Community Legal Aid of SoCal helps eligible low-income residents with civil legal issues. They provide services in the areas of: family law, domestic violence issues, housing issues, immigration, elder abuse, public benefits, and more. They help domestic violence survivors with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation/support, paternity, guardianship, housing, employment, government benefits, and property division. They also assist immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence and crime, with VAWA self-petitions, T visas, U visas, naturalization, adjustment of status, removal defense, asylum applications, and more. They offer free workshops to help clients with completing paperwork and understanding the legal process. Interpretation services available. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, or by calling their central number. Serving Orange County and the following cities in Southeast Los Angeles County: Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Carson (some areas), Cerritos, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Hollydale, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate, Walnut Park, and Willowbrook.
Legal Assistance
Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims of abuse and others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer who you can consult with to get advice. Please note that we list the organizations by the town/city or county where the office is located – however, many offices may likely serve multiple counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click the blue “View All” button to look through the complete list of organizations. You can also contact law schools in your area to ask if they have a legal clinic.
Los Angeles
Community Legal Aid SoCal – Compton Office
Community Legal Aid SoCal – Norwalk Office
Community Legal Aid of SoCal helps eligible low-income residents with civil legal issues. They provide services in the areas of: family law, domestic violence issues, housing issues, immigration, elder abuse, public benefits, and more. They help domestic violence survivors with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation/support, paternity, guardianship, housing, employment, government benefits, and property division. They also assist immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence and crime, with VAWA self-petitions, T visas, U visas, naturalization, adjustment of status, removal defense, asylum applications, and more. They offer free workshops to help clients with completing paperwork and understanding the legal process. Interpretation services available. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, or by calling their central number. Serving Orange County and the following cities in Southeast Los Angeles County: Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Carson (some areas), Cerritos, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Hollydale, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate, Walnut Park, and Willowbrook.
Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law provides free direct legal assistance to low-income residents of Los Angeles County. Their volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and law students help with domestic violence and family law cases. Their services include: custody and visitation, child support, obtaining restraining orders, establishing paternity, divorce, and more. Individuals must call for an appointment; no walk-ins are accepted. Services offered in English and Spanish.
Legal Advocacy Project - Metro Headquarters
The Legal Advocacy Project provides free, comprehensive legal services for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and their families with legal issues in the areas of immigration and family law. Services include: help with VAWA self-petition, U Visa, T Visa, DACA, divorce, child visitation and custody, child and spousal support, emergency protective orders, restraining orders, and more. All services are offered in English, Spanish and ASL.
Legal Advocacy Project - West San Gabriel Valley Center
The Legal Advocacy Project provides free, comprehensive legal services for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and their families with legal issues in the areas of immigration and family law. Services include: help with VAWA self-petition, U Visa, T Visa, DACA, divorce, child visitation and custody, child and spousal support, emergency protective orders, restraining orders, and more. All services are offered in English, Spanish and ASL.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - East Los Angeles Community Office
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides free legal services for low-income persons across Greater Los Angeles. They provide direct representation, advice, referrals, and education. Their areas of service include: domestic violence/family law, immigration-related issues, housing, and more. LAFLA assists and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation, child concealment, paternity, and child support. In addition, they assist and represent undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings. LAFLA has five community offices; check for hours of each location on their website. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in person. Advocates speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese Mandarin, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, and Korean. Interpretation services offered for other languages.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - Long Beach Community Office
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides free legal services for low-income persons across Greater Los Angeles. They provide direct representation, advice, referrals, and education. Their areas of service include: domestic violence/family law, immigration-related issues, housing, and more. LAFLA assists and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation, child concealment, paternity, and child support. In addition, they assist and represent undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings. LAFLA has five community offices; check for hours of each location on their website. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in person. Advocates speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese Mandarin, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, and Korean. Interpretation services offered for other languages.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - Santa Monica Community Office
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides free legal services for low-income persons across Greater Los Angeles. They provide direct representation, advice, referrals, and education. Their areas of service include: domestic violence/family law, immigration-related issues, housing, and more. LAFLA assists and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation, child concealment, paternity, and child support. In addition, they assist and represent undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings. LAFLA has five community offices; check for hours of each location on their website. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in person. Advocates speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese Mandarin, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, and Korean. Interpretation services offered for other languages.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - South Los Angeles Community Office
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides free legal services for low-income persons across Greater Los Angeles. They provide direct representation, advice, referrals, and education. Their areas of service include: domestic violence/family law, immigration-related issues, housing, and more. LAFLA assists and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation, child concealment, paternity, and child support. In addition, they assist and represent undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings. LAFLA has five community offices; check for hours of each location on their website. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in person. Advocates speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese Mandarin, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, and Korean. Interpretation services offered for other languages.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - Westlake Community Office
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides free legal services for low-income persons across Greater Los Angeles. They provide direct representation, advice, referrals, and education. Their areas of service include: domestic violence/family law, immigration-related issues, housing, and more. LAFLA assists and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with restraining orders, divorce, child custody/visitation, child concealment, paternity, and child support. In addition, they assist and represent undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings. LAFLA has five community offices; check for hours of each location on their website. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in person. Advocates speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese Mandarin, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, and Korean. Interpretation services offered for other languages.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Domestic Violence Clinic
