By the Numbers

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1,680
CASES
LIFT delivers long term help and social services

LIFT operates a Family Legal Center inside the Family Courts of all five boroughs of New York City. Over periods of weeks and months, our staff meets with unrepresented litigants – proceeding in child support, custody and visitation cases – to provide individualized legal information, help fill out court documents, prepare for Family Court appearances, and accompany them to Court and/or the Office of Child Support Enforcement appointments.

13,300
INQUIRIES
New York families helped on LIFT's helplines. Helplines are available by phone, email, and live chat, in both English and Spanish.

Family Law Helplines are tremendously valuable resources to help individuals understand their legal rights, options, and the Family Court Process. Bilingual (Spanish/English) Helpline Associates provide information regarding family law and referrals to community-based services. 

18,500
AIDED
LIFT’s Education & Information Sites are located in all NYC Family Courts.

LIFT is often the first friendly face in an otherwise busy and confusing system. We provide immediate answers to urgent legal questions and assist litigants in navigating the court buildings. Our staff members possess the expertise needed to help litigants move forward. When feasible, Site Coordinators are bilingual (Spanish/English).

215,000
GUIDES
Copies distributed of LIFT's legal resource guides. The guides cover nearly 40 family law topics, in 8 languages.

LIFT has distributed over 215,000 copies of their Legal Resource Guides. The guides cover nearly 40 family law topics, in 8 different languages. These accessible guides are available on this website and at court houses, correctional facilities, agencies and organizations across the city. LIFT also produces interactive guides for children and teens.

80%
Lawyerless
Many families are not represented by an attorney when they appear in Family Court.

Families typically carry the burden of representing themselves as they attempt to address matters fundamental to the well-being of children – custody , visitation and child support.

250,000
Filings
Despite a heavy caseload, there are only 64 NYC Family Court judges to hear it all.

Decisions happen quickly. Without a clear understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities, families lose what little opportunity they have to secure a prompt and appropriate response to their problems. 

30,000
FAMILIES
Families in crisis served by LIFT last year.

LIFT has grown to serve over 30,000 families each year. Most of our participants live in the city's low-income neighborhoods and often face barriers to justice and equality in other areas as well, such as housing and education.