellant permission to appeal as a poor person.
Dated:
(Signature)
(Print Name)
(Address)
(Your name, address and telephone number)
DIN # (if applicable)
(Telephone)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to section 800.2 (a) of the Rules of this Court, this motion will be submitted on the papers, and the personal appearance of counsel or the parties is neither required nor permitted.
2
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF MOTION
COUNTY OF
ss.:
, being duly sworn, deposes and says
that I make this affidavit in support of my application for poor person status and assignment of counsel.
1.My full name and date of birth is:
2.What is the nature of the above entitled proceeding?
3.
I am appealing from a judgment/order of
Court,
County,
which provides as follows:
(Please attach hereto a copy of the order or judgment appealed from, the decision, if any, upon which the order or judgment is based, and a copy of your notice of appeal.)
4.
a.
An order or judgment has been entered in the
Court Clerk’s
Office on
.
b.
A copy of that
order or judgment was served on me on
c.Have you filed an original and two copies of any notice of appeal with the Clerk of the
appropriate court?
Yes
No
If yes, when?
d.If yes, have you served a copy of the notice of appeal on your adversaries and the
attorney for the child?
e.
Were you represented by counsel?
Counsel's name and address:
(if applicable)
3
f.
Was counsel assigned or retained?
Assigned
Retained
5.If you were represented by retained counsel in the court below, state the name and address of the person who paid his/her fee and the amount.
6.What relief are you seeking by this motion?
7.What facts are present to support your contention that there is merit to your appeal? (Attach additional documentation, if necessary.)
8.Are you able to pay the costs, fees and expenses necessary to maintain the appeal?
YesNo
9. Are youSingleMarriedSeparatedDivorced
If married, what is the name of your spouse?
What are the first names and ages of your children?
4
10.What is your occupation? If you are a student, indicate the school which you attend and the name and address of the person who is paying your tuition, room and board.
11. Are you are employed?
If yes, please state your weekly salary and
provide the name and address of your employer. Please provide a copy of your most recent pay
stub.
12.If married and your spouse is employed, what is his/her weekly gross salary and the name and address of his/her employer?
13. Do you receive support from anyone? Yes
If yes please provide the name,
relationship, address and the amount of support provided to you.
5
14. Do you support anyone? Yes
If yes, please provide the name, relationship,
address and the amount of support you provide.
15. Do you own real estate either by yourself or with someone else? Yes
If yes please provide the following information:
a.Other owner(s) (if any):
b.Location (street address, mailing address; Town, County, State):
c.Current value, including improvements:
d.Existing mortgages and/or liens (Attach additional sheet if required):
1.Name of bank, mortgagee or lien holder:
2.Balance due:
16.List the location and amount of any savings or checking accounts held in your name or jointly with others (Attach additional sheet if required):
Location (Bank)
Type
Owners
Balance
6
17.List any stocks, bonds, trusts or cash on hand owned by you in which you have any benefit and give the type, location and value of each (Attach additional sheet if required):
18.Please state the year, make model and value of any motor vehicle(s) owned by you and the amount of any existing loan(s):
19. Do you own any other assets not listed above? Yes
20.If yes please describe the assets(s) and state the value (Attach additional sheet if required):
21.My monthly income and expenses are as follows:
INCOME: My salary
My spouse's earnings Other income
TOTAL
EXPENSES:
Rent or mortgage payment
Food
Utilities (heat, telephone, water, electric, cable)
Automobile expenses
Premiums on life or medical insurance policies
Repayment of loans
Name of creditor and amount
Other obligations, including alimony /support
7
22. Is any other person beneficially interested in any recovery sought herein?
If so, is such person able to pay the costs, fees and expenses of maintaining the appeal?
23.Do you authorize the Court to make any inquiries or investigation concerning the answers given
to you in this affidavit?
24.Did someone else complete this form on your behalf?
Yes No
25.If "yes" to question 24, were the questions and answers read to you and are your
answers true?
