Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Orlando

Introduction

If you’re facing domestic violence in Orlando, you don’t have to go through this alone. Free or low-cost legal services, advocacy, and pro bono programs exist to help you get injunctions, handle custody/support issues, access immigration relief, and stand up for your rights. This article is meant to be your full reference: what protections are available, who can help locally, how to apply, and steps to take.

1. Key Legal Tools & Protective Orders in Florida

Types of Protection / Injunctions in Florida

• Domestic Violence Injunction (often called “injunction for protection”) — for abuse, threats, stalking, harassment from someone in a domestic or household relationship.

• Repeat Violence / Dating Violence / Sexual Violence Injunctions — when the person is not necessarily a family or household member.

• Risk Protection Order / Firearms Injunction — in some cases, restricting access to firearms may accompany protective orders.

• Emergency / Temporary Injunctions — courts may issue temporary orders before a full hearing if danger is imminent.

Under Florida law, the court can impose no contact, stay-away, counseling, move-out, and support or custody provisions depending on circumstances.

How the process typically works

1. File a petition for an injunction with your local county circuit court clerk’s office.

2. Request a temporary (ex parte) injunction if immediate harm is likely.

3. Serve the respondent (abuser) with the court papers so they know the hearing date.

4. Attend the hearing where both sides can present evidence.

5. The court may grant a long-term injunction (commonly 1 year or more).

6. Enforce or modify as necessary later if violations occur or circumstances change.

It’s essential to act quickly—some protections are only effective once the respondent is served, and timing can affect safety.

2. Legal Aid, Pro Bono & Advocacy Organizations you can contact

These are key organizations in Orlando / Central Florida that provide legal or advocacy help for survivors of domestic violence:

Because demand is high, many of these organizations may triage urgent cases first (e.g. those with children, physical harm, imminent danger). It’s best to contact several.

3. Eligibility & Intake: What to Know & How to Prepare

Typical eligibility criteria

• Income or asset limits (many legal aid services require low or very low income)

• The legal issue must lie within the service area (e.g. Orange County or supported Central Florida counties)

• Case type eligibility (civil / family / domestic violence matter)

• Conflict checks (provider cannot represent both sides)

What you should have ready (if safe to gather)

• Safe contact information (phone or email the abuser doesn’t monitor)

• Name / address of respondent (abuser)

• Evidence (texts, emails, photos, medical/doctor reports, police reports)

• Any existing injunctions, court orders, or legal filings

• Income / benefits documentation

• Details about children (if minors involved)

What happens after intake

• You may receive advice or brief help (filling forms, court navigation)

• You may be referred to another provider or clinic

• In some cases, full representation may be offered, especially in high-risk / urgent situations

• You may receive court accompaniment or advocacy support through advocacy partners

4. Steps to Take: From Danger to Protection

Here is a roadmap you can follow:

1. Ensure your safety — if violence is ongoing, call 911 immediately.

2. Contact a local legal or advocacy service — begin with those listed above (Legal Aid Society OCBA, CLS, Center for Justice, Harbor House).

3. Ask for help filing the injunction — use the local circuit court or domestic violence division.

4. Request a temporary injunction (ex parte) for immediate protection.

5. Arrange service of the order — deliver the court papers to the respondent (via sheriff or process server).

6. Prepare for the hearing — gather your evidence, bring witnesses, seek legal aid or pro bono attorney support.

7. Attend the hearing — present your case, and ask for longer-term injunction.

8. Enforce or extend / modify — if the respondent violates, go back to court; if circumstances change, request modification.

Also look into complementary relief such as child custody/support, divorce, immigration (VAWA, U-visa) as applicable.

5. Self-Help & Court Resources

• Florida Courts – Legal Aid / Self-Help / Resources
  Florida’s official site lists local legal aid offices, pro bono programs, self-help materials, and resources. (CC Frontend Template)

• LawHelp / Florida Law Help
  An online portal that helps you find free legal help in Florida including forms and referrals. (Home | Florida Law Help)

• Community Legal Services (CLS) Helpline
  They intake legal requests and assess eligibility for services; their online application covers domestic violence matters. (Community Legal Services)

6. Hotlines, Shelters & Support Services in Orlando / Central Florida

• Harbor House of Central Florida
  Offers 24/7 crisis line, shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. (Wikipedia)

• Florida Domestic Violence Legal Hotline / Florida Legal Services
  Phone: 1-800-500-1119 (select option 3 for DV) — state-level legal help for survivors. (Florida Legal Services)

• Local law enforcement & victim services units in Orange County to assist in urgent filings or enforcement

• Shelters & advocacy agencies in Orange County / Orlando that offer safety planning, counseling, and referrals to legal services (e.g. Harbor House)

7. Tips to Maximize Legal Aid Help & Stay Safe

• When contacting legal aid, emphasize urgency (threats, children, immediate harm).

• Reach out to multiple organizations — don’t rely on the first response.

• Ask for referrals if one organization cannot assist.

• Use safe communication (limit contact via monitored devices, use alternate email/phone).

• Collect and preserve evidence early (texts, photos, medical records)

• Learn your rights: a domestic violence injunction in Florida is a civil process but can carry serious consequences if violated.

• Pair legal efforts with advocacy — shelters, counseling, local DV organizations — to support safety and stability.

8. Quick Directory (to save / share)

• Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association — (407) 841-8310 (civil legal aid / family / DV) (Justia)

• Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida — (407) 841-7777 (Central Florida legal aid, includes DV issues) (Justia)

• Orlando Center for Justice, Inc. — (407) 279-1802 (pro bono / low-cost legal services including family law) (Immigration Law Help)

• Harbor House of Central Florida — 24/7 crisis line + legal advocacy & shelter assistance (Wikipedia)

• Florida Domestic Violence Legal Hotline (via Florida Legal Services) — 1-800-500-1119 (option 3) (Florida Legal Services)

• Florida Courts – Legal Aid / Self-Help Directory — listings for local legal aid & pro bono offices (CC Frontend Template)

• LawHelp / Florida Law Help portal — online legal resource + referrals (Home | Florida Law Help)

Disclaimer

This resource provides general legal information and is not legal advice. Laws, eligibility rules, and services change. Always verify directly with the relevant court or legal provider before proceeding.