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Legal Services of New Jersey wrote this handbook to help parents when the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly DYFS) files a court case to place their children in foster care based on claims that the parents have abused or neglected their children. This handbook will help you understand the things you must do to try to reunite with your child as soon as possible.
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This guide provides basic information about how to clear—"expunge"—a record of arrest or conviction in New Jersey. It includes the forms needed for filing. In the limited circumstances where expungement is possible, the process is relatively simple and usually can be managed without the help of a lawyer.
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The new edition of Divorce in New Jersey: A Self-Help Guide explains how to file for divorce or dissolve a civil union in New Jersey. You may read the instructions for filing for divorce or dissolution here. The forms and letters for filing are available in the print edition of the manual, available for purchase. If you qualify based on income, you may be eligible for a copy at no charge.
Please go to LSNJ's on-line store for all ordering options, including qualifying for a free copy.
This handbook reviews the major provisions of New Jersey law regarding domestic violence and suggests some of the measures you can take to protect yourself from abuse, including using the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to get a restraining order to keep the abuser away.
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Foreclosure is the legal process where a court orders the sale of a home when the homeowner doesn’t pay the mortgage. Right now, many homeowners are having trouble making their mortgage payments. You need to know that the lender cannot take your house automatically, even if you have missed mortgage payments. The lender must take you to court, where you can defend yourself against foreclosure. You also need to know that, in certain circumstances, mortgage foreclosure can be prevented. The information in this manual is designed to help you understand the court process for foreclosure and the defenses you might have that may help you prevent foreclosure.
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This handbook contains information on preventing and recognizing the signs of lead poisoning, as well as the legal rights of those who may be at risk.
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Looking Out For Your Legal Rights is LSNJ's community legal education newsletter. In language that is easy to understand, Looking Out gives you general information about current legal issues and how they may affect you. Part of each issue is available in a Spanish-language section, Cuáles son sus derechos legales.
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May 2013:
In this issue, learn about subpoenas and how they can be used in a domestic violence action, how to be recognized as a child’s legal mother or father, your rights when applying for welfare, and a new resource guide for “aging out” youth.
View list of past issues
If you are not eligible for Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare, and you do not have other health insurance that will pay all of your hospital costs, you may still be entitled to free or reduced-cost hospital care if you cannot afford it on your own. This handbook will help you understand what to do.
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Tenants' Rights in New Jersey is LSNJ's guide to landlord-tenant law for New Jersey residents. The manual includes chapters on finding a place to live, security deposits, leases, rent increases, the responsibilities of landlords and tenants, legal and illegal evictions, condo and co-op conversions, and the right to safe and decent housing.
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LSNJ wrote this handbook to help parents when the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, DCP&P (formerly the Division of Youth and Family Services, DYFS) takes legal action to terminate (end) their parental rights to their children. This handbook contains information about the law and legal process that apply to you as a defendant parent being sued by DCP&P in a termination of parental rights case.
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Click on a link below to view an informational flyer in text format or as an Adobe Acrobat file (PDF).
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View PDF file in English | Español | Creole
Appealing a Welfare Decision
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Applying –Are you Applying for Welfare?
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Domestic Violence
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Sanctions
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Welfare to Work Program
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