OPINION: Should city provide free divorce lawyers for victims of domestic violence?
At first glance, it looks like a good idea. Brooklyn Councilmember Mark Treyger’s bill, which would mandate free legal representation for victims of domestic violence seeking a divorce, has earned praise from victims’ advocates in Queens and across the city.
Brian Dworkin, the director of the Domestic Violence and Family Law Advocacy Project at Queens Legal Services said, “This [bill] would help level the playing field for survivors [of domestic violence] on financial issues.”
“A lot of people can’t afford to have a lawyer and are forced to represent themselves, and they often don’t understand what’s happening,” he said. “They sign away their rights,” he said, adding that the courtroom can intimidate and confuse people, especially survivors of abuse. “We try to do our best for the safety of clients and also for their financial stability.”