Family Law & Domestic Violence

Our team of advocates and social workers are here to provide the information and help you need to protect yourself and your family.

What We Can Help With

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (“DVRO”)
You may qualify for a DVRO if a person has abused you or threatened to abuse you and you have one of the following relationships with that person: married, divorced, separated, registered domestic partnership, have a child together, dating or used to date, live together, or used to live together.
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (“CHRO”)
You may qualify for a CHRO if a person has abused you or threatened to abuse you and you have a relationship with that person that does not fall within a relationship provided in a DVRO, i.e., a neighbor, a roommate, a friend, a family member more than 2 degrees removed, or other people you are not closely related to.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Custody is defined as the rights and responsibilities of parents for their children, and is often used to describe which parent the children will live with. Visitation refers to the plan for how parents will share time with their children.
Parentage (or "Paternity")
In parentage cases (also called “paternity cases”) the court makes orders that specify who a child’s legal parents are. Establishing parentage is required before the court can make orders of custody, visitation, or child support.
Divorce
A divorce (also called “dissolution of marriage”) terminates your marriage or domestic partnership. Through this process you can obtain orders from the court about money, property, and parenting issues.
Filing your Family Law Paperwork during COVID-19
- Physical drop-boxes (outside courthouses)
- Email-filing (for Restraining Orders and Ex-Partes)
- In person by appointment (by calling clerk’s office at (213) 830-0845)
Appear Remotely for Court
Using LACourtConnect – schedule remote appearances here.

**Fee or Fee Waiver Required

For help with custody, divorce, or restraining orders, you can also contact our self-help centers.

If the court is closed and you would like a restraining order, you may go to your local law enforcement agency and request an Emergency Protective Order (good for 5-7 days).