Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in San Diego

Survivors of domestic violence in San Diego often face legal challenges like obtaining Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), navigating family law (custody, divorce, support), addressing housing instability, and accessing immigration relief. San Diego and its surrounding counties have multiple legal aid, pro bono, volunteer, and self-help services dedicated to serving survivors—many at no cost. This guide highlights key providers, how they operate, and how survivors can access support safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in San Diego / San Diego County

1. Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD)

Website: lassd.org Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2
Phone / Intake: 1-877-534-2524 Legal Aid Society of San Diego+1
Services:

• Offers free civil legal services in family law, including representation or assistance for survivors of intimate partner violence Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

• Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinics: LASSD helps with paperwork, advice, and explanations about handling restraining order cases (though not full courtroom representation in many cases) LawHelpCA+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

• Walk-in clinics / self-help assistance are offered in multiple courthouses (e.g. Central, South, East) for restraining order forms and family law issues Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

• Family law services include custody, support, divorce (dissolution), and parentage cases, especially where domestic violence is involved LawHelpCA+3Legal Aid Society of San Diego+3Legal Aid Society of San Diego+3

Notes:

• LASSD’s restraining_order clinic at the South County Courthouse (Chula Vista) helps with Petitions and Responses to DVROs on a first-come, first-served basis. LawHelpCA

• They assist residents across San Diego County who qualify with income or vulnerability. Legal Aid Society of San Diego+1

2. San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP)

Website: sdvlp.org San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
Services:

• SDVLP operates a Family Law & Domestic Violence Program to assist low-income individuals with family law and domestic violence matters. San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

• They run Restraining Order Clinics where survivors can walk in and get help filling out restraining order paperwork (DVROs) with staff or volunteers. San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

• Matches volunteers (attorneys) with clients for full or limited representation depending on case complexity. San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

3. Casa Cornelia Law Center

Contact: (619) 231-7788 Justia
Services:

• Focuses on immigration and domestic violence law. Helps survivors with immigration relief, protective orders, and related legal needs in San Diego. Justia

4. Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC)

Contact: (619) 515-2200 Justia
Services:

• Provides legal services combining domestic violence, immigration, and family law support to survivors (especially immigrant women and children). Justia

5. San Diego Superior Court – Self-Help Center & Family Law Facilitator

Website: sdcourt.ca.gov San Diego Superior Court+2San Diego Superior Court+2
Services:

• The Self-Help Center offers free assistance to people without lawyers in filling out forms, understanding procedures, and guidance in DVRO and family law cases. San Diego Superior Court+1

• The Family Law Facilitator’s Office provides help at no cost with family law paperwork, workshops, walk-ins, and remote assistance (but does not act as your attorney). San Diego Superior Court

• The court’s Domestic Violence pages explain filing procedures, eligibility, and e-filing options for restraining orders. San Diego Superior Court

6. Women’s Resource Center (WRC San Diego County)

Contact / Hotline: (760) 757-3500 Women's Resource Center
Services:

• Provides legal information, referrals, and support tailored to survivors of domestic violence. Women's Resource Center

• Referrals to restraining order clinics in county courthouses; advocates may accompany survivors to court (but do not speak on their behalf). Women's Resource Center

• They also assist survivors in enrolling in the Safe at Home program, which masks address information on legal documents. Women's Resource Center

How to Safely Access Legal Help in San Diego

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

• Call or reach out via a safe phone line or email not controllable by your abuser.

• Ask if virtual or remote intake / consultations are available from legal aid or clinics (many San Diego courts support remote help).

• Bring (if possible and safe) documentation: police reports, photos, texts, prior legal orders, birthdates, address info.

• After visiting legal resource websites, clear your browsing history, cookies, or search logs.

• For walk-in clinics, arrive early (first come) — many DVRO clinics operate on first-come, first-served basis. LawHelpCA+1

• Courts have Self-Help and DVRO clinic locations in multiple regions (Central, East, South, North) to reduce travel risk. San Diego Superior Court+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these legal services free?
Yes — many of these organizations provide free help or pro bono services for eligible survivors (especially in civil, noncriminal matters). For restraining order clinics, there's no fee to file a DVRO. San Diego Superior Court+2LawHelpCA+2

2. What if I’m undocumented or an immigrant?
Organizations like Casa Cornelia Law Center and ICWC specialize in serving immigrant survivors. LASSD also handles immigration matters including VAWA, and restraining order clinics do not deny service based on status. Justia+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

3. How quickly can I get a restraining order?
You can file a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) at the court. Many courts accept e-filing and clinics support same-day help with paperwork. San Diego Superior Court+2San Diego Superior Court+2
Temporary restraining orders may be granted quickly while awaiting full hearing. San Diego Superior Court

4. What documents should I bring to your first clinic or meeting?
If safe, bring: abuser’s name, address, date of birth, evidence (photos, texts, medical reports), any police or prior restraining orders, info about shared children or home, and identification if possible. Legal Aid Society of San Diego+3San Diego Superior Court+3Legal Aid Society of San Diego+3

5. Can legal aid help with family law (custody, divorce) when abuse is involved?
Yes. LASSD’s family law team specifically helps survivors with custody, support, divorce, and related cases when domestic violence is present. Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2Legal Aid Society of San Diego+2

6. What if I don’t qualify due to income?
You might still access pro bono assistance via SDVLP, Casa Cornelia, or other volunteer attorney programs. You can also use self-help services via the court’s Self-Help Center or Family Law Facilitator even if you don’t qualify for full legal aid. San Diego Superior Court+2San Diego Superior Court+2

Conclusion

If you are a survivor of domestic violence in San Diego County, help is available — from restraining order clinics to family law support, immigration advocacy, and pro bono representation. Whether you need help drafting a DVRO, navigating custody or divorce in an abusive situation, or securing legal immigration protections, these organizations are geared toward assisting you safely, confidentially, and compassionately.