DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & FAMILY LAW

The Domestic Violence & Family Law Group provides civil legal assistance in divorce and custody cases and helps victims of family violence, sexual assault, and stalking to obtain protective orders. Our Domestic Violence & Family Law staff work on:

Amber VanSchuyver, Group Coordinator

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Domestic Violence and Family Law Team provides civil legal assistance in divorce and custody cases and helps victims of family violence and sexual assault obtain protective orders. Attorneys on this team represent clients in most types of family law litigation.

FAMILY DEFENSE PROJECT 

The Family Defense Project provides legal representation to parents encountering the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Protective Investigations (CPI) or Child Protective Services (CPS) at the following stages: 

  • Investigations 

  • Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF) or due process hearings with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) 

  • Family Based Safety Services 

  • lawsuits filed by DFPS that request removal/Temporary Managing Conservatorship, Court Ordered Services/Orders for Required Participation, or Orders in Aid of Investigation 

Cindy Dyar, Director

FAMILY LAW ADVANCED PRACTICE TEAM

The Family Law Advanced Practice Team brings together the resources and expertise of members of our family law team to represent parties in jury trials, complex cases, and appeals.

Amanda Chisholm, Team Manager

SOCIAL WORKERS TEAM

TRLA social workers, who work with family law attorneys, provide clients with a number of services, including safety planning, crisis intervention, suicide assessments, assessments of whether clients face lethal threats, and overall emotional support. Social workers assist victims with applications to the Texas Crime Victims' Compensation fund and follow up to ensure that they obtain the benefits they deserve. Social workers accompany clients in court appearances, and provide them with referrals and links to community services such as shelters.

Working closely with staff attorneys to achieve successful outcomes for victims, social workers interview clients to gain extensive histories that provide lawyers with vital insight. They also play instrumental roles in their communities by participating in task force committees, making presentations, networking with other social workers and advocates, and helping with community events such as the annual Crime Victims Rights' week and Angel Tree.

Monica Diaz, Team Manager

SURVIVOR’S RIGHTS PROGRAM

BI-NATIONAL PROJECT ON FAMILY VIOLENCE

Familial relationships do not end at the U.S.-Mexico border. Among other services, the Bi-National Project assists low-income survivors of family violence in the areas of:

  • Preparation and submission of Applications for Assistance under The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (whether the client is in the United States or Mexico);

  • Obtaining Court orders containing provisions designed to prevent international child abduction;

  • Defense against Hague Petitions filed by perpetrators seeking the return of children to another country; and

  • Legal representation and guidance to other low-income survivors of violent crimes whose cases are compromised or affected by the perpetrator’s cross-border activities.

Learn more about the Bi-National Project on Family Violence

Maria Jose Vallejo, Director
Paola Cazares, Project Coordinator

The SHELTER PROJECT 

Since 1999, TRLA has partnered with rape crisis centers, shelters, and other agencies and organizations that provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The partnerships, known as The Shelter Project, provide important results in terms of providing services to survivors and strengthening the ability of partners agencies to expand their reach in their communities. Through The Shelter Project, survivors can apply for a full range of legal services at the agencies where they first turn for help, which promotes a safe, holistic, and victim-centered approach to their cases. 

Caitlin Fish, Director
Carmen Hileman, Assistant Project Director

LEGAL AID FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT (LASSA) 

A network of attorneys trained in providing trauma-informed, client-centered legal services to survivors of sexual assault. 

Outreach Card