Family Law

 

Legal Aid Family LawQUICK LINKS

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (DIVORCE) - AN OVERVIEW

HOW TO OBTAIN AN INJUNCTION

SELF-HELP DESK AT THE COURTHOUSE

OTHER AGENCIES FOR FAMILY LAW HELP

 

The Family Law Unit primarily focuses on representing victims of domestic violence in family law matters. We provide representation at the final hearing for Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence (Restraining Orders). We also provide advice and counsel in Injunction matters. For more information on how to obtain an injunction, please read the article below entitled “How to Obtain an Injunction.”

We provide advice and counsel in a wide variety of family law matters. We represent victims of domestic violence in Dissolution of Marriage cases (divorce), custody litigation and custody jurisdictional challenges. We make referrals to a variety of agencies if we cannot help you. For more information on community agencies, please read the article below entitled “Agencies That May Be Able to Help You With Family Law Related Issues. Below you will also see a list of links to related web sites which may provide additional aid and information.

The Pro Se Self Help Desk at the Courthouse is for individuals representing themselves (“pro se”). It helps these individuals move their cases along. For more information about the Pro Se Help Desk, please read the article below entitled “Self Help Desk at the Courthouse.”

All Family Law intake for Coast to Coast Legal Aid is being done over the phone.

If you need help with a Family Law matter please call our intake line at (954) 358-5644 from 9:00AM to Noon, Monday through Friday.  We will accept walk-ins for the following matters ONLY:

To Obtain An Injunction:

The Domestic Violence Intake Unit will help you complete the paperwork necessary to ask the Court for an INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC, REPEAT, DATING OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE (Restraining Order). If you are a victim of domestic, repeat, dating or sexual violence and you are in genuine fear, this service will assist you in filing the papers to petition the Court for an Injunction for protection against the abuser.

Location:

Clerk of Court – Domestic Violence Unit of Family Court Services
BROWARD COUNTY COURT
201 Southeast Sixth Street, Room 248
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Information Phone Line 954-831-5570
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Procedure:

DO NOT BRING CHILDREN!

***Bring money for parking!

This process can take 3-7 hours!

  1. Sign in to indicate that you want to obtain an Injunction.
  2. Complete all documents asking for an injunction.
  3. You will be told about the Injunction process including the Emergency packet for service, service of process, the possible orders the Judge may enter temporarily, and the Final Hearing.
  4. Go to the Domestic Violence clerk and file your papers asking for the Injunction.
  5. You may speak with a caseworker to confidentially discuss your safety needs, and obtain referrals for counseling, shelters, or other community agencies.
  6. You will then wait for the receipt of an Order from the Judge. ***lf you intend to have an Attorney represent you at the Final Hearing, be sure to also get a copy of the Petition for Injunction that you filed, so that the Attorney can review this information!***
  7. You must appear at any follow up hearing date that is indicated in the Order or the Injunction will likely be dismissed.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. may be able to provide you with free legal representation at your return hearing. Coast to Coast is located at 491 N. State Road 7 in Plantation, Florida, (954) 358-5644.

*lf Emergency Injunction is needed after hours: Call Henderson Clinic Crisis Line at 954-463-0911.

Self-Help Desk at the Courthouse:

Clerk of Court Pro Se Self Help Unit of Family Court Services-Sale Of Pro Se Forms
Broward County Court
201 Southeast Sixth Street, Room 248
Information Phone Line 954-831-5570
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A variety of Family Law forms are offered for sale.These same forms can be accessed at www.flcourts.org. Go to the Self Help section and print free copies of family law forms. All documents must then be filed by the individual by themselves. Please note: the staff cannot provide legal advice. Florida prohibits the unlicensed practice of law which puts both the person seeking information and the person giving information at risk. Seek only qualified and licensed legal counsel.

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