In 2024, family law accounted for the second highest number of cases handled at FRLS, 73% of which had a victorious outcome. One of those cases involved a client who reached out to Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) for representation in the final hearing of an ongoing paternity case. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
Our non-profit law firm helps with a wide range of family law services including divorce, paternity, protection from domestic violence, and more. In this case, our client experienced domestic violence from her child’s father within the past year. Our client had video evidence of the abuse and even reported it to the police for proper documentation. To make matters more difficult, our client was unable to properly care for her child because the father refused to approve medical treatment.
Thanks to the Victim of a Crime Act (VOCA) funding provided by the Attorney General’s Office, we were able to successfully represent our client. The Victim of a Crime Act (VOCA) program has no income limits for its applicants. Therefore, high or low-income persons may apply for VOCA services. After a highly contested trial, the court awarded a 50/50 timesharing plan where each party is responsible for paying for the cost of day care while the child is in their care. This outcome helped our client get the support she needed from the child’s father by court order.
At FRLS we believe that everyone deserves to live without fear of domestic violence, and we're here to help make that possible for individuals and families no matter your income level. Contact us today to apply for our free services at 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.