Local Family Law Resources

If you are getting a divorce, filing for custody, or involved in another family law issue, there are several options that may be available to you:

Free Resources

The Family Law Facilitator (FLF) is located in the Courthouse in both Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. The FLF can assist with court paperwork, explain options regarding your case, and explain legal concepts. They do not provide representation. They also provide free community education through classes, workshops, and walk-in clinics. For more information, please visit their website here or call (805) 882-4660 for the Santa Barbara office and (805) 614-6442 for the Santa Maria office.

The Legal Aid Foundation’s Project Outreach program hosts a volunteer family law attorney once a week (unless the attorney is unavailable). The lawyer appears at the Goleta Valley Community Center on Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm. The attorney answers questions for 15 minutes, on a first come, first served basis. Doors close promptly at 4pm. The Legal Aid Foundation recommends calling the community center at (805) 967-1237 before arrival to ensure that an attorney will be available that day. More information about Project Outreach can be found on their website here.

Low Income Resources

For low income individuals, the Santa Barbara Lawyer Referral Service offers a Modest Means Program. Applicants must complete a Client Financial Statement form, and qualifying applicants may retain an attorney for a $750 fee and $150 per hour. If you would like to apply for the Modest Means program, please contact the Santa Barbara Lawyer Referral Service via telephone at (805) 569-9400 or via email at [email protected].

Full Priced Resources

Family Law attorneys will typically charge around $350 per hour, with retainer fees typically starting at $2000, depending on the complexity of the matter. If you are in need of an attorney, please contact the Santa Barbara Lawyer Referral Service via telephone at (805) 569-9400 or via email at [email protected].