You do not have to go to court on your own. Free legal aid programs help people who cannot afford a lawyer, and the rules depend on your state.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
LawHelp.org
A free national directory that leads to nonprofit legal aid, self-help guides and free legal forms in your state.
Who it is for Anyone looking for free or low-cost legal help. What is available depends on your state.
First step Choose your state or territory on the home page to see legal help near you.
Legal Services Corporation: find legal aid
A map that finds the free civil legal aid organization funded by the Legal Services Corporation for your area.
Who it is for People with low income who have a civil (not criminal) legal problem.
First step Enter a city or address in the search box to see the legal aid organization that covers that area.
Good to know You can type a city name instead of your own address.
WomensLaw.org legal information and Email Hotline
Plain-language legal information for abuse survivors, state by state, and a free Email Hotline answered or reviewed by attorneys.
Who it is for Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking in the U.S., and people helping them. Despite the name, it is for all genders.
First step Send your question through the Email Hotline. A reply usually comes within 1–5 business days.
Good to know They give legal information, not legal advice, and cannot call you. Check that no one is monitoring your device or email first.
Protection orders explained (WomensLaw.org)
Explains restraining or protection orders: what a judge can order, like stay-away and no-contact, and how orders are enforced.
Who it is for Anyone being abused who wants a court order to keep the abuser away. Each state has its own rules, names and forms.
First step Choose your state at the top of the page to read your state's protection order laws.
Good to know If the abuser breaks the order, in most states you can ask the police or the court to enforce it.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the USMoney help in the US when you leave an abusive partner: public benefits, help finding benefits and crime victim compensation.
- A safe place to live in the USSomewhere safe to stay in the US when you leave violence: shelters, your housing rights in federally assisted housing, and keeping your address private.
- Protection orders and the police in the USProtection orders in the US, reporting to the police, and support for victims of crime.
- Children and custody in the USHelp for children and parents in the US after domestic violence: custody information and child abuse help.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the USIf your status in the US depends on your partner: the VAWA self-petition, the U visa and the T visa.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the USHealth care in the US after abuse or sexual assault: sexual assault exams, health centers and support lines.
- Help for particular groups in the USHelp in the US for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, Native communities, Deaf people and teens, from services that know your situation.