Court staff can:
- Provide legal and procedural definitions
- Cite statutes, court rules and ordinances
- Provide public case information
- Provide general information on court operations
- Provide procedural options
- Make general referrals
- Provide forms and instructions
Court staff cannot:
- Give legal interpretations or procedural advice
- Conduct legal research
- Disclose confidential case information
- Disclose confidential, ex parte or restricted information on court operations
- Give personal opinions
- Make subjective or biased referrals
- Complete forms for parties
Court Personnel are prohibited from giving legal advice. If you require legal advice, you should contact an attorney.
If you are in need of legal advice, you may contact the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 800-342-3661.