Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Sacramento

Why This Matters

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence in Sacramento, you deserve access to legal protection, support, and advocacy. This guide is intended to be your trusted resource: how restraining orders work in Sacramento County, what legal help is available, how to approach legal aid intake, and which local organizations can support you through each step of the process.

1. Understanding Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) in Sacramento

What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
In Sacramento County, a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court-issued order to protect a person from abuse by a close relation (spouse, partner, cohabitant, parent, etc.). The Sacramento Superior Court has an official guide with forms and procedures. (Sacramento Superior Court)

Who can file?
You can petition for a DVRO against someone with whom you have a close personal relationship (dating, living together, family, marriage). The order can include protective measures and, where relevant, custody/visitation orders for children. (Sacramento Superior Court)

How to file & timelines

• The Self Help Center offers a Zoom workshop (Mondays/Wednesdays) to help people without attorneys understand the DVRO process. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• You can e-file DVRO paperwork via the court’s eDelivery system, or file in person at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse (Family Law Filing Department) in Sacramento. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• If forms are filed by 11:30 a.m., you may receive the order the same day at 4:00 p.m.; otherwise, it will be ready the next business day. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• If you can’t serve (notify) the respondent before the hearing, you can request a continuance. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• If you already have a DVRO from another court or state, it might be enforceable or registerable here. (Sacramento Superior Court)

Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
If the person you want protection from is not a close relation (e.g. neighbor, coworker, stranger), you may be able to get a Civil Harassment Restraining Order. The Sacramento court’s Civil Self-Help Services helps with completing those forms in Hall of Justice, 813 6th Street, Room 117. (Sacramento Superior Court)

2. Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Sacramento & Region

Here are trusted organizations offering free or low-cost legal help (or referrals) for domestic violence, family law, and related matters in Sacramento County and the surrounding area:

These organizations vary in the types of legal help they offer (some only advice or limited help, others full representation). Be sure to call and ask what they can do in your case.

3. Eligibility, Intake & What to Prepare

Because resources are limited, legal aid and pro bono programs screen for eligibility and suitability. Here’s how to prepare:

Eligibility criteria often include:

• Income thresholds / means test (programs serve low-income or moderate-income survivors)

• Case must be civil/family law (DVRO, custody, divorce, etc.)

• Jurisdiction: your case must lie in Sacramento County or relevant nearby jurisdiction

• Conflict checks: provider may decline if they represent or previously represented the other party

• Availability / volunteer capacity

What to have ready (if safe to gather):

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

• Basic facts about the abuser (name, address, relation to you)

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

• Any existing court orders or documents

• Documents showing income or benefits (if requested)

What happens after intake:

• You may receive advice or limited assistance (help filling forms, coaching)

• You may be referred to another provider who handles full representation

• In some cases, you may be matched with a volunteer attorney through CPB or Sacramento Bar homeless pro bono programs

• You may be escorted or accompanied in court hearings or directed to the Family Justice Center for coordinated support

4. Step-by-Step Roadmap: Seek Protection & Legal Relief

Here’s a suggested path for survivors seeking legal protection:

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

2. Contact a legal resource provider. Call CPB, WEAVE, or the FJC for intake and assistance.

3. Attend self-help workshops. The court’s Self Help Center offers Zoom workshops for DVRO applicants. (Sacramento Superior Court)

4. Complete and file DVRO forms. You can file at the Family Relations Courthouse (William R. Ridgeway) or online via e-filing. (Sacramento Superior Court)

5. Request temporary orders (ex parte) for immediate protection.

6. Attending hearings. The respondent must be properly served before the hearing; if not, you may request a continuance. (Sacramento Superior Court)

7. Enforce and modify orders. If the abuser violates the order, you can report to law enforcement and return to court for enforcement or modification.

8. Pursue related legal relief. With legal aid or a volunteer attorney’s help, you can also seek custody, support, divorce, or immigration relief (if applicable).

Throughout, leverage the Family Justice Center to coordinate support services—legal, social, housing, counseling all in one place. (Sacramento DA Office)

5. Self-Help & Court Support Tools

• Sacramento Superior Court – DVRO / Restraining Orders page
  The court provides detailed instructions, forms, FAQs, and information about who may file and how to get assistance. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• Civil Self-Help Services (Hall of Justice, Room 117)
  Helps with civil harassment restraining orders, completes forms, offers procedural guidance. (Sacramento Superior Court)

• SH@LL (Self-Help at the Law Library)
  Free legal information and basic assistance with forms and referrals for self-represented litigants. (Sacramento County Public Law Library)

• WEAVE/Community Workshops
  Workshops on restraining orders, divorce, custody offered through WEAVE in partnership with the Family Law Facilitator’s Office. (WEAVE, Inc.)

6. Hotlines & Support Services

• Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (FJC)
  One-stop center for victims for reporting crimes, obtaining restraining orders, getting safe housing, and meeting prosecutors & advocates. (Sacramento DA Office)

• Sacramento County DA – Victim Services / Domestic Violence Unit
  Offers victim advocates, court accompaniment, help with temporary restraining orders, safety planning, and application for crime-related compensation. (Sacramento DA Office)

• LawHelpCA
  A statewide portal to self-help guides and referrals to local legal aid and pro bono providers. (Law Help CA)

• Sacramento County Legal Referral / State Bar Resources
  For moderate-income individuals, the Sacramento County State Bar referral service offers a 30-minute low-cost consultation. (FindLaw)

7. Tips to Maximize Help & Stay Safe

• Stress urgency: mention threat level, presence of children, recent abuse

• Call multiple organizations; leave detailed voicemails

• Ask for referrals to nearby clinics (WEAVE, CPB) if one provider is full

• Use secure communication (safe phone, alternate email)

• Track and preserve evidence immediately

• Request language interpreters if needed

• Pair legal action with advocacy support from FJC, shelters, or counseling agencies

8. Quick Directory (Save & Share)

• Capital Pro Bono (CPB) — (916) 551-2102 (Capital Pro Bono)

• WEAVE, Inc. — Legal workshops & DV support (WEAVE, Inc.)

• Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (FJC) — Collaboration for victim services & legal support (Sacramento DA Office)

• DA’s Domestic Violence Victim Services — (916) 874-5701 (Sacramento DA Office)

• Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) — Sacramento office for civil legal aid (Legal Services of Northern California)

• Sacramento County Public Law Library – SH@LL — Self-help, legal information, referrals (Sacramento County Public Law Library)

• Sacramento Superior Court Self Help / DVRO page — court resources & forms (Sacramento Superior Court)

• Sacramento County Legal Referral / State Bar — consultation referrals for legal representation (FindLaw)

Disclaimer

This guide is intended for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Service availability, eligibility criteria, and court procedures change frequently. Always confirm details with the relevant organization or court before acting.

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