There are low-cost or free legal clinics located in County Courthouses. These clinics have trained staff and volunteers who help victims of domestic violence obtain court orders under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA).  The DVPA, although summary in nature, is still a complicated legal process for the uninitiated.  There are many family law issues and many technicalities.  We urge you to take advantage of DVPA courthouse clinics.

The courthouse restraining order clinics are operated by different organizations and are different from each other.  However, each one has a wealth of information of how procedures work in their courthouse.  The clinics have staff and/or volunteers who interview clients and help them fill out the paperwork to obtain restraining orders.  Most clinics also provide advice on family law issues including child custody, visitation and child support, and referrals to social service and counseling agencies.  Some clinics provide volunteers who accompany clients to ex-parte, Order to Show Cause hearings and Conciliation Court.  You should familiarize yourself with the clinic that serves your area.
 

Note: The Lancaster and Glendale courthouses do not have clinics.