No-Cost Collaborative Law Program

Separation / Divorce

The No-Cost Collaborative Program for Separation/Divorce provides free access to the collaborative law process to qualified married participants. This program is made possible through a partnership between members of the Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals (IACLP) and Legal Assistance of Western New York (LAWNY).

Financial eligibility for this program is determined by meeting certain income guidelines, a determination is made by LAWNY. Both spouses must be willing to participate in the collaborative law Process. There cannot be any pending court action between the parties, and parties with a history of domestic abuse or orders of protection are not eligible for the program. Collaborative lawyers and other professionals are working as volunteers.

To find out more about the program, or to see if you qualify, please contact LAWNY at 607.273.3667, and say you are interested in a collaborative separation or divorce.

For more information: No-Cost Collaborative Law Program – LAWNY

Custody and Parenting Time

The No-Cost collaborative Program for Custody and Parenting Time provides free access to the collaborative law process to qualified parents who may or may not be married. This program is made possible through the Tompkins County Assigned Counsel Program (TCACP).

Qualified participants do not have to pay for their lawyers, and free access to Child Specialists may be available.

Each party (parent or guardian) who would like to participate in the No-Cost Collaborative Program must apply for – and qualify to receive – services through TCACP. Eligibility for the program is determined by meeting certain income and household guidelines. A petition involving Custody or Visitation must initially be filed in Tompkins County Family Court, and all parties must be willing to participate in the Collaborative Law Process.

For more information: No-Cost Collaborative Program – TCACP , or call my office at 607.257.0284.

Lo-Cost Collaborative Representation

Upon request, I will discount my fees or set up payment plans if parties’ incomes simply cannot support the up-front cost of this process. Just ask. Other area collaborative lawyers may be willing as well.