Photo of 2 women's hands in a meetingLegal Support

We know how stressful and difficult it can be to initiate or respond to legal proceedings against an abusive partner or spouse.

It’s important to remember that if you’re experiencing abuse:

  • You have legal rights and options for protection.
  • You are not alone.
  • We will walk with you through this process.

How LifeWire can help

While our goal is to help survivors access legal resources and information in King County, we cannot provide legal advice or legal representation in court.

We can help you and your family by:

  • Providing information about specific legal protections for survivors of domestic violence.
  • Explaining the processes involved in obtaining legal protection from an abusive partner or spouse.
  • Referring you to local pro bono attorneys or legal assistance organizations for advice and representation.
  • Offering support as you navigate through the legal system.
  • Accompanying you to court hearings and advocating on your behalf to an attorney.

Importance of legal representation

Before petitioning against your abusive partner or taking them to court, we strongly recommend connecting with a legal advocate or a pro bono attorney. Having an attorney makes a difference. Nationally, 83% of survivors represented by attorneys successfully received protection orders, compared to only 32% without attorneys.

Legal support for immigrant survivors

If you are an immigrant and a survivor of domestic violence you can still get legal help regardless of your immigration status.

Local legal resources

King County Domestic Violence Protection Order Advocacy Program: The Protection Order Advocacy Program (POAP) is a program within the Domestic Violence Unit of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. POAP assists King County residents and those who recently fled to King County because of domestic violence as they petition the courts for protection orders. Due to COVID-19 concerns, remote filing is now available in King County.

Eastside Legal Assistance Program: Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, no-cost civil legal services to survivors of domestic violence throughout King County and low-income residents of East and Northeast King County.

The Family Law Toolkit for Domestic Violence Survivors: Created by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the toolkit contains information, resources, and support survivors need to navigate the family law system and protect themselves and their children from further harm.

If you need legal support or information about legal resources, call our 24-Hour Helpline at 425-746-1940.