Legal issues

Local resources
Helpful websites

 

Local resources

Children’s Justice Center

601 W Evergreen Blvd, Suite 101, Vancouver
360.397.6002

A safe and child-friendly place for child victims of criminal-level abuse and their non-offending family members to effectively address incidents of child abuse in Clark County.

Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program

1104 Main St, Suite 1, Vancouver
360.695.5313

Receive a 30-minute appointment with a volunteer attorney. Clinics offered in family law (such as custody, visitation and divorce), general law (such as landlord/tenant) and bankruptcy. Clinics are held weekly. Intake by telephone only. Possible representation, if needed. For self help material and forms see website. Does not assist with criminal issues.

CLEAR Hotline (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral)

1.888.201.1014

Free legal information and advice for low-income people in Washington regarding housing, family safety, protection from predatory lending and other unfair or fraudulent practices, discrimination in housing, education, and employment, access to health care or subsistence benefits, or issues related to disabilities or other barriers that low income persons might experience in accessing services or the justice system itself.

Lutheran Community Services: Crime Victim Advocacy

3600 Main St, Suite 200, Vancouver
360.694.5624

Provides a wide range of services to victims of crime regardless of immigration status and whether or not the crime was reported to law enforcement. Among other things, advocates may assist in obtaining criminal or civil orders, educate and assist victims in navigating the civil and criminal justice system, and provide referrals to enhance healing and recovery.  Bilingual and interpreter services available.

Tenant Union of WA: Tenant Rights Hotline

1.206.723.0500

Learn about your rights as a tenant: moving in, moving out, during your tenancy, eviction and termination, low-income housing, housing discrimination and other resources.

WA State Human Rights Commission

1.800.233.3247

Legal assistance for discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit and insurance, and more.

YWCA Clark County

3609 Main St, Vancouver
​360.696.0167

Non-legal assistance in completing an application for a restraining/no-contact order from domestic partners. Advocates are available for support during the court hearing. Free. Visit website or call for drop-in hours.

 

Helpful websites

Legal ages

FindLaw: Washington legal ages laws

Learn the ages for turning into an adult, and being eligible for emancipation, entering into contracts, suing in a court of law, and seeking medical treatment.

Disabilities

WA State Human Rights Commission: Guide to Service Animals and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination

Learn about Washington's laws regarding service animals and public accommodations, food establishments, housing and employment.

Visit our Disabilities resources page for local resources and to find activities where you can hang out with other teens:

Disabilities

Emancipation

FindLaw: Emancipation of minors basics

Learn what is emancipation, its benefits, its limitations, age requirements and legal assistance.

​FindLaw: How do you get emancipated?

Learn whether you should get emancipation, how to get emancipated without a legal declaration, how to get emancipated through a court order, and other emancipation laws.

Washington State Courts

Download the forms you will need to get a court-ordered emancipation.

LGBTQ+

ACLU of Washington: The Rights of Transgender People in Washington State

This is a detailed report on the legal rights of transgender people and gender non-conforming people in the state of Washington. Topics vary from use of restrooms to rights in prisons to rights to healthcare. Although it is about legal topics, it is pretty easy to read and very informational.

Washington State Human Rights Commission: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in Employment

Learn about Washington's laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity and general issues, insurance, employment and public accommodations.

Visit our LGBTQ+ resources page for local support groups and other LGBTQ-friendly resources, and to learn information about coming out, gender identities and more:

LGBTQ+

More legal information

Clark County, WA: Sealing and destruction of juvenile records

If you are interested in having your juvenile criminal record sealed or destroyed, please visit this website to read information that explains the requirements and restrictions that determine whether or not you are eligible. If you are eligible, the forms you need are available on this same website.

Homeless Youth Handbook: Washington

Although this resource is helpful to all youth in general, learn about all the rights you have as a youth experiencing homelessness in Washington.

Washington LawHelp

Learn more about your issue, your rights and where to find legal assistance near you regarding legal issues involving family and safety, housing, money and debt, immigration, seniors and health.

Visit our Homeless resources page if you are living on the streets, are couchsurfing, or are in unstable housing:

Homeless