Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Phoenix, AZ

Survivors of domestic violence in Phoenix and Maricopa County often need help navigating the civil legal system: obtaining protective orders, handling family law issues (custody, divorce, child support), addressing housing, and accessing legal relief tied to safety and stability. Fortunately, a number of legal aid, pro bono, and volunteer attorney programs in Phoenix are set up to assist survivors, often at no cost or on a sliding scale. This guide lists key providers, what services they offer, and how to access help safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Phoenix / Maricopa County

1. Community Legal Services (CLS Arizona)

Website: clsaz.org CLSAZ+2ACLU of Arizona+2
Services:

• CLS handles family law matters involving domestic violence, child welfare, and child abuse, focusing on survivors and children at risk. CLSAZ+1

• Their Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) is a joint project with the Maricopa County Bar Association, providing pro bono, brief advocacy, legal advice, and full representation in civil matters (including family law and domestic violence cases) for eligible clients. Pro Bono Net+2https://probono.azbf.org/+2

• CLS also operates a Family Lawyers Assistance Project (FLAP) to assist people representing themselves in family court with consultations, procedural guidance, and document review. CLSAZ+2libguides.law.asu.edu+2

Notes / Eligibility:

• The VLP serves low-income residents in Maricopa County. Pro Bono Net+2AZ Law Help+2

• FLAP appointments are made in advance (not walk-in) and are offered free to those meeting financial criteria; a $40 fee may apply for those above guidelines. CLSAZ

2. Arizona Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project (DVLAP)

Website / Info: Part of the Arizona Bar Foundation’s network azbf.org
Services:

• A statewide network coordinated by the Arizona Bar Foundation that connects survivors with legal aid attorneys, volunteer attorneys, and lay legal advocates. azbf.org

• The Project assists survivors in obtaining protective orders, helping with divorce forms, offering legal education, and referrals to broader civil legal support. azbf.org

• Lay advocates may provide court accompaniment, legal information, and help with paperwork. azbf.org

3. Maricopa County Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP)

Phone / Address: (602) 258-3434; 305 S. 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003 AZ Law Help+2Pro Bono Net+2
Services:

• The VLP (operated by CLS / Maricopa Bar) offers civil legal assistance including family and juvenile law, domestic violence cases, and other civil issues for low-income residents. AZ Law Help+3Pro Bono Net+3https://probono.azbf.org/+3

• Clients may receive advice, document assistance, or full representation depending on the volunteer attorney’s commitment and case complexity. Pro Bono Net

4. Defenders of Children (Family Law Services)

Contact / Info: (602) 710-1903 Maricopa Superior Court+1
Services:

• Specializes in legal advocacy for protective parents and guardians in child abuse / neglect cases, which may intersect with domestic violence issues. Maricopa Superior Court+1

5. Other Relevant Resources & Support Entities

• Chrysalis (Domestic Violence Advocacy / Legal Support): Offers lay legal services, court accompaniment, safety planning, and advocacy for survivors through their advocacy programs. libguides.law.asu.edu

• Arizona Legal Center (Free Clinic): Offers free legal consultation and limited legal aid. Justice Courts Maricopa County+1

• Modest Means Project (State Bar of Arizona / AZ Foundation for Legal Services & Education): For those who do not qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford full private attorney rates. Offers reduced-cost limited services. Arizona Bar Association+1

• City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Support / Helpline: Provides victim referrals, protective order information, and connections to legal and social services. Helpline: (602) 279-2900 or (800) 782-6400 via Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence. Phoenix

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Phoenix

• Use a private or incognito browser (especially if your partner may monitor your device).

• Call from a safe phone line (not one monitored) or ask for a callback option.

• Ask whether organizations offer remote / virtual intake (phone or online) to reduce risk.

• Prepare any evidence or documents (police reports, photos, texts, emails) in a secured manner or upload them safely.

• After using these legal resource websites, clear browser history or logs, if safe to do so.

• When meeting in person, plan to go during daylight, possibly with a trusted person, and use neutral meeting locations.

• Many courts offer self-help / pro per resources and clerk’s offices may guide you to legal aid programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are legal services really free?
Yes — the organizations listed aim to provide free or pro bono legal help for eligible low-income survivors of domestic violence, particularly for civil legal matters (protective orders, family law) not criminal defense.

2. Can undocumented or noncitizen survivors get help?
Yes — many Arizona legal aid programs and the DVLAP project assist survivors irrespective of immigration status, particularly for obtaining protective orders and related civil matters.

3. How quickly can I get a protective order?
With legal aid or volunteer attorney support, you may have access to same-day or expedited protective order filing, depending on court capacity and severity. Pro bono programs often prioritize emergent cases.

4. What documents should I bring to my first appointment or intake?
Bring (if safe):

• Police or incident reports

• Medical or counseling records

• Photographs showing injuries

• Screenshots or printouts of texts/emails

• Witness contact information

• Any prior court orders or related documents

• Identification and proof of income or residency, if available

5. What if I don’t qualify financially for free legal aid?
You may still qualify for Modest Means Project services (reduced-cost limited help) or pro bono representation via VLP or volunteer attorney networks.

6. Can legal aid help with related issues like housing or immigration?
Yes. Many of the providers (CLS, DVLAP) handle civil legal matters that intersect with domestic violence, such as housing, landlord/tenant disputes, public benefits, and immigration relief (especially through Arizona’s statewide DV legal assistance networks).

Conclusion

If you are a survivor of domestic violence in Phoenix or Maricopa County, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Several organizations are committed to helping you secure protection, navigate family law, and stabilize your safety — often at no cost. Reach out early, take steps to protect your digital privacy, and ask for support. You deserve justice and safety.