Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Los Angeles

Why this guide

If you’re facing intimate partner violence in Los Angeles, you’re not alone—and free or low-cost legal help is available. This guide shows how to quickly find an attorney or advocate for restraining orders, custody/visitation and support, divorce, housing, and immigration protections. It also lists hotlines, court self-help, and pro bono programs serving LA County.

Immediate help & hotlines (24/7)

• LA County Domestic Violence Hotline – countywide connection to shelter, safety planning, and legal referrals. (See LA County Public Health resource hub.) (Public Health)

• If you’re in immediate danger, call or text 911. The LA City Attorney also maintains a domestic violence page with safety and reporting guidance. (City Attorney)

How restraining orders work in California

California courts offer civil restraining orders that can require an abuser to stay away, stop contacting you, move out, and protect children or family members when appropriate. The state’s official Self-Help Guide explains types, eligibility, forms, and timelines; DV orders can be granted quickly on a temporary basis and, after a hearing, last up to five years. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

Where to file in LA County: The Superior Court’s Family Law locations (e.g., Stanley Mosk Courthouse) accept DV restraining order applications and provide assistance windows. Check the court’s DV info sheet for addresses and help-desk hours. (Los Angeles Superior Court)

Top legal aid & pro bono organizations in Los Angeles

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

1) Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)

• What they do: Domestic violence & family law (orders of protection, custody, divorce), plus self-help workshops and clinics.

• Intake: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 (M–F). (LAFLA)

2) Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA)

• What they do: DV/family law, housing, benefits, immigration; operates Self-Help Legal Access Centers that assist with family law and restraining orders.

• How to access: See services menu and Self-Help Centers page for locations/hours. (NLSLA)

3) Public Counsel – Survivors of Violent Crime / VAWA & U-Visa

• What they do: Immigration relief for survivors (VAWA self-petitions, U-visas), safety planning, and stabilization.

• Notes: Especially important if immigration status is tied to the abuser. (Public Counsel)

4) LA City & County resource portals

• City of Los Angeles DV Resources: Directory of local helplines, advocates, and community programs. (City of Los Angeles)

• LA County DPSS DV services: Connections to shelters, safety planning, protective orders help, immigration referrals, and more (useful if you receive CalWORKs or need wraparound services). (Department of Public Social Services)

(You can also look into Peace Over Violence for survivor advocacy, accompaniment, and counseling; they partner with legal networks and can help with referrals.) (Peace Over Violence)

What to expect during intake (and how to prepare)

Eligibility & conflicts

• Most legal-aid programs screen by income (often near federal poverty guidelines) and case type; they also run conflict checks to ensure they don’t represent the other party. (Example thresholds detailed by LSC for LA grantees.) (Legal Services Corporation)

Have ready (if safe to gather):

• Photo ID (if available), safe contact info.

• Any police reports, medical records, photos, texts/emails, prior court orders.

• For support cases: pay stubs, benefits letters, or other income proof.

After intake

• You may receive advice only, a referral, brief service (forms help), or full representation depending on capacity and the urgency of your case. LA courts and Self-Help centers can also assist with forms if you’re pro se. (NLSLA)

Common legal issues & how providers help

• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs): Preparation, filing, and court representation; help enforcing violations. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• Custody/Visitation & Child/Spousal Support: Orders aligned with safety; support calculations and modifications. (LAFLA)

• Divorce/Separation: Safety-first strategies for filing and property issues (where capacity allows). (LAFLA)

• Immigration Protections: VAWA, U-visa, and related relief for survivors. (Public Counsel)

• Housing & Benefits Stability: Eviction defense, emergency transfers, and access to public benefits when DV causes homelessness or loss of income. (NLSLA)

Step-by-step: getting protection fast

1. Safety first. If danger is imminent, call 911. Reach the LA County DV Hotline for immediate shelter and legal referrals. (Public Health)

2. Contact an advocate/attorney. Start with LAFLA or NLSLA (and call both if you can). Ask specifically about DV restraining orders and family court. (LAFLA)

3. Gather evidence (only if safe): screenshots, messages, medical records, police reports, photos.

4. File for a DVRO. Use the California Courts Self-Help portal to understand forms and timelines; file at an LA Superior Court location (e.g., Stanley Mosk Courthouse). (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

5. Ask about other relief. Custody/visitation, support, housing protections, and immigration options can be pursued in parallel. (LAFLA)

6. Follow up weekly until you’re assigned counsel or a court date; capacity changes frequently.

Self-help & court navigation

• California Courts Self-Help: Plain-language guides, forms, and step-by-step checklists for restraining orders. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• NLSLA Self-Help Legal Access Centers: In-courthouse assistance for self-represented litigants on family law and DVROs. (NLSLA)

• LA Superior Court DVRO information: Locations and assistance hours (check before you go; hours may change). (Los Angeles Superior Court)

Practical tips to work with legal aid

• State urgency clearly (recent threats, upcoming hearings, child safety).

• Be persistent—call multiple providers; ask every intake worker for referrals.

• Request language access—most providers can arrange interpreters. (LAFLA)

• Protect privacy—ask about safe contact methods and confidentiality protocols.

• Use advocacy partners—organizations like Peace Over Violence can coordinate counseling, accompaniment, and referrals while you seek counsel. (Peace Over Violence)

Quick directory (copy-and-save)

• LA County DV Hotline – Countywide 24/7 support & referrals. (Public Health)

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) – Apply online or call 800-399-4529. (LAFLA)

• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) – DV/Family and Self-Help Centers. (NLSLA)

• Public Counsel (Survivors of Violent Crime) – VAWA & U-Visa immigration help. (Public Counsel)

• City of Los Angeles DV Resources – City directory of services. (City of Los Angeles)

• CA Courts Self-Help – Restraining order guides & forms. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• LA Superior Court (Family/DVRO) – Locations & assistance windows. (Los Angeles Superior Court)

• Peace Over Violence – Advocacy, counseling, accompaniment. (Peace Over Violence)

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Los Angeles County and is not legal advice. Availability and eligibility change; confirm details with the organization or court before you go.