(Signature) (Print Name)
Sworn to before me this
Notary Public
8
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF MAILING
)
) ss.:
, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
On the
, I served a true copy of the
annexed notice of motion and supporting affidavit by mailing the same in a sealed envelope, with
postage prepaid thereon, in a post office or official depository of the U.S. Postal Service within the
State of New York, addressed to the last known addressee(s) as indicated below:
(Insert here the name[s] and address[es] of the person[s] to w hom you are mailing the papers being filed with this Court. If necessary, attach extra pages for additional nam es and addresses.)
Name & Address
Revised: February 19, 2014
9
Once you've decided to proceed with an appeal in the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department as a person unable to afford the costs, the next step is to fill out the requisite New York Poor Person form. This document is crucial for requesting permission to appeal as a poor person and for the assignment of counsel if you cannot afford an attorney. Understanding the specifics of the form and correctly filling it out can significantly impact the progression of your appeal. The procedure is divided into clearly defined steps to ensure completeness and compliance with the requirements.
Steps for Filling Out the New York Poor Person Form:
After submitting the New York Poor Person form, your request will be reviewed by the court. Remember, this form is your formal request for the court's permission to proceed without the burden of costs due to financial hardship and for the court to consider appointing counsel if you cannot afford one. This process does not guarantee the outcomes of the appeal but seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not impede access to legal representation and the justice system.
What is the purpose of the New York Poor Person form?
Who needs to be served with the motion papers when applying for poor person status?
When applying for poor person status, the motion papers must be served on all involved parties. If a party has an attorney, the papers should be served on the attorney. Papers must also be served on the Office of the Attorney General if they represent a party, the County Attorney of the County where the lower court papers were filed, and any Attorney for the Child involved in the case.
How do you determine the return date of the motion?
The return date of the motion, which is the date by which the court will consider the motion, depends on the method of service. If the motion papers are personally delivered, the motion should be made returnable on a Monday at least eight days after service. If served by mail, the motion should be set for a Monday at least thirteen days after mailing. This ensures sufficient time for all parties to receive and respond to the motion.
Is an oral argument required on the return date of the motion for poor person status?
No, oral argument is neither required nor permitted on the return date of the motion for poor person status. The decision will be made based on the submitted papers alone. This rule streamlines the process and avoids the need for parties to appear in court, reducing potential financial and logistical burdens.
What information must be included in the affidavit in support of the motion for poor person status?
The affidavit must provide detailed information about the appellant, including their full name, date of birth, the nature and details of the proceeding, whether an appeal notice has been filed, whether the appellant was represented by counsel, and information on their financial status. This includes marital status, employment details, income, expenses, and whether the appellant receives any financial support. The goal is to demonstrate the inability to bear the costs of the appeal.
Filling out the New York Poor Person form can be critical for those who are seeking legal aid due to financial hardships. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder the process. Keeping an eye out for these errors can significantly improve the chances of your application being accepted. Here's what to look out for:
When it comes to legal forms, attention to detail is crucial. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can streamline the process of applying for poor person status in New York. Remember, it's not just about filling out a form but providing a clear, accurate picture of your situation to the court. Double-checking your work against the form's instructions can make a significant difference in your application's success.
When an individual seeks to proceed as a poor person in the New York Courts, particularly for an appeal in family court as indicated by the New York Poor Person form, several other documents and forms often accompany the primary application. These documents are crucial for establishing the applicant's financial status, the merits of the case, and compliance with legal procedures.
These documents collectively support an individual's motion to proceed as a poor person in the appellate process, aiming to ensure access to justice regardless of financial capability. Each document plays a specific role in demonstrating the appellant’s financial need, the procedural correctness of their appeal, and the potential merit of their case. Properly completing and submitting these documents is vital for the success of the motion.
The New York Poor Person form is similar to the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application, which is used in federal courts across the United States. Both documents enable individuals with limited financial resources to request waiver of court fees and costs so that they can pursue legal action without being inhibited by their economic status. They require the applicant to provide detailed information about their financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets, to demonstrate their inability to afford the costs associated with legal proceedings.
