Legal Advocacy

Legal Assessment:

After 72 hours of being admitted to the shelter, a legal advocate meets with the new client to conduct a complete legal assessment. The advocate explains the legal services provided by the shelter and assesses the legal needs of the individual client.  The client may need assistance in obtaining a restraining order in order to secure their personal and their children’s safety.  Once this process is completed the client is ready for one or more of the following services:

Court Advocacy:

This service is provided for clients who opt to obtain a restraining order.

• The legal advocate will provide the necessary forms for filing the temporary restraining order (TRO).  All of the paperwork, including the declaration, is completed at the shelter before clients are accompanied to court for the official submission. Clients are provided with the emotional and physical support to deal with the stress of the court hearing and facing the batterer in the court.
  

Legal Referrals:

Legal referrals are made for cases needing immediate legal representation.  If the client informs us that the batterer will have legal representation in court, it is critical to provide representation for the client.  After the referral is made, a lawyer is assigned to the client and an interview is arranged.

All legal services provided by WTLC are free of charge to all of our clients.