Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Orlando, Florida

If you are experiencing domestic violence in Orlando or Orange County, you may need legal help with injunctions (restraining orders), family law (custody, divorce, support), and navigating the courts safely. Fortunately, there are legal aid and pro bono programs in Orlando that assist survivors—often at no cost. This guide outlines key providers, what they offer, and how to reach them safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Orlando / Orange County

1. Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc.

Phone: (407) 841-8310 Justia+2legalaidocba.org+2
Services:

• Civil legal aid for low-income Orange County residents, including family law, domestic violence matters, and representation in civil cases. legalaidocba.org+1

• Accepts pro bono referrals and uses volunteer attorneys to expand service coverage. legalaidocba.org

2. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc.

Phone: (407) 841-7777 NAMI Greater Orlando+3Justia+3Orange County Florida+3
Services:

• Offers no-cost civil legal services across Central Florida, including Orange County, for vulnerable populations. Community Legal Services+1

• Handles domestic violence, family law, divorce, custody, and related legal help. Justia+1

3. Florida Domestic Violence Legal Hotline (through Florida Legal Services)

Phone: (800) 500-1119 (with option 3 for legal hotline) Florida Legal Services
Services:

• Statewide legal advice and referrals to survivors of domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, and human trafficking. Florida Legal Services

• Operates weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays). Florida Legal Services

4. Harbor House of Central Florida – Legal Advocacy Team

Hotline / 24-hr: 407-886-2856 Harbor House of Central Florida+1
Office / Court Presence: Orange County Courthouse, Room 520, 425 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 Harbor House of Central Florida
Services:

• Legal advocacy: assistance with injunctions for protection (restraining orders), court accompaniment, translation services, crisis intervention. Harbor House of Central Florida

• Deputized staff to help file injunctions after hours via their emergency hotline. Harbor House of Central Florida

• Their advocates are located directly in the courthouse to assist survivors. Harbor House of Central Florida

5. Orange County Clerk of Courts – Family Services / Injunction Team

Services:

• The Family Services Injunction team handles restraining orders (“injunctions for protection”) for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual violence. My Orange Clerk+1

• They provide instructions and safety tips for survivors. My Orange Clerk

6. Orange County Self-Help Center (Courthouse, Orlando)

Location: Orange County Courthouse (425 N. Orange Ave, Suite 340) My Orange Clerk
Services:

• Helps with family law paperwork (custody, divorce, paternity) and document review (excluding injunctions). My Orange Clerk

• Provides computer / printing access, notary services, and assistance with legal forms. My Orange Clerk

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Orlando / Orange County

• Use a private or incognito browser (especially if the abuser monitors your device).

• Call from a safe phone line (not accessible to your abuser) or ask for the legal hotline to call you back.

• Ask if the organization offers remote or virtual intake or consultations.

• Bring or safely digitize evidence (photos, texts, police reports, previous court orders).

• After accessing legal resources, clear browsing history or call logs if safe.

• If meeting in person, choose safer hours (daytime) and, if possible, bring a trusted person.

• In court or courthouse, go to Harbor House’s office (in courthouse) or use Clerk’s Injunction team.

• When filing a protection injunction after hours, use Harbor House’s legal advocacy and emergency hotline to help with the process. Harbor House of Central Florida

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these legal services free?
Yes. The organizations listed provide free or pro bono legal services for qualifying survivors of domestic violence—especially for civil matters such as injunctions and family law.

2. Can undocumented or non-citizen survivors get help?
Yes. Florida’s domestic violence legal hotline and many local providers assist survivors regardless of immigration status. Florida Legal Services

3. How quickly can a protection injunction (restraining order) be issued?
In Orange County, the Clerk’s Injunction team can issue same-day protection orders in urgent situations. Harbor House’s deputized staff can assist outside normal court hours via emergency hotline. My Orange Clerk+1

4. What documents should I bring to my intake or appointment?
If safe, bring:

• Names and details of the abuser

• Evidence (photos, texts, medical reports)

• Police or incident reports

• Prior court orders or protective orders

• Any children’s information (if custody involved)

5. What if I don’t qualify for full representation?
You may still receive legal advocacy or assistance in filing paperwork through Harbor House, the legal hotline, or pro bono referrals. Self-help services at the courthouse may also assist.

6. Can these services also help with family law issues tied to domestic violence?
Yes. Legal Aid, Community Legal Services, and Harbor House help survivors with related family matters (custody, divorce, support) where abuse is a factor. Justia+1

Conclusion

If you are a survivor of domestic violence in Orlando or Orange County, legal help is available. From injunction filings to family law representation and court accompaniment, the organizations above offer support, often for free. Reach out early, protect your digital safety, and remember you don’t have to face this alone.