Fee Waiver Request forms used in many state courts closely resemble the New York Poor Person form. These forms also aim to assist low-income individuals by waiving filing fees and other court-associated costs. Applicants must typically disclose their financial condition, including all sources of income and evidence of expenses, to prove their eligibility for fee waiver, mirroring the financial disclosure elements found in the New York Poor Person form.
Another similar document is the Application for Assigned Counsel, which is used by defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney. Like the New York Poor Person form, this application requests the court to provide legal representation at no cost. Both forms assess the applicant's financial status to determine eligibility for government-funded legal aid, although the Application for Assigned Counsel specifically focuses on the right to counsel.
The Legal Aid Request form, often used by nonprofits and legal aid societies, shares objectives with the New York Poor Person form: to provide legal services to individuals who cannot afford them. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by detailing their income, expenses, and family size, similar to the financial information required in the New York form, to qualify for free or reduced-cost legal services.
Bankruptcy forms, particularly the Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived, have similarities with the New York Poor Person form. Both require detailed financial disclosures to prove the applicant's inability to pay court fees. While the Bankruptcy form is used specifically within the context of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it also aims to ensure that financial hardship does not bar access to legal processes.
Child Custody Statement of Indigency forms, used by individuals seeking to amend child custody orders without the means to afford court costs, parallel the New York Poor Person form in purpose and content. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial situation to have associated fees waived, enabling them to pursue changes to custody arrangements despite economic disadvantages.
The Public Defender Application form, needed to obtain criminal defense services when the accused cannot afford private counsel, also resembles the New York Poor Person form. Both documents assess the applicant's finances to determine eligibility for state-provided legal assistance, ensuring that lack of funds does not impede access to a fair trial.
Immigration Fee Waiver requests, employed in the process of submitting certain forms to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), share objectives with the New York Poor Person form. These waivers relieve eligible individuals from the financial burden of processing fees based on their inability to pay, requiring thorough financial documentation similar to what is requested in the New York form.
Civil Legal Aid applications, which are broader than the New York Poor Person form, offer assistance across a variety of civil cases for individuals unable to afford legal representation. Applicants must provide a comprehensive account of their financial circumstances to qualify, similarly emphasizing the principle that justice should be accessible regardless of economic status.
Lastly, the Disability Accommodation Request forms, while focused on ensuring accessible proceedings for individuals with disabilities, share the New York Poor Person form's underlying goal of equitable access to legal processes. Though primarily concerning accommodations rather than financial waivers, both types of documents advocate for removing barriers that might prevent individuals from fully participating in the legal system.
When preparing the New York Poor Person form for submitting a motion to proceed as a poor person, and for the assignment of counsel in a Family Court appeal, it's vital to adhere to specific do's and don'ts to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here is a list of recommendations:
Fulfilling these recommendations can significantly affect the outcome of your motion to proceed as a poor person. It's essential to follow each step with care and attention to detail to support your case effectively.
When people consider applying for permission to proceed as a poor person and for assignment of counsel in a Family Court appeal in New York, misunderstandings often arise. Here are nine common misconceptions about the New York Poor Person form:
Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for those considering applying for permission to proceed as a poor person and for the assignment of counsel. Accurate knowledge ensures that eligible individuals can effectively seek assistance and supports fairness and accessibility in the legal process.
In the State of New York, individuals who are unable to afford the costs associated with legal proceedings can seek relief through the "Poor Person" form. This form allows for the request of permission to proceed in court without the usual fees and costs, and for the appointment of counsel in cases appealing Family Court decisions. Here are several key takeaways regarding filling out and using the New York Poor Person form:
Completing the New York Poor Person form with accurate and detailed information is essential for individuals seeking legal relief based on their financial circumstances. It is a critical step in ensuring access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford the costs of legal proceedings.
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