Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Chicago

Introduction

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Chicago, you don’t have to face it alone. Chicago and Cook County are home to many nonprofit legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and court-based resources designed to help survivors with protective orders, family law, immigration, housing, and more. This article is your guide to how the system works, who can help, what to prepare, and how to get legal protection and support.

Key Legal Tools & Concepts in Illinois / Cook County

Order of Protection (OP)
Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, survivors can petition for a legal Order of Protection which can require the abuser to stop abusing, stay away from you or your children, surrender firearms, and more. (City of Chicago)

Other related orders:

• Stalking No Contact Order (for stalking or harassment)

• Civil No Contact Order (for sexual assault or abuse) (Circuit Court of Cook County)

You can file an OP as a standalone civil case or as part of a criminal matter, depending on your situation. (City of Chicago)

The Cook County Circuit Court has a page dedicated to orders of protection, outlining filing locations, forms, and procedures. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

Protective Orders & the Court System

• The Daley Center in downtown Chicago (555 W. Harrison) is a primary location for domestic violence court in Chicago. (City of Chicago)

• Courts may have advocates on site who help victims with paperwork or accompany to hearings. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

• If you cannot pay court fees, you may request a fee waiver. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

• For people without lawyers, courts offer self-help resources, form guidance, and information on e-filing. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

Illinois Legal Aid / Online Tools
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) provides legal information, referrals, and forms for protective orders, family law, and other matters. (Illinois Legal Aid)

The Illinois Attorney General also publishes a directory of Chicago area legal service providers. (Illinois Attorney General)

Major Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Chicago / Cook County

Here are key organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence in the Chicago area:

How Eligibility & Intake Works

Eligibility criteria typically include:

• Income / means test — many providers require you to fall under certain income limits.

• Case type — domestic violence, family court, orders of protection, custody; some providers don’t handle contested divorce or complex property cases.

• Geography — must usually reside or have your case in Chicago / Cook County.

• Conflict checks — provider may decline if they have a conflict (e.g. representing the other party).

What to have ready for intake:

• Photo ID (if available)

• Safe contact info (phone, email)

• Any documentation: police reports, medical records, photos, messages

• Names and addresses of abuser and any children

• Income or benefit info

What may happen post-intake:

• You may get advice / limited help, referrals, or full representation depending on capacity

• Some organizations assist with paperwork and court accompaniment

• You may be asked to sign a representation agreement

Steps to Apply for an Order of Protection & Other Relief

1. Safety first: If you are in danger, call 911.

2. Contact a legal aid provider: Call Legal Aid Chicago, Ascend Justice, Life Span, or others above and ask for DV / orders of protection help.

3. Meet with an attorney or advocate: Explain your situation, share evidence, and ask them to help file the petition.

4. File the petition at the courthouse: At Daley Center or your local court, following instructions for Orders of Protection in Cook County. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

5. Attend hearing: The court may issue a temporary order first, then hold a hearing to decide the longer order.

6. Follow up & enforce: If violations happen, report them and ask your lawyer / the court to enforce or modify the order.

Self-Help Tools & Court Resources

• Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) – Offers step-by-step guidance, referrals, and fillable forms. (Illinois Legal Aid)

• Cook County Court — Orders of Protection – Access to filing instructions and comparisons of protective orders. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

• Court self-help services: For those without lawyers, courts often provide help desks or staff that assist with forms. (Circuit Court of Cook County)

• CARPLS (Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services) — a hotline in Cook County for legal advice & referrals. (Cook County Public Defender)

Recent Legal Developments & Considerations

• Karina’s Law (2025): This Illinois law requires police to confiscate firearms from individuals whose FOID (Firearm Owner’s ID) cards are revoked because of an order of protection. This strengthens enforcement against abusers with guns. (Wikipedia)

• The demand for domestic violence legal services often outstrips capacity. Some survivors may be put on waiting lists or receive limited help.

• Many legal aid organizations are expanding immigration relief supports (e.g. working with DV survivors who are non-citizens).

Tips for Working Effectively with Legal Aid & Pro Bono Lawyers

• Emphasize urgency (threats, danger) so your case may be prioritized.

• Don’t rely on one call — try multiple organizations.

• Ask for referrals if one provider can’t take your case.

• Be clear on communication preferences and safe contact methods.

• Keep all evidence organized and accessible.

• Be persistent in follow-ups — sometimes resources become available after case turnover.

Quick Directory (Save & Share)

• Legal Aid Chicago – 312-341-1070 (DV, family law, OP, etc.) (Legal Aid Chicago)

• Ascend Justice (Domestic Violence Courthouse) – 555 W. Harrison, Suite 1900; Remote OP Hotline: 312-239-0413 (Illinois Attorney General)

• Life Span – DV Legal Services – Serving Cook County & Chicago (Life Span)

• Greater Chicago Legal Clinic (GCLC) – Family law, DV help (Greater Chicago Legal Clinic)

• Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) – 312-332-1624 (Chicago Volunteer Legal Services)

• Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic – 312-738-2452; pro se help desks at Daley Center & Markham Courthouse (Illinois Attorney General)

• Between Friends (Legal Clinics / Court Advocacy) – 773-274-5232 (Between Friends)

• CARPLS (Hotline for advice/referrals) – (312) 738-9200 (Cook County Public Defender)

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The availability and eligibility of legal services change over time; always confirm directly with the organizations or the court before acting on any information here.