SUFFOLK COUNTY MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICE FUND

TENANT

Who is Eligible

Member or spouse who rents, for personal residential use, a private dwelling, condominium, apartment or rooms as a tenant.  The member must principally reside in the dwelling being claimed.

What is the Benefit

Legal advice and/or representation for a defendant in defense of a dispute between the member or spouse as tenant and the landlord.

Benefit Allowance

Up to $300

Limitations

One Landlord/Tenant defense per year, per family

CHANGE OF NAME

Who is Eligible

Member

What is the Benefit

Legal advice and representation in a change of name procedure.

Benefit Allowance.

Up to $350 per family

Limitations

Limited to changes of name sought by member for self and dependents.

ADOPTION

Who is Eligible

Member who seeks representation in an adoption proceeding.

What is the benefit

Legal advice and representation by an attorney in a formal adoption proceeding.

Benefit Allowance

Up to $500

Limitations

Benefit allowance does not cover the payment of any fees or expenses to adoption or other agencies.

CONTRACTS

Who is Eligible

Member or spouse who seeks to obtain legal services regarding a non-business contract.

What is the Benefit

Legal advice and/or representation in the preparation, execution of a personal, non-business contract.

Benefit Allowance

Up to $125

Limitations

Does not provide allowances for the preparation and execution, or review of business contracts.

PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY

Who is Eligible

Member or spouse filing for personal bankruptcy.

What is the Benefit

Representation by an attorney in a personal bankruptcy proceeding

Benefit Allowance

Up to $350

Limitations

Limited to one personal bankruptcy per family per calendar year.  Business bankruptcies are not covered.

ARRAIGNMENT SERVICE

Who is Eligible

Member or dependent, as defined by the Fund, who is a defendant in a criminal arraignment proceeding.

What is the Benefit

Representation in an arraignment proceeding requiring a personal appearance by legal counsel.

Benefit Allowance.

Up to $200

Limitations

Costs of legal representation beyond the arraignment stage are not covered. Thus, should a covered member or dependent desire to retain an attorney beyond the arraignment stage, such individual must make necessary fee arrangements directly with the attorney of his choice.