About this handbook

This Handbook provides an overview of some of the legal issues that individuals and families may face as a result of the World Trade Center disaster. It may not answer all your questions; rather it is designed to set out some of the legal issues you may need to consider, to help you understand the basics about each issue, and to point you in the right direction for help. This Handbook is targeted to individuals living or working in New York State.

You may feel overwhelmed when considering the legal issues you face. It may be helpful to have the assistance of a lawyer, especially because the laws and requirements pertaining to these issues are subject to change. If you do not have an attorney, free legal advice and referrals are available to those in need who are were affected by the events of September 11, 2001. You may contact City Bar Fund September 11th Legal Relief Initiative Hotline at (212) 382-4763; The New York State Bar Association help line at (877) HELP-321 or (518) 487-5709 (www.nysba.org); the American Bar Association Disaster Legal Services at (866) 606-0626 (www.abanet.org); or Law Help, New York's Online Legal Referral and Information System at www.lawhelp.org. You may also visit one of the Disaster Assistance Service Centers listed in the last section of this Handbook.