Family Law & Victims of Crime

If you have a time sensitive matter (hearing set for an Injunction for Protection or you were served with a family law case such as divorce or paternity), and you would like to apply for our services, please call 954-736-2400.

If you do not have a hearing set or response due, and would like to apply, please click the link at the top of the page Apply Online and complete an online application. You may also call 954-736-2400 or download the Family Law Application Packet, complete the entire application, and email it to family@legalaid.org. A paralegal will contact you to follow up on your application.

If you are concerned your computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer or call the Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 500-1119 or TTY (800) 621-4202. There is a “Safety Exit” button in the lower right corner of the website which will exit you from this site. Internet use can be monitored and it is impossible to erase completely. Remember to clear your browser history after visiting this website if you are concerned.

We provide holistic, comprehensive legal services for victims of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and seniors age 60 and older who are victims of crime. Many times, a victim will try to leave an abusive situation, obtain an Injunction for Protection, but then other legal issues may cause them, and their children, to go back to an unsafe situation. We try to address all of victims’ legal needs to increase their safety and stability. A case may start with an Injunction for Protection, but then move on to a Dissolution of Marriage case or Paternity. We will address parental responsibility, timesharing, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, and other issues. Sometimes additional legal issues may come up; our client may be served with an eviction or may have issues with public benefits or healthcare access. There may be a criminal case against their abuser. We will assist with those matters as well.

The Human Trafficking (HT) Legal Program provides comprehensive free civil legal services to survivors of human trafficking living in Broward County. The HT Legal Program is a trauma-informed, holistic legal program. Under this approach, a survivor will not have to recount their experiences with multiple attorneys, but will rather work with only one attorney on multiple legal problems. Legal services in this area include: expungements, T-visas, civil injunctions, divorces, name changes, paternity, and enforcement of victims’ rights in the criminal case against the trafficker. The HT Legal Program services are free and there are no financial eligibility restrictions.

To apply for services regarding expungements for survivors of human trafficking, fill out the referral form and email it to humantrafficking@legalaid.org.

To learn more about services available to survivors of trafficking, contact 954-736-2460 or humantrafficking@legalaid.org.

As a victim of crime, you have rights. Some rights start as soon as you become a victim, and other rights must be asserted. The RISE Project provides free civil legal assistance to victims and survivors of crime. CCLA’s RISE Project asserts and enforces our clients’ victims’ rights in the criminal cases against their abusers and perpetrators of crime. Having an attorney to represent you as the victim in a criminal case is invaluable. The prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office represents the State of Florida, not any one individual or victim. The prosecutor will advocate for your interests when they are able to, but they must consider the rights of the defendant as well. The public defender, or the defendant’s criminal defense attorney, represents the defendant only.

Our job is to represent you. We will advise you of your legal rights and help you assert and protect your rights at every stage of the criminal case. We will answer your questions about the criminal process, keep you informed about the status of the case and your rights, and represent you to enforce your rights in the criminal case. Being a victim of crime is difficult enough. Going through the criminal justice system may be even more traumatizing, especially if you are navigating it alone. We are here to walk with you through the process.

To qualify, you must be a victim of crime as defined by the Florida Constitution – “A victim is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed.” -Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution

To apply, call 954-736-2400 or email CCLA-RISE@legalaid.org with your name, safe telephone number, safe email address, and any information, like the criminal case number, you can provide. We will contact you to follow up.

We provide advice and counsel to pro se (self-represented) litigants about their family law cases. The FCSAP is part of the Court Administration for the 17^th Judicial Circuit’s Self-Help Center.

If you do not have an attorney and are representing yourself for your family law case, we may advise you about how to proceed on your own. You may apply for these services by clicking “Apply Online” above, meeting with us at the courthouse, or by calling 954-736-2400. We will complete an intake application with you. You will need to provide your information to us to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible for our services, we will provide referrals for other services for which you may be eligible. We do not fill out forms. If you are eligible, an attorney will speak with you and provide you with legal advice specific to your case. In addition, the attorney will send you follow up information including handouts and forms when appropriate.

Examples of family law matters we may advise you about include, but are not limited to:

The FCSAP is located on the 4^th Floor of the Central Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6^th Street in Fort Lauderdale in room 04-101 (waiting room and sign-in are at the end of the hall). Our FCSAP office is open most Mondays-Thursdays from 9AM-12PM. The FCSAP office is closed when court is closed. Other closures will be posted on the door. People are seen on a first come, first served basis. Again, you do not need to come down to the courthouse; you may apply online for these services by clicking “Apply Online” above or calling 954-736-2400.

All of our legal services are FREE for eligible clients.

CCLA Brochures
Human Trafficking Brochure
RISE Victims’ Rights Brochure
Domestic Violence Brochure
Family Law Application Packet
Family Law FAQ
Expungements for Victims of Human Trafficking English | Español | Kreyòl |Português
Expungements for Human Trafficking Survivors Referral Form
Facts About Domestic Violence
How to Obtain an Injunction
Petitioning For a Restraining Order
Pets and Injunctions English | Español
Injunctions for Protection (video)
Resources for Additional Help
Dissolution of Marriage and Issues
Tenant’s Guide to Getting Your Security Deposit Back

“This email is a thank you letter to everyone in this business…[my Attorney] was more than I could ever imagine. I really felt cared for and valued as a victim. I often think about how she represented me in the most perfect way when I felt most vulnerable. I have been effected greatly by the violence done to me to where I am still in shock and unable to think or articulate my thoughts clearly. [She] advocated for me at my most vulnerable time and presented everything I could think of and more. Because of her professionalism and expertise, the verdict was in my favor.”

 “Excelente, profesional, amable y muy empática, responsable y respetuosa…si, logré mi divorcio y eso me tiene feliz. Muchas gracias. Dios los bendiga a todos y les multiplique mucha salud, amor y prosperidad. Te amo Asistencia Legal. ¡Gracias por ayudar!”

“I was depressed after surviving of an abusive husband. I didn’t know what to do or how to handle divorce. My English wasn’t enough and my financial situation wasn’t able to afford a lawyer. CCLA provided me legal help, a lawyer and even translator! I am very thankful all I wanted was the divorce and live without fear. I am free of fear now.”