Bill > A01576

This bill amends the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to provide additional protections for individuals in legal proceedings involving property, specifically focusing on ensuring access to legal counsel. The bill requires courts to notify parties who may be eligible for free legal counsel about this option and mandates court adjournments to help such parties secure representation. If a party has genuinely attempted to obtain free legal counsel but cannot do so through no fault of their own, the court must adjourn the trial for consecutive periods of at least fourteen days. For jurisdictions where free legal counsel is available, the court must first inform the party of this option and then provide at least a 30-day adjournment for the party to retain and consult counsel, with the ability to grant further 30-day adjournments as necessary. The bill also clarifies that adjournments requested by an unrepresented party seeking legal counsel will not count against the standard limitation on adjournments in summary proceedings. These provisions aim to ensure fair legal proceedings by giving parties a meaningful opportunity to obtain legal representation, particularly in cases involving potential eviction or property disputes.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1576