Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has a network of legal aid and pro bono legal services designed to assist survivors of domestic violence with civil legal matters such as obtaining Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, child custody, support, divorce, housing, and more. Many of these services are free for qualifying individuals. This guide highlights the major players, what they do, and how you or someone you know can access legal support safely and effectively.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Philadelphia

1. Women Against Abuse Legal Center

Phone: 215-686-7082 Women Against Abuse+2Women Against Abuse+2
Address: 100 S. Broad Street, Suite 1500, Philadelphia, PA Pro Bono Net+1
Services:

• Free legal representation and advocacy in Protection From Abuse (PFA) proceedings. Women Against Abuse+2Pro Bono Net+2

• Assistance with child custody, child support, and related family law matters when domestic violence is a factor. Women Against Abuse+2Pro Bono Net+2

• Legal options counseling, safety planning, and court accompaniment for survivors in court. Women Against Abuse

• Volunteer Attorney Project: engages private attorneys on a pro bono basis to represent petitioners in PFA cases. Pro Bono Net+1

• The Fast-Track Attorney Program places WAA attorneys directly in PFA courtrooms to provide immediate legal help. Philadelphia Bar Foundation+1

Notes:

• The Legal Center serves survivors of all gender identities. Women Against Abuse

• They also engage in system reform, working with courts and agencies to improve access to justice for domestic violence victims. Philadelphia Bar Foundation+1

2. Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) — Family Law Unit

Phone / Hotline: 215-981-3838 (Family Law Hotline, Tue & Thu, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Website: philalegal.org Philadelphia Legal Assistance+1
Services:

• Legal assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping with custody, divorce, and PFA / Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders. Philadelphia Legal Assistance+1

• Intake by phone, and they also provide general civil legal services for low-income residents (housing, benefits, consumer law, etc.). Philadelphia Legal Assistance+1

• The Family Law Unit focuses on helping survivors leave abusive relationships and rebuild legal stability. Philadelphia Legal Assistance

3. Community Legal Services (CLS Philadelphia)

Phone: 215-981-3700 Community Legal Services+1
Website: clsphila.org Community Legal Services+1
Services:

• CLS provides free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents, including housing, employment, utilities, consumer rights, family law, and public benefits. Community Legal Services

• For survivors of domestic violence, they assist with housing issues (e.g., breaking leases, emergency transfers) and employment or utility rights that may be impacted by abuse. Community Legal Services

• NOTE: CLS generally does not represent clients in PFA / Protection from Abuse proceedings, but helps in related legal matters. Community Legal Services

4. Temple Legal Aid / Beasley School of Law – Family Justice Clinic

Phone: 215-204-1800 Temple University Beasley School of Law
Services:

• The Family Justice Clinic offers legal advice and representation for vulnerable families, including custody, protection from abuse, and other family law issues, particularly where state interventions or child welfare are involved. Temple University Beasley School of Law

• They also provide legal representation in PFA / protection from abuse cases linked with state agency involvement. Temple University Beasley School of Law

5. Other Local & Community Pro Bono / Advocacy Programs

• Congreso de Latinos Unidos — provides legal advocacy and representation for domestic violence and related family issues, with emphasis on serving Latine communities. Justia

• Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Program — offers legal advocacy and support in family and domestic violence matters, especially for clients needing bilingual services. Justia+1

How to Safely Access Legal Help

• Use a private or incognito browser, especially if you think your device may be monitored.

• Call from a safe phone line (not accessible to your abuser) or ask legal providers if they can call you back.

• Ask whether remote intake / virtual consultations are available (many organizations allow this).

• Gather any evidence/documentation safely: photographs, text messages, police reports, prior court orders, etc.

• After visiting websites or making calls, clear browser history / call logs, if safe to do so.

• If attending in person, choose public places during daytime hours and, when possible, bring a trusted person along.

• When filing a PFA after hours or when the Family Court is closed, use the Emergency Filing Site at the Criminal Justice Center (Filbert & 13th). Philadelphia Police Department

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a PFA / Protection from Abuse Order?
A PFA is a civil order issued by the court to legally prevent an abuser from contacting or harming the survivor. It can include orders to vacate the home, maintain physical distance, or surrender firearms.

2. How quickly can I get a PFA in Philadelphia?
You can file a petition on a same-day basis during Court hours. If the court is closed, an emergency PFA can often be filed at the Criminal Justice Center. Philadelphia Police Department+1

3. Do I need a lawyer to get a PFA?
No, you can file on your own, but having legal representation increases your chances of being heard effectively in court. Many clients appear pro se and struggle with procedural or evidentiary complexities. The Legal Centers above help fill that gap. Women Against Abuse+2Palawhelp+2

4. Can undocumented or immigrant survivors get help?
Yes. Organizations like Women Against Abuse and PLA do not restrict based on immigration status for PFA, custody, or support cases. They also offer translation and culturally competent services. Women Against Abuse+2Women Against Abuse+2

5. What documents should I bring or prepare?
If safe, collect:

• Police or incident reports

• Photographs of injuries

• Screenshots or copies of threatening texts, emails, or messages

• Witness contact information

• Prior court orders or legal documents

• IDs or documentation of shared residence or children

6. What if I don’t qualify financially for “full” legal aid?
If your income is above eligibility, you might still access pro bono services via volunteer attorney programs (e.g. WAA’s Volunteer Attorney Project, community legal clinics). Also, some organizations offer limited scope help (advice or document review) rather than full representation.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has a robust network of legal aid and pro bono services specifically tailored to support survivors of domestic violence. Whether you need help filing or defending a PFA, navigating custody and support, dealing with housing or employment issues tied to abuse, or seeking legal guidance on your options — help is available. Reach out early, protect your digital privacy, and remember: you are not alone.