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has domestic violence clinics at three courthouses. They provide holistic assistance to survivors of domestic violence, including restraining orders, orders for custody, divorce, visitation, and support. Check their website for hours of operation of the clinic office. No appointments; walk-ins only. Priority is given to domestic violence, restraining orders, and child abduction and concealment cases.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Domestic Violence Clinic
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has domestic violence clinics at three courthouses. They provide holistic assistance to survivors of domestic violence, including restraining orders, orders for custody, divorce, visitation, and support. Check their website for hours of operation of the clinic office. No appointments; walk-ins only. Priority is given to domestic violence, restraining orders, and child abduction and concealment cases.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Domestic Violence Clinic
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has domestic violence clinics at three courthouses. They provide holistic assistance to survivors of domestic violence, including restraining orders, orders for custody, divorce, visitation, and support. Check their website for hours of operation of the clinic office. This clinic assists clients on a walk-in basis with restraining orders.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Self-Help Legal Access Center
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has four self-help centers offering information and assistance with legal processes through workshops, individual help, and user-friendly computer programs. They assist individuals who represent themselves, regardless of income or immigration status. Services include help with: divorce, custody, paternity, restraining orders, name changes, housing issues, and more. All services are free and available without an appointment.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Self-Help Legal Access Center
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has four self-help centers offering information and assistance with legal processes through workshops, individual help, and user-friendly computer programs. They assist individuals who represent themselves, regardless of income or immigration status. Services include help with: divorce, custody, paternity, restraining orders, name changes, housing issues, and more. All services are free and available without an appointment.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Self-Help Legal Access Center
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has four self-help centers offering information and assistance with legal processes through workshops, individual help, and user-friendly computer programs. They assist individuals who represent themselves, regardless of income or immigration status. Services include help with: divorce, custody, paternity, restraining orders, name changes, housing issues, and more. All services are free and available without an appointment.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Self-Help Legal Access Center
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has four self-help centers offering information and assistance with legal processes through workshops, individual help, and user-friendly computer programs. They assist individuals who represent themselves, regardless of income or immigration status. Services include help with: divorce, custody, paternity, restraining orders, name changes, housing issues, and more. All services are free and available without an appointment.
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice
The Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ) provides free legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Family law services include custody, divorce, paternity, and restraining orders. Immigration services include representation and document preparation for VAWA, T visa, U visa, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, adjustment of status, DACA, and removal defense. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website or by calling their office.
Mil Mujeres
Mil Mujeres provides legal services to low-income individuals in the immigrant community. They specialize in serving survivors of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Their services include help with U visas, T visas, asylum, VAWA petitions, naturalization, DACA immigration processes, and more. There are costs associated with the services.
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County - El Monte Office
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free legal help to low-income county residents. NLSLA’s service areas include domestic violence, family law, immigration, public benefits, housing, healthcare, and more. Their domestic violence services include restraining orders, child custody and visitation, paternity, divorce, and court advocacy. For immigrants that are victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes, they can help with VAWA, U visas, T visas, immigration status adjustment, naturalization, and legal permanent residency. They hold workshops and clinics on various legal topics. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in one of their three offices.
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County - Glendale Office
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free legal help to low-income county residents. NLSLA’s service areas include domestic violence, family law, immigration, public benefits, housing, healthcare, and more. Their domestic violence services include restraining orders, child custody and visitation, paternity, divorce, and court advocacy. For immigrants that are victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes, they can help with VAWA, U visas, T visas, immigration status adjustment, naturalization, and legal permanent residency. They hold workshops and clinics on various legal topics. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in one of their three offices.
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County - Pacoima Office
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free legal help to low-income county residents. NLSLA’s service areas include domestic violence, family law, immigration, public benefits, housing, healthcare, and more. Their domestic violence services include restraining orders, child custody and visitation, paternity, divorce, and court advocacy. For immigrants that are victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes, they can help with VAWA, U visas, T visas, immigration status adjustment, naturalization, and legal permanent residency. They hold workshops and clinics on various legal topics. Apply for services by completing the online application on their website, by phone, or in one of their three offices.
NLSLA Self-Help Center - Antelope Valley Office
The five Self-Help Centers of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County provide legal information and assistance to self-representing persons in the areas of family law, housing, and other civil matters. They can help with domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, elder abuse orders, divorce, custody, visitation, eviction information, tenant rights, and more.
NLSLA Self-Help Center - Chatsworth Office
The five Self-Help Centers of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County provide legal information and assistance to self-representing persons in the areas of family law, housing, and other civil matters. They can help with domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, elder abuse orders, divorce, custody, visitation, eviction information, tenant rights, and more.
NLSLA Self-Help Center - Pasadena Office
The five Self-Help Centers of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County provide legal information and assistance to self-representing persons in the areas of family law, housing, and other civil matters. They can help with domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, elder abuse orders, divorce, custody, visitation, eviction information, tenant rights, and more.
NLSLA Self-Help Center - Pomona Office
The five Self-Help Centers of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County provide legal information and assistance to self-representing persons in the areas of family law, housing, and other civil matters. They can help with domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, elder abuse orders, divorce, custody, visitation, eviction information, tenant rights, and more.
NLSLA Self-Help Center - Van Nuys Office
The five Self-Help Centers of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County provide legal information and assistance to self-representing persons in the areas of family law, housing, and other civil matters. They can help with domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment orders, elder abuse orders, divorce, custody, visitation, eviction information, tenant rights, and more.
The Immigration Center for Women and Children - Los Angeles Office
The Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) is a non-profit legal organization providing free and affordable immigration services to underrepresented immigrants in California and Nevada. ICWC strives to provide security and stability for children who are abused, abandoned, or neglected and for immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. They offer services in the following areas: U visas, T visas, VAWA, asylum for unaccompanied children, legal orientation for custodians of unaccompanied children, DACA, help with immigration court processes (San Francisco courts), and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Call one of their four California locations for services.