If you live in San Diego County and are a low-income individual, then yes, you do qualify. Please note that SDVLP only handles civil legal cases; for criminal cases, contact the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender at (619) 338-4700. Yes, we offer a free clinic for assistance in obtaining legal guardianship of children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their parents (for locations and times, click here). Appointments are not necessary. Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements and be residents of San Diego County. Yes, we offer free representation to students who are foster or dependent youth who are struggling academically. Staff and volunteer attorneys assist these youth in meeting their educational needs and goals by reviewing educational records, attending Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Team meetings, and, as needed, filing for mediation and Due Process hearings. Please contact our office for further information at (619) 235-5656. Yes, we offer legal services to financially eligible San Diego County residents who are infected with HIV or AIDS. Legal assistance is available on such civil matters as: Infected individuals, their family members and partners may obtain free legal advice by visiting one of SDVLP's confidential legal clinics (for locations, click here). SDVLP also offers on-going representation to financially eligible clients on a variety of civil legal issues who can also provide proof of their income and proof of their diagnosis. If you live in North San Diego County, you may walk in to our Unlawful Detainer clinic. There are no income eligibility requirements to obtain services at this clinic. For all other counties in San Diego, please contact The Legal Aid Society of San Diego at 1-877-LEGAL AID (1-877-534-2524). Are you a victim of domestic violence? If yes, we may be able to assist you with your child custody case on a limited basis. If you meet our eligibility guidelines and are a victim of domestic violence, you may apply for services at the Family Justice Center. If you do not meet the above criteria, you may contact the San Diego County Family Law Facilitator at (619) 450-5200; they do not provide an attorney but can give you information on how to get started with a custody case. You may also contact the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) at (619) 231-8585 to obtain a private attorney for a fee. Are you a victim of domestic violence? If yes, we may be able to assist you with your divorce on a limited basis. If you meet our eligibility guidelines and are a victim of domestic violence, you may apply for services at the Family Justice Center. If you do not meet the above criteria, you may contact the San Diego County Family Law Facilitator at (619) 450-5200; they do not provide an attorney but can give you information on how to get started with your divorce. You may also contact the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) at (619) 231-8585 to obtain a private attorney for a fee. No, unfortunately, due to funding restrictions we do not offer legal assistance in immigration matters at this time. However, there are a number of resources in San Diego County that you may be eligible for. ACCESS (858-560-0871), Casa Cornelia Law Center (800-704-4041) and Catholic Charities (619-287-1270) all offer legal services for qualifying individuals in immigration matters. You may also call the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (619) 231-8585 to obtain an attorney for a fee. We do not offer services for the following issues: Please call the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (619) 231-8585 to obtain a private attorney for a fee.Frequently Asked Questions
DO I QUALIFY FOR LEGAL SERVICES?
GUARDIANSHIP: I HAVE TAKEN OVER CARING FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILDREN, BUT I NEED TO BECOME THEIR LEGAL GUARDIAN IN ORDER TO ENROLL THE CHILD IN SCHOOL OR OTHER SERVICES. CAN YOU HELP?
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY: I AM THE FOSTER PARENT OF A YOUTH WHO IS HAVING PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL, AND THE SCHOOL IS UNWILLING TO HELP. CAN YOU HELP?
HIV/AIDS: I AM AN INDIVIDUAL WITH HIV OR AIDS. ARE THERE ANY LEGAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ME?
PROBLEMS WITH LANDLORD: I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY LANDLORD. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AND CAN YOU HELP?
CHILD CUSTODY: I WANT TO GET CUSTODY OF MY CHILD, CAN YOU HELP?
DIVORCE: CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY DIVORCE?
IMMIGRATION SERVICES: I AM AN UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT THAT HAS BEEN THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. CAN YOU HELP ME OBTAIN LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES?
ARE THERE OTHER SERVICES SDVLP DOES NOT OFFER?
