Gun Violence or "Red Flag" Restraining Order
You can ask for a firearms restraining order against a close family member if you are afraid they may hurt themselves, or another person, with a gun. This resource has more information on how to ask for these orders from a judge. This also has information for people accused of domestic violence who have been served restraining orders.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Gun Violence or "Red Flag" Restraining Order
You can ask for a firearms restraining order against a close family member if you are afraid they may hurt themselves, or another person, with a gun. This resource has more information on how to ask for these orders from a judge. This also has information for people accused of domestic violence who have been served restraining orders.
Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?
The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.
Domestic Violence Information from the Courts
This resource will help you understand how the California Court defines domestic violence, restraining orders, where to get help and find other resources.
Immigration Benefits for Battered or Abused Victims
As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Legal Resources for Immigrants
If you are seeking legal assistance for citizenship or immigration status, this pamphlet can serve as a starting point to find the legal services you need.
Permanent Residence for Victims of Crimes
This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage
You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence.
Appeals and Motions: Questions and Answers
You may file an appeal on some unfavorable decisions to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?
The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
An Immigration Filing Fee Waiver
Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
Find Legal Assistance with Your Immigration Case Near You
This interactive map and search engine that will help you find legal assistance near you.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
An Immigration Filing Fee Waiver
Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types.
Appeals and Motions: Questions and Answers
You may file an appeal on some unfavorable decisions to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?
The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.
Check Your Immigration Case Status Service Online
Use your application receipt number to check your case status online.
Domestic Violence Information from the Courts
This resource will help you understand how the California Court defines domestic violence, restraining orders, where to get help and find other resources.
Find Legal Assistance with Your Immigration Case Near You
This interactive map and search engine that will help you find legal assistance near you.
Immigration Benefits for Battered or Abused Victims
As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Legal Resources for Immigrants
If you are seeking legal assistance for citizenship or immigration status, this pamphlet can serve as a starting point to find the legal services you need.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Permanent Residence for Victims of Crimes
This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage
You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence.
Tips for Filing Forms with USCIS
Form fees, eligibility requirements, fee waiver eligibility, required documents, and mailing addresses vary depending on the form you are filing and why you are filing.