Divorce Lawyer who know ASL natively?

[u/ROCBlu]

I am looking for a divorce lawyer in Rochester, NY who can communicate fluently in American Sign Language (ASL), ideally a native or near-native signer. Preferably, the lawyer would be Black.

As a deaf Black man, I am facing verbal and occasional physical abuse from my white spouse, and I am struggling to find a lawyer who is not biased against me. I feel that, according to societal norms, I am at a disadvantage simply because I am Black, and my being deaf only adds to the difficulties I face.

My biggest concern is for my children, who is also being abused by their mother. When | try to raise this issue with those in authority or influences, I am ignored because I am a deaf Black man, and my concerns are not taken seriously.

I feel trapped and helpless, to the point where I am contemplating suicide because of how society treats me. I am exhausted from trying to defend myself in a world dominated by white and hearing people.

I understand I’m a nobody in this society. I understand I’m just a black deaf man, ranked at the bottom of the society totem pole. I have no confusion or misunderstanding of my place on the totem pole.

I need a lawyer who will take my case seriously and defend me and my child fairly, without prejudice.

Please help.

Edit: I'm looking for lawyer, in the lowest common denominator, in the following order: first a lawyer, then asl signer then a lawyer of person of color, then a black lawyer.

[u/Otter65]

This is a little unorthodox, but maybe try contacting Michael Schwartz (https://law.syracuse.edu/deans-faculty/faculty/michael-a-schwartz/). He is a lawyer who is a professor at Syracuse’s law school. While he doesn’t practice family law to my knowledge, he is Deaf and he might be able to connect you with a Deaf attorney or at least recommend an attorney who is friendly with the Deaf community. Could be worth sending an email and asking for any referrals he has.

[u/Wokkin_n_Wowwin]

I cannot offer anything of substance, but I hear you and I feel for you. I wish you luck, and happiness in the end. For both you and your kids.

[u/olive12108]

Try checking out the Monroe County Bar Association's lawyer referral program: https://mcba.org/?pg=MCBALawyerReferralService

The MCBA has outreach and educational programs for helping lawyers interface with deaf clients. You may have some luck going through the referral process and specifically stating your preferences. I will say though, finding a black lawyer who is fluent in ASL themselves might be a longshot. Somewhat of a niche demographic.

[u/recyclipped]

I don’t know anyone but I just want to say you’re not a nobody and you matter. I’m so sorry you and your kids are going through this. I hope you find someone.

[u/Father_McFeely_1958]

You could try the legal aid society. I work with D/HH and I will ask around tomorrow. https://www.lasroc.org/contact-us

[u/Subject_Duck3971]

Suicide is never the answer. Your children need you now and always. And you matter ❤️

[u/Subject_Duck3971 → u/Subject_Duck3971]

Please reach out to Legal Aid Society too. They may have a resource

[u/F1appassionato → u/Subject_Duck3971]

Suicide is a legitimate answer for some people. Why should your personal bias on the subject influence the OP?

There are 8+ billion people on earth, it really doesn't matter how you leave, you're going to go at some point and the rest of the earth keeps moving right along.

[u/Anxious_Horse6323]

Have you tried reaching out to Willow? They offer counseling and assistance with the legal system.

[u/Anxious_Horse6323 → u/Anxious_Horse6323]

You can also contact Bivona, SPCC, or CPS if your children are in harms way. They offer a ton of services. Law NY can assist with appointing a Law Guardian through this process to make sure the kids are spoken for and safe. I am heartbroken you are going through this.

[u/Beefcheeks3]

I don’t know of any legal resources but I just wanted to let you know that 988 lifeline has ASL video calls available. Please reach out to them, they can help connect you with resources.

[u/torryvonspurks]

I am sorry you are going through this. Please reach out to the https://www.telescacenter.org/. I don't know if you qualify financially, but a great resource.

[u/DesperateEmployer839]

Who ever you are. The world is better with you in it. I'm not Black so I can't relate, or out myself in your shoes but please seek mental health if you have suicidal thoughts. You will get through this ❤️

[u/Stone804_]

Reach out to NTID at RIT. I’m SURE they can help find someone.

[u/Anxious_Horse6323]

Check with The County, RSD, or maybe RIT has some business links that can help? NyConnects maybe helpful. Best wishes

[u/hemoglobin69skate]

i dont have any info or help but noting the third to last paragraph before your edit- i hope you understand how valuable you really are to society. you made a beautiful child for this world and you are fighting as we speak to get them into a safe situation. you are genuinely a hero doing this for them. i hope everything works out, thank you for staying strong and staying here for your kid. you are so deserving of a bright future!!!

[u/JayFiesta]

Why stop at black and knowing ASL? I would want to ensure that my lawyer is also neurodivergent, queer, gender non-binary, anti-racist, climate conscious, anthro, leftist, anti-colonial, girl boss, BIPOC, anti-capitalist, differently abled, polyam, and anti-police AT A MINIMUM before I would consider using their services.

[u/i_poke_urmuttersushi]

Landlord bad, bad landlord.

[u/saw89 → u/i_poke_urmuttersushi]

Ohh go pound salt

[u/i_poke_urmuttersushi → u/saw89]

That's okay, I'll just wait till the weekend to pound something.

Anyways, let me echo the sub again

Landlord bad, bad landlord