Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in San Antonio

Introduction

If you are experiencing domestic violence in San Antonio or Bexar County, there are legal and community resources available to protect you, your children, and your rights. This article is your comprehensive reference for Family Violence Protective Orders (FVPOs), legal aid and pro bono providers, court resources, safety tips, and next steps. Use this as your go-to guide for navigating the legal system safely and effectively.

1. Understanding Family Violence Protective Orders (FVPOs) in Texas

What is an FVPO?
In Texas, domestic violence is often handled through a Family Violence Protective Order (sometimes called a "protective order"). This civil court order can require the alleged abuser to:

• refrain from committing acts of family violence

• stay away from you, your home, workplace, children, or other protected individuals

• avoid contacting you by phone, email, or other means

• vacate a shared residence

• surrender firearms (if required by state or local law)

• abide by additional conditions the court deems appropriate

Who qualifies & relationships covered
A person may file for an FVPO if the respondent is someone with whom they have a certain relationship—such as spouse, ex-spouse, dating partner, family member, or someone with whom they share a child.

How to file an FVPO in Bexar County

1. Go to the Bexar County District Court Clerk’s office (or relevant protective order division) and request the form for a Family Violence Protective Order.

2. Complete and file the petition, which includes describing the violence, threats, or harassment you’ve suffered.

3. You can request a temporary protective order (ex parte) immediately, before the respondent is notified, in cases of urgency or danger.

4. The court will schedule a hearing (often within 14 days) where both sides can present evidence.

5. If granted, the protective order typically lasts up to 2 years (or as the court orders) and can be extended.

6. To enforce or modify, return to court if violation or changed circumstances.

In Bexar County, the courts often coordinate with the Bexar County Family Violence Protective Order Court or Family Violence Center, which assist in processing, screening, and referring survivors.

2. Major Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in San Antonio

Here are trusted organizations and programs that assist domestic violence survivors in San Antonio / Bexar County with legal representation, advocacy, or referral:

Because demand is high, many of these organizations triage cases by urgency (e.g. children, serious violence) and may not handle every protective order case. Always reach out broadly.

3. How Eligibility, Intake & Preparation Work

To get help, you’ll typically go through an intake or screening process. Here’s what to expect and how to be ready:

Common eligibility criteria

• Income limits / means test (legal aid often serves people whose income is under a threshold)

• Case type limitation (only civil family law, protective orders, not criminal defense)

• Jurisdiction (Bexar County or area served by the provider)

• No conflict of interest (provider cannot represent both sides)

• Capacity constraints (some cases may be declined if overloaded)

What to prepare (if safe)

• Safe contact method (phone/email that abuser does not monitor)

• Identification (if possible)

• Respondent’s name, address, relationship to you

• Evidence: text messages, emails, photos, medical or police reports

• Any existing protective orders or legal documents

• Proof of income / benefits

• Information about children if minors are involved

After intake, possible outcomes

• Advice or limited help (form preparation, court strategy)

• Referral to another clinic or resource

• Full representation for FVPO or protective order hearing if eligible

• Court accompaniment or advocacy support via FVPSI or partner agencies

4. Step-by-Step Roadmap: Moving from Danger to Protection

1. Ensure safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

2. Contact a legal or advocacy organization such as TRLA, FVPSI, or San Antonio VLP. Explain your situation and that you want a protective order.

3. Go to the District Court clerk or protective order division to file a Family Violence Protective Order petition.

4. Request a temporary order (ex parte) if there is ongoing danger.

5. Serve the respondent (abuser) legally—this is required before a final hearing.

6. Prepare your evidence for the hearing: witnesses, documentation, police or medical records.

7. Attend hearing and seek a full protective order (1–2 years or as the court orders).

8. Enforce, modify, or extend later if the situation changes or the order is violated.

In San Antonio, FVPSI often helps with the legal portion of these steps, including referrals and accompaniment. (fvpsi.org)

5. Self-Help & Court Resources in Bexar County

• Bexar County District Courts / Protective Order Court
  The court system publishes information about protective order filing, hearing schedules, and self-help materials.

• TRLA Self-Help / Client Intake Centers
  TRLA offers clinics and self-help legal assistance (for qualifying clients) for family / FVPO cases.

• Texas Courts Self-Help / “Protective Orders” Portal
  The statewide site provides guides and forms for protective orders in Texas.

• Local Law Libraries
  Bexar County Law Library and university law libraries often provide legal resources, reference assistance, and form access for self-represented litigants.

6. Hotlines, Shelter & Advocacy Support Services

• FVPSI (Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc.)
  Central domestic violence nonprofit in Bexar County. They provide a 24/7 hotline, safe housing, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment. (fvpsi.org)

• San Antonio Police Department – Crime Victim Services
  Provides victim assistance, referrals, and support for domestic violence incidents.

• Bexar County Victim Services / District Attorney’s Office
  Offers advocacy, help with protective orders in coordination with prosecutors.

• Texas Domestic Violence Hotline
  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — national, 24/7 support and referrals (multilingual).

7. Tips to Make Legal Aid Work Better (and Stay Safer)

• Emphasize urgency when making intake calls (present threats, children, serious harm).

• Reach out to multiple organizations (don’t rely on only one).

• Ask for referrals or waiting list placement if an organization is full.

• Use discreet contact methods (safe phone, private email).

• Preserve evidence—keep screenshots, photos, medical documents.

• Go to legal clinics / workshops if offered by TRLA, FVPSI, or local bar pro bono events.

• Use supporting agencies—FVPSI, shelters, counseling services—for holistic safety planning.

8. Quick Directory (to Save & Share)

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (San Antonio / Bexar County office) — main intake line: 1-888-988-9996; local office address as listed on TRLA website. (trla.org)

• FVPSI (Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc.) — hotline, legal advocacy, shelter, court accompaniment. (fvpsi.org)

• San Antonio Volunteer Lawyers Program / Pro Bono services via SA Bar Association — contact the San Antonio Bar for available clinics.

• Bexar County District Court / Protective Order Court — filing and hearing locations

• San Antonio Police / Crime Victim Services — referrals and victim support

• Texas Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Disclaimer

This guide offers general information and does not substitute legal advice. Laws, eligibility criteria, and resource availability change. Always verify directly with the court, legal provider, or advocacy organization before acting.