Navigating family law issues can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to turn for help. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody, domestic violence, or guardianship, understanding your legal options is crucial. For residents of King County, Washington, accessing quality family law advice doesn’t have to be a financial burden. The King County Bar Association (KCBA) Pro Bono Services department offers a range of free and low-cost legal services to support low-income individuals and families.
KCBA collaborates with over 1400 volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and community members who are dedicated to providing vital legal assistance. KCBA is committed to inclusivity and does not discriminate based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national/ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. This ensures that everyone in need has equal access to justice and family law resources.
For those seeking general legal guidance, Neighborhood Legal Clinics provide an invaluable service. Across 34 locations in King County, you can access FREE 30-minute consultations with experienced attorneys. Several clinics specialize in family law matters, offering a focused approach to your specific needs. These consultations are designed to help you understand if you have a legal issue, explore potential options, and receive appropriate referrals for further assistance. It’s important to note that while clinic attorneys offer guidance, they do not represent clients in court.
If your family law concerns involve domestic violence, the Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project (DV LEAD) is a dedicated resource. DV LEAD provides assistance to low-income domestic violence survivors in King County who are navigating domestic violence protection orders or other family law proceedings. This project offers critical support to those facing sensitive and urgent legal situations.
For issues related to kinship care, KCBA offers several programs. The Kinship Care Solutions Project provides free legal advice and representation to relatives and other caregivers seeking minor guardianship of a child. Additionally, Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care (LAARK) offers phone-based legal advice to kinship caregivers throughout Washington state on matters concerning children in their care. LAARK is a valuable resource for immediate advice, though it does not provide court representation.
The Self Help-Plus Program is another excellent resource for those handling non-contested family law cases. This program assists clients with agreed-upon or default marriage dissolutions (divorces), parenting plans, and child support matters in cases where paternity has already been established. This service is particularly helpful for streamlining simpler family law processes.
By offering these diverse programs, the King County Bar Association ensures that low-income residents have access to crucial legal support when facing family law challenges. Whether you’re looking for initial advice, assistance with domestic violence issues, kinship care guidance, or self-help resources for uncontested cases, KCBA provides pathways to find the family law lawyers and resources you need in King County.
