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I need protection
For situations involving risks to your safety, your children's safety, or the safety of an older adult. Learn how we can help, how the process begins, and what to expect.
What we can do
We can advise you, explain your rights, assist with preparing or reviewing the petition, help you organize your evidence, and prepare you for what the hearing may require. We offer full representation throughout the case or limited-scope services tailored to the stage where you need support.
Services on this path
- Protection orderAssessment, filing, evidence, representation in court, and follow-up. Law 54 and Law 284.
- Sexual abuseLegal representation in sexual abuse cases.
- Older adults: protection and remediesDefending the rights of older adults.
Before you decide
Do I need a lawyer to request a protection order?
No. You can file the petition on your own behalf. Filing it costs nothing and the court does not require you to have legal representation.
At Equitas we can begin working with you before you file the petition, or accompany you at any stage of the process. That assistance may be a consultation, help preparing or reviewing the petition, organizing the evidence, preparing you for the hearing, explaining the process and the scope of the orders, representing you at a specific stage, or taking on full representation.
The scope of the service is defined with you, according to what you need and what you want us to take on.
Protection and custody often go together when there are children who have survived violence directly or indirectly; that is why we work on them together where it applies.
How it begins
You tell us the basics
No sensitive details.
A safe first contact, at no cost
Through the method and at the time you choose.
Legal consultation ($125)
Options and fees in writing. Payment plans available.
Who will help you
Linda De Jesús Casiano, Esq., attorney and social worker. Admitted in Puerto Rico and California. In person in Hatillo and by video call across the island.