Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Houston, Texas

Survivors of domestic violence in Houston and the surrounding Harris County region often need legal assistance for matters such as protective orders, custody, divorce, housing, and immigration. Fortunately, a network of legal aid and pro bono providers in Houston offers free or reduced-cost services tailored to survivors, regardless of income or immigration status. This resource highlights key organizations, what services they provide, and how to access them safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Houston / Harris County

1. Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)

Website: avda-tx.org
Phone: 713-224-9911
Services Provided:

• Free legal representation in protective orders, divorce, child custody, child support, and family law matters. AVDA+2Texas State Library Guides+2

• They serve survivors across Harris County and Fort Bend County. AVDA+2hcdvcc.org+2

• AVDA also offers counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy services. AVDA+1

2. Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL)

Website: makejusticehappen.org
Phone: 713-228-0735
Services Provided:

• Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys for free legal representation in civil matters (including domestic violence–related family law cases). Houston Lawyer Referral Service+3Houston Volunteer Lawyers+3TexasLawHelp.org+3

• Operates Legal Advice Clinics and pro bono case matching. Houston Volunteer Lawyers+1

• HVL is one of the largest pro bono legal aid providers in Harris County. Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Notes / Limitations:

• HVL may have a waiting list; if no pro bono attorney takes the case within 3 months, they may close the file and notify you. TexasLawHelp.org

• They accept applicants who might not qualify for traditional legal aid, including some non-citizens. TexasLawHelp.org+1

3. Lone Star Legal Aid

Website: lonestarlegal.org
Phone: 713-652-0077 / 800-733-8394
Services Provided:

• Free civil legal services for qualifying low-income individuals in the Houston region. Harris County Domestic Relations Office+2Houston Lawyer Referral Service+2

• They cover matters including domestic violence, housing, family law, employment, and consumer law. Houston Lawyer Referral Service+2Harris County Domestic Relations Office+2

• Intake can often be done online or by phone. Harris County Domestic Relations Office

4. Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)

Website: hawc.org
Phone / Hotlines: 24/7 crisis support (check website)
Services Provided:

• While primarily a crisis and support organization, HAWC offers legal assistance / referrals and works closely with legal aid organizations for survivors. Houston Area Women's Center

• Their role is often connecting survivors to legal services, offering advocacy, counseling, and safety planning. Houston Area Women's Center+1

5. South Texas College of Law – Legal Clinics

Contact / Intake: 713-646-2990
Services Provided:

• The Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics at STCL Houston handle family law, divorce, domestic violence, immigration, and other civil matters. stcl.edu

• These clinics are staffed by licensed attorneys and law students under supervision, offering free or limited-scope assistance. stcl.edu

6. Access Justice Houston

Website: accessjusticehouston.org
Phone: 832-772-6743
Services Provided:

• Serves “modest means” clients who might not qualify for legal aid but can't afford private attorneys. tsulaw.edu+2Harris County Domestic Relations Office+2

• Helps with family law, landlord-tenant (non-eviction), and immigration matters. tsulaw.edu+1

7. Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)

Website: tlsc.org
Services Provided:

• TLSC offers assistance in accessing public benefits, employment law, and other civil legal needs, and works in collaboration with other legal aid providers. Harris County Domestic Relations Office+2Houston Lawyer Referral Service+2

• They often act as a safety net for those who fall outside the eligibility of other programs. Wikipedia

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Houston

• Use a private or incognito browser (not tracked by your abuser).

• Call from a safe phone line or ask for a callback if it's not safe to call directly.

• Ask whether virtual or remote legal intake is available.

• Bring or digitally upload any evidence or documents (texts, photos, police reports) in a secure format.

• After searching online, clear browsing history or logs.

• If visiting clinics in person, go during daylight hours and consider bringing a trusted friend or using public transport.

Additional Local & Referral Resources

• Houston Bar Association LegalLine – Free legal advice phone line, usually first & third Wednesday evenings and Fridays. Houston Lawyer Referral Service+2Harris County Domestic Relations Office+2

• Consejos Legales (HBA) – Spanish language legal advice line. Harris County Domestic Relations Office+1

• Domestic Relations Office, Harris County – maintains a curated list of local legal aid and referral resources. Harris County Domestic Relations Office

• TexasLawHelp.org – state-wide self-help forms, guides, and referrals. TexasLawHelp.org

• Harris County Domestic Violence / Crisis Shelters – for help with relocation, safety, and crisis support. (e.g. The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Bay Area Turning Point) hcdvcc.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these legal services actually free?
Yes — the organizations listed generally provide free legal services for domestic violence survivors (especially for matters like protection orders, custody, divorce). Some programs (like Access Justice Houston) operate on a sliding scale for those who don’t qualify for full legal aid.

2. Can undocumented or noncitizen survivors get help?
Many of these providers (e.g. HVL, Lone Star Legal Aid) accept noncitizens or those without permanent status for civil legal assistance. TexasLawHelp.org+2Houston Lawyer Referral Service+2
However, eligibility for certain programs may vary, so it’s best to disclose your status early and ask.

3. How quickly can a protective order or restraining order be obtained?
Emergency protective orders may be available same day, depending on the court and your circumstances. Legal aid attorneys can often guide you through the process promptly through consultations or clinic intake.

4. What documents should I bring to my first meeting or intake?
Bring or be ready to provide:

• Police reports or incident reports

• Medical or counselor records of injuries

• Photographs or screenshots of abusive behavior

• Text/Message logs or emails

• Witness names/contact info

• Identification if available
  If it’s not safe to carry documents, ask about digital or emailed submissions.

5. What happens if I don’t qualify financially for one of these programs?
If you're not eligible for free legal aid, you may be able to access pro bono services (through HVL or law clinic programs) or modest-means services like Access Justice Houston. You can also ask for referrals to low-cost private attorneys, legal clinics, or self-help resources.

6. Can legal aid help with housing, immigration, or employment issues related to domestic violence?
Yes. Many Houston legal aid providers handle related civil issues such as housing (eviction, safe housing), immigration relief (VAWA, divorce involving noncitizen partners), and sometimes employment claims (where abuse impacts employment). Be clear about your full legal needs when applying.

Conclusion

If you’re a survivor of domestic violence in Houston or Harris County, legal support is available and you don’t have to fight alone. From protection orders to family law, immigration, and housing issues, the organizations above provide compassionate, confidential, and often free assistance. Reach out early — your safety and rights matter.