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

Why this guide

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence in Los Angeles, you’re not alone—and free or low-cost legal help exists. This page is your go-to guide for restraining orders (DVROs), custody/visitation & support, divorce, housing, and immigration protections, plus hotlines and court self-help options across LA County.

1) Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs): the basics

• What a DVRO can do: Order no-contact/stay-away, require move-out, include child custody/support provisions, and more. California’s official Self-Help Guide explains types, eligibility, forms, timelines, and what to expect at hearings. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• Where to file in LA County: Family Law locations of the Los Angeles Superior Court (e.g., Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles). The court publishes a DV info sheet listing filing locations and assistance windows. (Los Angeles Superior Court)

• Self-Help Centers: The County’s Self-Help Legal Access Centers (SHLAC) and court Self-Help sites offer in-person/phone/online guidance for people without a lawyer, including DVROs. (L.A. County Consumer Affairs)

2) Trusted legal aid & pro bono organizations (Los Angeles County)

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

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)

• What they do: DV & family law (DVROs, custody, divorce), self-help workshops, clinics, multiple languages.

• How to access: Apply online or call 800-399-4529; LAFLA operates community offices, four Self-Help Legal Access Centers, and three DV clinics. (LAFLA)

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA)

• What they do: Family law & DV help; runs Self-Help Centers that assist with restraining orders and other civil matters. (NLSLA)

Public Counsel (Survivors/Immigration)

• Focus: VAWA self-petitions, U-Visas, and stabilization for survivors—critical if immigration status is tied to abuse. (Public Counsel’s LA programs are widely referenced by county and court directories.) (L.A. County Consumer Affairs)

City & County resource portals

• City of Los Angeles – Domestic Violence Resources: City directory of local services and help lines. (City of Los Angeles)

• LA County Domestic Violence Resources/Hotline: Central hub that routes to shelter, safety planning, and legal referrals countywide. (Public Health)

Community-based advocates (legal referrals + wraparound)

• Peace Over Violence: Advocacy, accompaniment, counseling; connects with legal partners countywide. (Peace Over Violence)

• Jenesse Center: Comprehensive DV intervention & prevention with referrals to legal services. (Jenesse)

Safety & reporting guidance

• LA City Attorney – Domestic Violence: Safety info and steps; always call/text 911 in emergencies. (City Attorney)

3) Eligibility & intake: how it works (and how to prepare)

Typical eligibility filters

• Income/asset limits (most legal-aid programs use poverty-guideline thresholds)

• Case type & venue (DV/family matters in LA County courts)

• Conflict checks & capacity (they must decline if they’ve helped the other party or don’t have bandwidth)

What to prepare (if safe)

• Safe contact info

• ID (if available)

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

• Prior court orders

• Proof of income/benefits (if asked)

After intake you may receive

• Advice/brief-service (form help, coaching)

• Full representation (if eligible & capacity allows)

• Referrals to another organization or a court Self-Help Center (L.A. County Consumer Affairs)

4) Step-by-step: get protection fast

1. Immediate danger? Call or text 911. For confidential support/shelter/legal referrals, contact the LA County DV Hotline. (Public Health)

2. Contact legal aid: Start with LAFLA and NLSLA; ask specifically for DVRO and family-law help (custody/visitation, support, divorce). (LAFLA)

3. Gather evidence (only if it’s safe to do so).

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

5. Ask about other relief: Custody/support orders, immigration remedies (VAWA/U-Visa), and housing protections can often be pursued in parallel. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

6. Follow up persistently: Capacity changes; check weekly until you have a court date or representation.

5) Self-help & court navigation

• California Courts – Self-Help (Restraining Orders): Plain-language guides, e-filing pointers, checklists, and forms. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• LA County SHLAC program: In-person info and form help for self-represented litigants (family law, restraining orders, etc.). (L.A. County Consumer Affairs)

• Find your local Self-Help Center (statewide directory): Search by city/ZIP to locate the nearest center. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

6) 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.

• Ask for language access—LA providers offer interpreters/multi-language support. (LAFLA)

• Use safe communications (alternate email/phone, blocked caller ID).

• Pair legal steps with advocacy (Peace Over Violence, Jenesse Center) for safety planning and accompaniment. (Peace Over Violence)

7) Quick directory (save/share)

• LA County Domestic Violence Hotline — countywide referrals to shelter & legal help. (Public Health)

• LAFLA – Domestic Violence / Family Law — apply online or call 800-399-4529. (LAFLA)

• NLSLA – Self-Help & Family/DV — Self-Help Centers for restraining orders & family law. (NLSLA)

• LA Superior Court (DVRO locations/info) — addresses & assistance windows (e.g., Stanley Mosk Courthouse). (Los Angeles Superior Court)

• California Courts – Restraining Orders Guide — types, forms, steps. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• City of LA – DV Resources — city directory of services and safety info. (City of Los Angeles)

• Peace Over Violence — advocacy, counseling, accompaniment. (Peace Over Violence)

• Jenesse Center — comprehensive DV services with legal referrals. (Jenesse)

• LA City Attorney – Domestic Violence — safety/reporting guidance. (City Attorney)

Disclaimer

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