January 9, 2004

Free legal help for women

By Chrisena Coleman

Women struggling with family and matrimonial legal matters can take a first big step in dealing with them tomorrow.

InMotion, Inc. will hold a free walk-in clinic tomorrow at its offices on the Grand Concourse near Fordham Road.

The group is there to help women maneuver the legal system when they need help with orders of protection, visitation issues, custody battles, child and spousal support, divorces and immigration matters, said Ramonita Cordero, director of its legal program.

“Many women go into court without representation and without fully knowing their rights,” said Cordero. “Our mission is to empower them and help break down language and cultural barriers they face because they are not familiar with the legal system.”

Cordero said more than 1,400 women have visited over the past five months to get help.

InMotion opened its doors in 1993 in Manhattan. Six years later, it opened its first satellite office in the Bronx. The group trains Bronx-based lawyers who volunteer their time and services.

Normally, inMotion requires clients to make an appointment in advance, but tomorrow, you can just walk in between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the inMotion offices, at 2432 Grand Concourse (between 187th and 186th Sts.), suite 506. Call 718-652-8181.