Family & Security

Our Family Law team works to keep the most vulnerable members of our society protected: children, individuals with disabilities, and victims of crimes or those in unsafe relationships.

Why Family & Security?

We all love our families and want them to be safe.

Unfortunately, it’s often difficult for victims to advocate for their rights or ensure the courts make decisions in the best interests of the child without legal services.

By enabling people to enforce family and safety rights, we’re ultimately increasing incomes – especially for women and children.

Legal Representation Matters

One peer reviewed study found that legal services was the only intervention associated with a reduction in domestic violence in a county. “Women living in counties with shelters, hotlines, safe homes, emergency transportation, programs for batterers, children’s programs, and counseling are not significantly less likely to be victims of intimate partner abuse than women who live in counties without these services. However, women who live in counties with legal assistance programs to help battered women are significantly less likely to report abuse.” The efficacy of legal services in reducing domestic violence was repeatedly confirmed in subsequent studies.

PFarmer, A. (2003)
Farmer, A., & Tiefenthaler, J. (2003). Explaining the Recent Decline in Domestic Violence. Contemporary Economic Policy, 21(2), 158–172. https://doi.org/10.1093/cep/byg002

Legal services is

the only intervention

linked to a decrease in

rates of

intimate partner abuse

Family & Security Stories

“The life I want for Malik and me can finally happen now that we are safe. We can look forward to the future now.”

Olivia Lopez, Family Law Client

Claudia's Story

Claudia was on the verge of losing her home and her children. She tried to find help but was denied about ten times.

Madela's Story

Madela's daugher Sara was born with lung disease and severa down syndrome. Madela needed help establishing ongoing care and housing for her through conservatorship.

Karen's Story

Karen spent all of her savings to protect her daughter from her violent ex-boyfriend who would bring home drugs. She needed help to get full custody and keep them both safe.