Legal first aid
Getting started
Plain-language first steps for New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC. In immediate danger? Call 911.
Browse by topic
- Bankruptcy and debt (31)
- Child custody and parenting time (26)
- Divorce and separation (26)
- Domestic violence and protection orders (26)
- Family matters (21)
- Getting started (5)
- Personal injury (26)
- Real estate and housing (26)
- Traffic and driving (26)
Situations in this topic
-
Start here: emergencies, deadlines and choosing the right location
If there is immediate danger, a serious injury, a fire, or an urgent threat to a child, call 911. Do not wait for an online answer. For confidential domestic violence…
-
Deadline watchlist: dates you should not miss
Use this as an early-warning list, not a deadline calculator. The triggering event, service method, calendar rules, exceptions, exact defendant, and claim type matter. A shorter notice deadline can expire…
-
Document checklists: what to gather before you talk to a lawyer
Gather only material you can lawfully and safely access. Keep originals intact and work from copies. Use a secure lawyer/client intake channel for sensitive records. Do not post Social Security…
-
Plain-language glossary of legal terms
Everyday meanings of common legal terms, with cautions about how they are used.
-
Where to get official help in NJ, NY and DC, with sources
NJ: Start with NJ Courts self-help for the proper court process and links to assistance. Use the Family Part for family matters, the municipal court shown on a ticket for…