Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Jacksonville

Why this guide

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence in Jacksonville or anywhere in Duval County, you’re not alone—and free or low-cost legal help exists. This page is your one-stop resource for injunctions for protection (restraining orders), custody/visitation & support, divorce, immigration options, and local hotlines and self-help near you.

1) Injunctions for Protection in Florida (Jacksonville basics)

Florida recognizes five main injunction types: Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, Repeat Violence, and Stalking. The Florida Courts’ petitioner guide explains which one fits your situation and the process from filing through the hearing. (CC Frontend Template)

How filing works in Duval County

• File a Petition for Injunction for Protection with the Duval County Clerk of Courts (Domestic Violence section). The clerk’s site centralizes DV information and locations. (Duval Clerk)

• In the Fourth Judicial Circuit (Duval/Clay/Nassau), the court provides Self-Help and Family Court Services pages with forms and guidance for people without lawyers. (Judicial Circuit Court)

• Fees: The court’s DV FAQ confirms there is no filing fee for an injunction. You don’t have to have reported to police to file, and an attorney is not required. (Judicial Circuit Court)

• After filing, the judge may issue a temporary (ex parte) order and set a hearing. The order must be served on the respondent (see Sheriff/Civil Process below). (CC Frontend Template)

2) Trusted legal aid & pro bono organizations (Jacksonville / Northeast Florida)

Tip: Call more than one provider—capacity varies week to week.

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA)

• What they do: Free civil legal services; family law & domestic violence representation; DV/abuse injunction help; immigration relief for survivors. (Jax Legal Aid)

• How to reach: Main site and contact pages list offices and intake options (Duval phone 904-356-8371; downtown office at 126 W. Adams St.). (Jax Legal Aid)

Hubbard House (DV agency with legal advocacy)

• What they do: 24/7 hotline and textline, shelter, counseling, court accompaniment/legal advocacy, and referrals (serving Duval & Baker). (Hubbard House)

• How to reach: Hotline information is published by the agency and partner directories (phone 904-354-3114, text 904-210-3698). Outreach Center at 6629 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. (Hubbard House)

Three Rivers Legal Services (TRLS)

• What they do: Free civil legal help across North Florida, including Domestic Violence/Family Law. (Three Rivers Legal Services)

Quigley House (for nearby Clay County)

• What they do: Dual-certified domestic violence & sexual assault center; services include legal advocacy and connections to representation. Helpful if your case is in Clay County. (Quigley House)

City & County victim-services partners

• City of Jacksonville – Victim Services: case management, advocacy, and referrals for crime victims. (Jacksonville)

• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Victim & Witness Services: explains constitutional rights and local supports. (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

3) Eligibility & intake: what to expect (and how to prepare)

Typical eligibility filters

• Income/asset limits (many legal-aid programs use poverty-guideline thresholds) and case type (DV/family in this circuit).

• Jurisdiction (Duval/Clay/Nassau or where your case is filed).

• Conflict checks & capacity (providers must decline if they served the other party or lack bandwidth).

What to prepare (if safe)

• Safe contact info; ID (if available).

• Respondent’s details (name/address/relationship).

• Evidence: texts, emails, photos, medical records, police reports.

• Any prior court orders.

• Proof of income/benefits (if asked).

After intake you may receive

• Advice/brief service (forms help, coaching).

• Full representation (if eligible & available).

• Referrals to partner clinics or to the court’s Self-Help/Family Court Services. (Judicial Circuit Court)

4) Step-by-step: get protection fast

1. Immediate danger? Call or text 911.

2. Call a local advocate:

   • Hubbard House 24/7 Hotline (904-354-3114) or Textline (904-210-3698) for safety planning, legal advocacy, and shelter referrals. (Hubbard House)

3. Start your petition: File for an injunction for protection at the Duval Clerk of Courts (see DV section & locations). (Duval Clerk)

4. Ask for a temporary order: Judges can issue ex parte protection pending your hearing. (CC Frontend Template)

5. Get the order served: Work with law enforcement/civil process to serve the respondent (service is required before the final hearing). (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

6. Prepare for the hearing: Bring evidence and, if possible, get help from JALA/TRLS or a Hubbard House advocate. (Jax Legal Aid)

7. Enforce/modify as needed: Report violations to law enforcement; the court provides post-judgment information for modifying or enforcing injunctions. (Judicial Circuit Court)

5) Self-help & court navigation

• Fourth Judicial Circuit – Self-Help & Family Court Services: Forms, process info, and workshops for self-represented litigants (they cannot give legal advice). (Judicial Circuit Court)

• Florida Courts – Legal Aid directory & resources: Find statewide legal aid and family-court self-help materials. (CC Frontend Template)

• Duval Clerk – Domestic Violence page & office locations: Practical filing details and where to go. (Duval Clerk)

6) Hotlines & survivor supports

• Hubbard House (Duval & Baker): 24/7 hotline 904-354-3114; text 904-210-3698; outreach center and shelter services. (Hubbard House)

• City of Jacksonville – Victim Services: advocacy and referrals. (Jacksonville)

• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Victim & Witness Services: rights and support pathways. (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

• Statewide overview for petitioners (Florida Courts): clear explanations of injunction types and steps. (CC Frontend Template)

7) Practical tips to work with legal aid (and stay safe)

• State urgency clearly (recent threats, children’s safety, upcoming court dates).

• Call multiple providers and request referrals if one is full (e.g., JALA, TRLS, Hubbard House). (Jax Legal Aid)

• Ask for language access—providers can arrange interpreters.

• Use safe communications (alternate phone/email, private browsing).

• Pair legal steps with advocacy (Hubbard House) for safety planning and court accompaniment. (Hubbard House)

8) Quick directory (save/share)

• Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) — Family law/DV, immigration help; main: 904-356-8371; 126 W. Adams St., Jacksonville. (My Florida Legal)

• Hubbard House — 24/7 hotline 904-354-3114; text 904-210-3698; Outreach Center 6629 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. (Hubbard House)

• Three Rivers Legal Services — DV/Family Law support (North Florida). (Three Rivers Legal Services)

• Fourth Judicial Circuit – Self-Help / Family Court Services — forms & guidance for self-represented litigants. (Judicial Circuit Court)

• Duval County Clerk of Courts – DV filing & locations. (Duval Clerk)

• City of Jacksonville – Victim Services — advocacy & referrals. (Jacksonville)

• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Victim & Witness Services. (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Duval County and is not legal advice. Services, eligibility, and court procedures change—always confirm with the organization or court before acting.