Abusers often use the legal system as a weapon — threatening custody battles, refusing divorce, ignoring court orders. Free legal help levels that playing field. In San Antonio, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse can get attorneys at no cost.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
FVPS Legal Services: built for survivors
Family Violence Prevention Services provides free legal services for eligible applicants, focused on exactly what survivors need: protective orders, divorce, and child custody, modifications, and enforcement.
To apply, complete their application and include relevant documents — police reports, photos of injuries, court orders, CPS paperwork.
- Call: (210) 821-3823 or 210-930-3669 ext. 2223
- Mail: FVPS Legal Services Department, ATTN: Natalie Pruitt, 7911 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
- Cost: free for eligible participants
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): free civil legal help
TRLA is one of the largest legal aid nonprofits in Texas, providing free legal services to low-income people — including family violence cases: protective orders, divorce, custody, and related matters.
- Call: (833) 329-8752
- Online: trla.org
- Cost: free if you income-qualify
Protective orders: free to file
Applying for a protective order in Texas is free — no filing fees, ever. The Bexar County Family Justice Center ((210) 631-0100, 126 E. Nueva, 2nd Floor) helps survivors apply, and FVPS and TRLA attorneys can represent you through the process.
Crime victims’ compensation
If you’ve suffered physical injuries, counseling costs, or lost wages because of a violent crime, the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program (run by the Attorney General’s office) may reimburse those expenses — including counseling and relocation costs for domestic violence victims. Ask your FVPS advocate or call the Attorney General’s crime victim line for help applying. You don’t need the offender to be caught or convicted to qualify.
What to bring to your first legal appointment
- Photo ID
- Police reports or incident numbers
- Photos of injuries or property damage
- Any existing court orders (custody, protective orders, divorce filings)
- CPS or APS documents, if any
- A timeline of what happened — even rough notes help
Don’t let missing paperwork stop you from calling. Attorneys who serve survivors are used to starting with very little.
FAQ
Is the legal help really free?
Yes — FVPS legal services are free for eligible applicants, and TRLA is free for low-income clients. Protective order applications carry no fees by law.
Can a lawyer help if I can’t afford to leave yet?
Yes. Attorneys can help you understand your rights, plan custody strategy, and prepare protective order paperwork before you’re ready to act — knowledge first, action when you’re ready.
What about immigration concerns?
Mention them to your attorney. Survivors of abuse and trafficking may qualify for immigration protections, and legal aid attorneys can advise confidentially.
My abuser hired an expensive lawyer. What chance do I have?
A real one. Family courts see this dynamic constantly, and judges weigh evidence — police reports, medical records, documented patterns — not legal budgets. Free legal aid exists precisely to balance this.
