Guides · New York
What to do when you get a letter, a demand or a lawsuit
A short, straight explanation of each situation: what it is, what usually decides it, the ways to respond, and when you really do need a lawyer. Then, if you want, a check of your own situation.
Small claims court
All small claims guides- What to do nowYou're being sued in small claims court in New York: what to do now
- SituationEvidence for small claims court in New York: what to bring and how to prove your case
- How toHow to file a small claims case in New York, step by step
- How toYour small claims hearing in New York: what to bring and what to expect
- How toYou won in small claims court in New York but weren't paid: how to collect
- How toCommercial claims in New York: how a business sues for up to $10,000 without a lawyer
- QuestionWhat is the small claims limit in New York? $10,000, $5,000 or $3,000 depending on the court
- QuestionHow much does it cost to file in small claims court in New York?
- QuestionHow is the other side notified of a small claims case in New York?
- QuestionCan you file a counterclaim in New York small claims court?
- QuestionCan you appeal a small claims decision in New York?
- QuestionSuing a business in New York small claims: which name to use
Work & wages
All work guides- What to do nowFired or laid off in New York: what to do in the first days and what you may be owed
- SituationEmployer didn't pay you in New York: how to get your unpaid wages back
- SituationPunished for complaining about pay or working conditions in New York: retaliation and what to do
- SituationPaid as an independent contractor but treated like an employee in New York? Misclassification explained
- How toHow to file a wage claim with the New York State Department of Labor
- QuestionWhen do you get your final paycheck in New York after quitting or being fired?
- QuestionCan your employer take money out of your paycheck in New York? Legal and illegal deductions
- QuestionCan you be fired for no reason in New York? At-will employment and its limits
- QuestionAre you really exempt from overtime in New York? Salary thresholds and duties tests
- QuestionDo you get paid for unused vacation when you leave a job in New York?
Renting & housing
All housing guides- What to do nowGot an eviction notice in New York? What it means and what to do now
- SituationLandlord didn't return your security deposit in New York: the 14-day rule and what to do
- SituationLandlord won't make repairs in New York: the warranty of habitability and what you can do
- SituationLocked out by your landlord in New York: illegal eviction and how to get back in
- How toHow eviction works in New York: from notice to court to the marshal
- QuestionCan you break a lease in New York? What you owe and when you can leave early
- QuestionCan you have a roommate in New York? The roommate law and your rights
- QuestionCan your landlord enter your apartment in New York? Notice, consent and emergencies
- QuestionDo you get interest on your security deposit in New York?
- QuestionRent-stabilized lease renewal in NYC: your right to renew, timelines and allowed increases
Contracts & services
All contracts guides- SituationSomeone broke a contract with you in New York: what the law says and what to do
- SituationContractor took your deposit and didn't do the work in New York: your rights
- How toHow to write a demand letter in New York: what to include, tone, deadline and delivery
- QuestionAre oral contracts binding in New York? When a handshake deal counts
- QuestionHow long do you have to sue for breach of contract in New York?
- QuestionCan you cancel a contract after signing it in New York?
- QuestionUnfair contract terms in New York: which clauses a court may not enforce
Debt & collections
All debt guides- What to do nowGot a letter from a debt collector in New York? What to do in the first 30 days
- What to do nowSued for a debt in New York? What to do now, step by step
- SituationBank account frozen by a creditor in New York: how to get your exempt money back
- QuestionIs my old debt too old to sue on? New York's three-year limit for consumer credit debt
- QuestionMedical debt in New York: time limits, credit reports, hospital aid and what can't be taken
- QuestionCan a debt collector call me at work or contact my employer in New York?
Courts & lawsuits
All courts guides- What to do nowServed with a summons in New York? What to do and how long you have to answer
- How toHow to vacate a default judgment in a New York debt case
- How toHow to answer a debt lawsuit in New York: deadlines, defenses and filing
- How toCourt fee waiver in New York: how to ask for poor person relief
- QuestionStatute of limitations in New York: how long do you have to sue?
- QuestionCan you represent yourself in a New York court? What to know before going without a lawyer
Consumer rights
All consumer guides- SituationBought something defective in New York? Your warranty rights and how to use them
- SituationProblems with a home improvement contractor in New York: contracts, deposits and your 3-day right to cancel
- SituationOnline order never arrived? Shipping deadlines, refunds and disputing the charge
- How toHow to file a consumer complaint with the New York Attorney General (and other agencies)
- QuestionWhat counts as a deceptive business practice in New York, and what can you do about it?
Wills & estates
All estates guidesFamily
All family guidesAccidents & insurance
All accidents guidesCredit, banks & credit reports
All credit guidesUnemployment & benefits
All benefits guidesDiscrimination & civil rights
All discrimination guides- SituationDiscrimination at work in New York: your rights under the Human Rights Law and where to file
- SituationHousing discrimination in New York: refused an apartment, Section 8 voucher rejected, or treated differently
- SituationSexual harassment at work in New York: what counts, what your employer must do, and how to act
Privacy & online
All privacy guidesSmall business
All business guidesCars & traffic
All cars guidesAnd if it's your situation
The guides explain the rules. A first answer about your own situation is free; the full check confirms every legal point against New York and federal law.