The Family Law Unit represents low-income survivors of domestic violence in divorce, parentage, custody, support, and parenting time or parentage cases in the Probate and Family Court. The Family Law Unit also represents survivors of domestic violence in restraining order cases in the District Court and Probate and Family Court.
In addition to direct legal representation in court, Family Law attorneys and paralegals provide brief service or advice in family law and restraining order cases.
The Family Law Unit provides a wide range of culturally competent and inclusive services to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced domestic violence. These services include: obtaining and renewing restraining orders, representation in divorce proceedings, and obtaining orders for custody, support, and visitation. The Family Law Unit also assists members of the LGBTQ+ community with complicated name changes, including those with related immigration or criminal issues.
Through the efforts of our Relocation Counseling Project, survivors of domestic violence fleeing abusive relationships are provided advice and representation in moving to or from another state, identity changes and personal information security to prevent an abuser from locating her.
The family law unit represents parents who are involved with the Department of Children and Families in an effort to prevent DCF from removing children.
In limited circumstances, an attorney from the Family Law Unit will accept a case for appeal. Appellate cases are accepted based on the broader social or legal impact the issue on appeal may provide for all victims of domestic violence.