Illinois Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline For Survivors in Illinois 877-863-6338

National Domestic Violence Hotline/Linea Nacional Sobre La Violencia Domestica: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TTY For The Deaf/TTY para los Sordos: 1-800-787-3224

Safety Alert for Battered Women: Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear information viewed on the Internet from your computer. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you are at a safer computer, please click here for more information on using computers more safely.

Frequently Asked Question Regarding Seeking Legal Help

Following is the most Frequently Asked Question that the Domestic Violence Victim asks when she determines she needs legal assistance.

  • How Can I Find a Good Attorney for my Case?

    Go to the Do You Need Legal Help sub page

    Go to Frequently Asked Questions sub page


    How Can I Find a Good Attorney for my Case?

    When looking for an Attorney to help you with your Domestic Violence case, it is a good idea to ask questions about their services before hiring them.

    Here are some suggested questions:

    • How much do you charge per hour, what is the minimum fee for my kind of case, and how many court appearances are included?
    • Do you know about the Illinois Domestic Violence Act?
    • How many of this kind of case have you handled for Victims?
    • How would an Order of Protection help me?
    • What type of evidence, documents, and witnesses should I bring to you?

    If you do not like the first Attorney, do not be afraid to shop around. Try to find an Attorney you trust and respect. Often domestic violence programs know of Attorneys who are sensitive and knowledgeable about domestic violence and who would arrange a payment plan for you.

    Click here to read more about Victims of Domestic Violence Working Successfully with Attorneys.

    Click here to read more about What Attorneys Should Know to work More Successfully with Domestic Violence Victims.

    To view Attorney Program Referral Lists, click on the appropriate choice below:

    • List of Illinois Legal Service Offices for Low Income Individuals
      Illinois Legal Service Offices receive federal funding to handle family law cases for low income individuals. Many offices have special grants to handle domestic violence victims. Call your local office to check on their standards for handling cases.

    • Pro Bono Lawyer Referral Lists
      There may be limited, free (Pro Bono) legal help available for clients who qualify. See if there is an office available in your local area by clicking below. Call them to check on their standards for handling cases.

      If you live in Cook County, click here. For all other Illinois counties, click here.
    • Illinois Lawyer Referral Programs
      The Illinois Lawyer Referral Service, sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association, can assist you in finding a lawyer if you do not know where to go. It is designed to help people, who can afford an Attorney, find one in the participating counties.

    Back to Question


    Go to the Do You Need Legal Help sub page

    Go to Frequently Asked Questions sub page