NLSP HELPS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES

Before receiving legal assistance from NLSP, the first step is to speak with an NLSP intake specialist, who will check eligibility. Click here for intake hours and locations. If you aren’t sure if your issue fits these categories, call 202-832-NLSP.

We will consider handling the following types of family matters for persons who meet our income guidelines:

• Custody
  -For individuals experiencing domestic violence
  -For the person who has primarily cared for the child and can provide a stable home environment
  -When the person on the other side has committed abuse or neglect, and there is an associated custody case
  -For parents who are not the primary caretakers that have previously had, or currently seek, an active role in the child(ren)’s life
  -Third party relatives seeking custody of a grandchild, niece, nephew, etc.

• Divorce
  -For survivors of domestic violence
  -Where custody is also an issue
  -Where age, disability, language or cultural background may prevent a just result if the person is not represented
  -For a parent who does not have custody but who needs assistance to help preserve a strong relationship with a child
   
• Child support
  -As part of a custody case
  -Where the person who owes support has a legal basis for modification of a child support order. Examples of when a person might have a legal basis for modification of a child support are:

• The person who is paying support has a change in earnings or income
• There is a change in circumstances which affect the income or expenses of one of the parents, such as extraordinary medical or child care expenses
• There is a change in custody

-Where the parent seeking support does not agree with the position taken in their case by the Office of the Attorney General

• Domestic violence 
   
• Paternity
  -Assistance in establishing paternity in child support, divorce, custody or visitation cases NLSP is handling
  -Where a parent who does not have custody seeks to establish or strengthen a relationship with his or her child(ren) and also seeks visitation or custody

NLSP does NOT help with the following types of family law cases:

• Adoptions
• Terminations of Parental Rights
• Adult Guardianships