## No Cost Options - **Self-Help Centers at Local Courthouses:** These centers provide free legal resources, including forms, informational guides, and access to legal clinics or workshops. Some even offer limited one-on-one consultations. - Orange County: https://www.occourts.org/self-help/self-help-family-law - **Legal Aid Societies:** Legal aid offices provide free legal services to those who qualify, usually based on income. They can offer advice, representation, and help with paperwork in family law cases. An excellent place to start your search is LawHelpCA which is a database of organizations that can assist you. - LawHelpCA.org: https://www.lawhelpca.org/find-legal-help - Community Legal Aid SoCal (Formerly Legal Aid Society of Orange County): https://www.communitylegalsocal.org/ - Legal Aid Society of San Diego: https://www.lassd.org/ - Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County: https://nlsla.org/services/ - **Specialized Non-Profit Organizations:** - **Veterans: ** - [Veterans Legal Institute**](https://vetslegal.com) Offers pro bono legal assistance to veterans on various issues, including family law. - **Low-Income Individuals:** - [Public Law Center](https://www.publiclawcenter.org/)) Provides free legal services to low-income individuals, including family law matters. - Also look into your local law school. Many law schools have clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide legal services at no cost. - **Domestic Abuse Survivors:** - Orange County: - [Laura's House](https://www.laurashouse.org/)) specializes in legal services related to domestic abuse, including family law issues. - [Human Options](https://humanoptions.org/) - [Interval House](http://www.intervalhouse.org/) - [Women's Transitional Living Center ("WTLC")](https://wtlc.org/) - Los Angeles Domestic Violence Shelters: https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/jobs/gain/sss/domestic-violence/shelters.html - [SAHARA](https://saharacares.org/) ## Low Cost Options 1. **Modest Means Representation through Local Bar Associations:** These programs connect individuals who do not qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford standard legal fees with lawyers offering reduced rates. 1. Orange County Bar Association: Call (949) 440-6747 or (877) 257-4762 and ask for a "Modest Means" referral. 2. **Consulting with an Attorney as Needed:** Some attorneys offer unbundled legal services, allowing clients to pay for limited legal advice or specific tasks rather than full representation. 3. **Paraprofessionals/Legal Document Assistants:** These professionals can help with preparing legal documents for court at a lower cost than hiring an attorney for full representation. 4. **Payment Plans:** Some law firms offer payment plans, allowing clients to pay legal fees over time. 5. **Online Legal Services:** Websites that provide legal forms, documents, and sometimes limited legal advice at a lower cost than traditional legal services. 6. **Sliding Scale Fees:** Some attorneys and legal service providers offer fees based on the client's income, making it more affordable for those with lower incomes. It's important to thoroughly research each option and consult with legal professionals to understand the scope of services provided, especially for complex family law matters.