WHO WE ARE:

LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

FVPS has been providing legal services to the poor for approximately thirteen years. Currently, FVPS Legal Department has two programs that provide pro bono legal services to victims of Domestic Violence. The CVCLS (Crime Victims Civil Legal Services) program and the LAMP (Legal Assistance to Military Personnel) program provide an avenue for victims to receive civil legal services that allows them to be protected and move on to a life without their abuser. The civil service obtained generally consists of a Divorce, Protective Order, Child Custody, Child Support, or a combination thereof. Even though the majority of cases fall into the Family Law area, the program also aids those who have other issues such as evictions, wills, or consumer debt problems.

The Legal Department receives referrals from transitional living facilities and the shelters. We also receive referrals from counselors, the police and sheriff’s department, the District Attorney’s office, the Bexar County Domestic Relations Office, the Center for Legal and Social Justice at St. Mary’s School of Law, Rio Grande Legal Aid, Bexar County Civil District Courts and other local organizations and agencies. Our Court Liaison Office provides immediate on-site referrals for legal services related to family violence issues.

The Legal department at FVPS continuously educates and collaborates with other organizations such as the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, the Office of the Attorney General, Children’s Court Attorneys, Kid Share and Kids Exchange facilities, law enforcement agencies and the military. The FVPS attorneys frequently participate in seminars and panels on Family Law Issues involving Domestic Violence. They also participate in workshops at the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter to help the residents understand their legal rights.

PROGRAMS AND ELIGIBILITY (Please click links below)

CVCLS (CRIME VICTIMS CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES)

LAMP (LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO MILITARY PERSONNEL)

HOW TO APPLY

LEGAL SERVICES APPLICATION

LEGAL ADVOCATE SERVICES

CVC AND ACP PROGRAMS

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

UNDERSTANDING COMMON FAMILY LAW TERMS

LAW STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

LEGAL RESOURCES