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A cosponsored family law/ domestic violence project of Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles |
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We offer an array of programs designed to meet the family law needs of poor persons in Los Angeles County: Pro Per Assistance Top of Page In small group and individual sessions, volunteer attorneys and paralegals under staff supervision help to guide clients through the complicated process of preparing their own legal documents. Through step-by-step instruction, low-income individuals are counseled and directed in preparing, filing and pursuing their particular cases. Continuing assistance is provided through follow-up visits and telephone consultation. Clients with the most complex cases are referred to the Center’s Pro Bono Panel. The panel consists of volunteer attorneys providing direct court representation or mentoring services, and professional experts such as pension actuaries, real estate appraisers, psychologists and accountants who provide specialized advice and assistance in certain cases. Child Support Project Top of Page About one-third of the children in Los Angeles County live below the poverty line. For low-income children living in single-parent households, regular receipt of child support payments means the difference between an adequate standard of living and substandard living conditions. The Center’s project focuses on broad policy issues to improve the collection of child support locally and statewide. Problems are addressed through administrative advocacy, legislation, research and public awareness campaigns. Community Education Project Top of Page The Center’s outreach project provides individuals who are unfamiliar with California family law with the information necessary to make informed legal decisions about themselves and their families. Our presenters conduct short workshops in Spanish or English, encouraging questions and dialogue while providing materials about laws concerning domestic violence, child support, custody and other family law topics. Domestic Violence Law Project Top of Page Reports indicate that one out of four women in this country will be victimized by domestic violence during their lifetimes. The Center provides intensive, ongoing legal assistance to victims of domestic abuse who are living at short and long-term shelters operated by various social service programs. In addition to helping women secure court orders for protection, the Center helps to shield their children from future harm by helping victims obtain appropriate orders for custody, visitation and child support. Legal training and support are provided to shelter staff, enabling them to better counsel and advocate for their clients. |
