Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act
Pursuant to the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act (Gov. Code § 68650 et seq.), the Judicial Council awarded funding to seven pilot projects in 2012 to provide free legal representation and improved court services to low-income Californians on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. The pilot projects are operated by legal services nonprofit corporations working in collaboration with their local superior courts.
The San Diego Superior Court, The Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc. ("Legal Aid"), and San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program ("SDVLP") were selected to participate and develop programs relating to unlawful detainer, child custody, and domestic violence restraining order cases in certain divisions of the San Diego Superior Court. Generally, Legal Aid provides representation to eligible parties in unlawful detainer cases and SDVLP provides limited scope representation to eligible parties in certain child custody cases and domestic violence restraining order cases.
Housing Project
Legal Aid provides representation to eligible low-income parties in unlawful detainer (landlord/tenant) cases. To see if you are eligible, call (866) 244-0101.
Custody/Domestic Violence Prevention Project
SDVLP provides limited scope representation to eligible low-income parties in certain child custody cases. SDVLP also provides full representation in domestic violence restraining order cases (Central and North County Divisions only) under certain circumstances. To see if you are eligible, call (619) 564-6944.