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TESTIMONY

Kathy Kramer, CEO of Family Legal Care on Addressing Challenges in Family Court for Unrepresented Litigants

4:22:08

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156 sec

Kathy Kramer, CEO of Family Legal Care, highlights the dire need for resources and support for unrepresented litigants in New York City's family courts.

  • Kramer outlines the struggle faced by unrepresented litigants in family court, many of whom are low-income, from communities of color, or non-English speaking.
  • She stresses the under-resourced state of family courts and points out that 80% of litigants lack legal representation, affecting their access to justice in critical issues like child support and custody.
  • Family Legal Care, the only organization in New York City focusing on this issue, serves nearly 30,000 families annually through legal advice, consultations, and innovative digital tools.
  • Kramer raises concerns about potential significant funding losses from the mayor's office and calls for increased council discretionary funding to continue their support for families.
  • She underscores the significance of strong families as the foundation of a thriving city and the vital role of Family Legal Care in ensuring their well-being.