Frequently Asked Questions
We know that seeking legal assistance can feel overwhelming. These answers explain VSHF’s Florida family law and domestic violence legal services, how our intake process works, and what prospective clients can expect.
Services & Who We Help
What types of Florida family law and domestic violence cases does VSHF handle?
Victims’ Safe Harbor Foundation provides legal services in Florida matters involving:
- Injunctions for protection against domestic violence
- Dissolution of marriage, commonly called divorce
- Paternity actions
Issues arising within accepted dissolution of marriage and paternity matters may include parental responsibility, parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, and litigation involving domestic violence, coercive control, or post-separation abuse.
VSHF offers direct legal representation, Pro Se Legal Consulting, and focused Legal Consulting Sessions. We also provide Attorney Consulting for lawyers seeking guidance concerning domestic violence, coercive control, abuse dynamics, and related family law litigation.
Can VSHF help me if I am representing myself in family court?
VSHF offers Pro Se Legal Consulting and focused Legal Consulting Sessions for individuals who are representing themselves in qualifying domestic violence injunction, dissolution of marriage, or paternity matters.
Depending on the service selected, our attorneys may provide legal information, case-specific guidance, document assistance, or litigation strategy without filing a notice of appearance as the client’s attorney of record.
Learn more about Pro Se Legal Consulting →
Learn more about Legal Consulting Sessions →
Does VSHF provide domestic violence and family law services to men?
Yes. Men can be survivors of domestic violence, coercive control, and litigation abuse, and VSHF’s services are not limited to women. We consider inquiries from survivors of all genders whose legal matters fall within our practice areas.
As with every inquiry, acceptance depends on the circumstances of the case, potential conflicts of interest, VSHF’s capacity, and whether our services are appropriate for the person’s legal needs.
Cost & Case Acceptance
Are VSHF’s legal services free?
No. VSHF is a 501(c)(3) social impact organization, but we are not currently funded by grants that cover the cost of individual legal services. Clients are therefore responsible for paying for the services they receive.
Our nonprofit structure allows us to maintain a limited caseload and offer rates that are generally more affordable than those charged by many private law firms.
How much do VSHF’s legal services cost?
The cost depends on the type of service requested and the circumstances of the matter. Any applicable retainer, hourly billing, or session fee requirements will be explained before a prospective client decides whether to retain VSHF.
Why does VSHF take a limited number of family law cases?
We keep our caseload small on purpose so that our team can give each case the time and care it deserves. Family law cases involving domestic violence or coercive control often come with complicated histories and important details that deserve careful attention.
Keeping our caseload small allows us to prepare thoroughly, respond to you promptly, and give your case the individual attention it needs.
What if VSHF cannot accept my case or I cannot afford its services?
Our Survivor and Community Resources page provides links to Florida legal aid organizations, domestic violence organizations, court self-help information, and other community resources that may be able to assist.
Inclusion on our Resources page does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee eligibility, availability, or acceptance of a particular matter.
Working With VSHF
What happens after I contact VSHF?
Our team will review the information submitted through the intake form and may contact you for additional information. Depending on the circumstances, the next step may include scheduling an initial consultation.
Submitting an intake form does not create an attorney-client relationship or guarantee that VSHF will accept your matter. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written agreement signed by both the client and VSHF. Please do not send confidential documents unless requested by our office.
How does VSHF communicate with its clients?
We strive to communicate with our clients as promptly and consistently as possible by telephone, text message, and email, depending on the needs of the client and the matter.
Responsiveness is especially important because clients navigating family law litigation involving domestic violence may be dealing with urgent concerns, changing circumstances, and significant uncertainty.
Although immediate responses cannot always be guaranteed, our team works to keep clients informed and supported throughout the legal process.
Does VSHF work with experts, consultants, and other attorneys?
Yes. VSHF has developed a network of experts, attorneys, consultants, and other professionals with whom we collaborate, when appropriate, to provide a thorough and holistic approach to addressing our clients’ legal needs.
We also work closely with our clients to develop legal strategies that reflect their circumstances, priorities, and the needs of their families.
About VSHF
What experience does VSHF have with domestic violence and family law litigation?
Our attorneys have experience with complex, prolonged family law litigation between survivors of domestic violence and their abusers. We understand that family court proceedings may sometimes be used as a means of continuing coercive control after separation.
These matters are rarely simple or straightforward. They may involve extensive histories, patterns of conduct, detailed records, parenting disputes, financial issues, and the relationship between abuse and ongoing legal proceedings.
Learn more about VSHF and our approach to domestic violence litigation →
What is Judicial Terrorism®?
Judicial Terrorism® describes the dynamic created when an abuser uses coercive control to manipulate judicial proceedings and continue domestic violence through the legal system after separation or divorce. This may include prolonged or repetitive litigation, misuse of court procedures, financial pressure, intimidation, and other tactics intended to maintain control over a survivor.
VSHF works to increase awareness of Judicial Terrorism® and its effects on survivors of domestic violence and child abuse by educating the public, attorneys, advocates, and members of the judiciary.
Where can I find VSHF’s nonprofit filings?
VSHF’s publicly available Form 990 returns and other nonprofit information can be accessed below.
Still have questions?
Tell us about your situation through our intake form and our team will follow up. Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
