Court Advocacy

Civil Protection Orders, Safety Planning and Legal Referrals

WCA provides assistance to those seeking relief through the legal system. Court Advocates are able to provide pro se assistance and information, as well as resources, regarding matters like divorce, custody, and civil protection orders. Through the civil protection order process, Court Advocates are able to talk through the protection order process, help with filling out initials petitions, and offer support and resources through their court proceedings, including accompanying petitioners to their hearings. Additional services include court accompaniment to other civil or criminal proceedings, legal referrals, and safety planning. We take serious precautions to protect your confidentiality. For more information, please contact:

• Court Advocate at 208.343.3688 ext. 0200
• WCA Court Advocate Manager at 208.343.3688 ext. 0220
• 24-hour Domestic Abuse Hotline 208.343.7025

Protection Orders

Idaho has two protective orders:

• Domestic Violence Protection Order
• Stalking/Threats Protection Order

A civil protection order (CPO) is a court order that can create boundaries between a petitioner and the person they are seeking protection from. If a CPO is granted, the order could restrict contact between the petitioner, or any protected party (such as a minor child), and the respondent, which is the person who is being filed against. The order may also require the respondent to stay a certain distance away from the protected person(s) and their home, move out of a shared residence and may address custody on a temporary basis.

An attorney is not required to file a petition and there is no filing fee. Petitions are available free of charge at the clerk’s office on the first floor of the Ada County Courthouse. This paperwork is also available online and can be submitted using a guided questionnaire.

WCA Court Advocates are available to assist those wanting to fill out a paper petition or the online petition. If you have questions, or would like to schedule a time to have a Court Advocate assist you with completing the paperwork contact a Court Advocate at 208.343.3688 ext. 0200 or the Court Advocate Manager at 208.343.3688 ext. 0220.

Legal Referrals

Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault may qualify for pro-bono (free) legal services in the areas of divorce, custody, housing matters, and immigration. WCA Court Advocates can complete assessments and provide pro se guidance to clients seeking legal assistance and will refer qualifying clients to Idaho Legal Aid Services, Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program, other community partners, or private attorneys if appropriate.

Volunteer Attorney Services

The WCA Court Advocacy Program partners with local, licensed attorneys to provide free one-on-one consultations for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault to prepare for upcoming legal proceedings, review paperwork, and/or provide legal advice or coaching. Appointments are onsite at the WCA and available by appointment only.

Please call 208.343.3688 ext. 0200 for more information.