Resources for Legal Assistance and Financial System Navigation
The resources on this page are organized by Immigration & Citizenship, Tenants, Domestic Violence, Financial Navigation & Tax Help, and Legal Resources/Organizations
Immigration & Citizenship Information and Resources
Feb 21, 2025 UPDATE NWIRP: Earlier this week, the government unexpectedly issued a stop work order to NWIRP and other service providers on legal services for unaccompanied children, leaving over 26,000 children nationwide without access to their legal counsel. But this morning, the Federal government rescinded the cruel order, meaning that children will continue to have their day in court accompanied by their attorneys. NWIRP’s Unaccompanied Children Program is essential to making sure that vulnerable children are not alone, and have the legal representation and support they need to be empowered and informed. We are grateful to the many of you who were outraged by this news and contacted your elected leaders demanding that this stop work order be cancelled.
The Circle: REAL ID: What You Need to Know [SPANISH] Feb 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Online
The REAL ID deadline is approaching! Not sure what it is or why it matters? Join our talk to avoid airport headaches.
KCLS: Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test Mondays, 2:00pm–4:00pm View all dates Issaquah
These sessions will provide basic information about the United States Naturalization process. Learn about requirements and steps to becoming a U.S. Citizen. Get help preparing for the written and oral parts of the examination. Registration not required.
WAISN online Know Your Rights training Feb 22, 2025 12pm
Bilingual training in English and Spanish. Do you know what to do if ICE comes to your home? Do you know what to do if ICE comes to your workplace? What does a judicial warrant look like? Can ICE enter your home? Come and learn that and more in this training. Additional Webinar on Wed March 5, 2025, 6 pm–8 pm Zoom Registration
NWIRP Immigration 101 for Service Providers: Latest Immigration Updates - Mon, Feb 24, 2025 Noon-1:30pm
Audience: Service providers who work with immigrant community members. We'll cover basic immigration 101 information but mostly focus on the latest updates and impacts from the current administration. This webinar will have computer generated captions in English with many other languages available. Click here to register for the training
Virtual Parenting Plan and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Classification Training for Attorneys - Wed, Feb 26, 2025 noon
Audience: Attorneys who would like to learn more about immigration law or family law. This 2-hour training is designed for attorneys who are new to family law and/or immigration law, or who may have experience with one and need training in the other. We hope this training will be especially helpful for attorneys interested in taking on pro bono parenting plan cases. This training may also benefit immigration attorneys who practice in state court or provide technical assistance to pro bono attorneys on parenting plan cases. We are seeking CLE certification for this training (1.75 Law & Legal Procedures and 0.25 Ethics). Click here to register for the training
The Circle: Workers Rights and Safety [SPANISH] Feb 26, 2025 6pm
Join us for an enlightening presentation on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) programs designed to safeguard your rights and well-being in the workplace!
NWIRP Know Your Rights Training - Thur, Feb 27, 2025 5-6:30pm
Audience: Immigrants, their loved ones, and supporters Our staff will be hosting this Know Your Rights presentation covering basic information and updates on recent changes. We will have computer-generated captions in English and in many other languages. Click here to register for this training
WAISN Training: Rapid Response / Respuesta Rapida Sat March 29, 2025 12 pm–2 pm
Virtual Rapid Response training: Rapid Response Teams are groups of trained individuals who are activated to document and provide support to affected families when activity, raids, or detentions by immigration agents are reported in their community. You can join alone or host a watch party! Zoom Registration
Solid Ground: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 9-11am Online
Join the Northwest Immigrants Right Project and the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness for a training on what to do if Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to your home or workplace. This training will cover: Basic Overview of the Immigration System - What we know about the new Administration’s policies - Know Your Rights - Safety Planning - Referrals and Questions. Make sure to register even if you can’t attend – we will share a recording after the training. TO REGISTER: Go to 2025 NW Immigrants Right Project – ICE Training. QUESTIONS? Call 206.204.8350.
NWIRP Immigration
Safety Plan Training - Free Recording - Audience: Immigrants, their loved ones, and supporters. Earlier this month, NWIRP and our partners at LCYC recorded a training on how to build an immigration safety plan for you and your loved ones. Click here to watch the training
2025 public advisory for community partners
KCLS: Citizenship Test Preparation Class 12:00pm–1:30pm View all dates Renton Highlands
Enhance your knowledge of the N400 Application for Naturalization form. Practice for the reading and writing test. Answer the U.S. History and Civics questions. Instructor Alysan Croydon, International Rescue Committee (IRC) Civics Specialist. Each class is 90 minutes long and operated on a ten-week quarter system. No class on Monday, January 20, February 10 and 17. You must be a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) and have lived in the United States more than four years
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)
“Know Your Rights” Information Flyer in English
“Know Your Rights” Information Flyer in Spanish
Resources: Visit webpage to view or download our flyers, brochures, fact sheets and information sheets. Most resources are available in English and Spanish. Click on the language button to see resources in additional languages.
Hot Line A good reminder for Washington state residents: 1-844-724-3737 Mon - Fri 6am - 6pm WA Immigrant Solidarity Network -Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA's hotline is a key resource for helping community members report ICE activity in their communities. Calling it triggers efforts by rapid-response volunteers to verify and document the raid or other situation. If ICE activity can be verified, rapid responders are dispatched to the scene to assist with community self-defense against deportations. The hotline also serves to connect family members who have had a loved one detained to services and to dispense Know Your Rights information.
Resources for:
For Immigrants, Journalists, and Other Community Members: Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is providing a Know Your Rights tip sheet in English and Spanish. WAISN created Bystander and Observer Guidelines. Read more about WAISN in this KUOW story
For LGBTQ+ Community Members:
Entre Hermanos offers free immigration clinics to LGBTQ community members.
For Schools: How should your school prepare? The Washington state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is sharing this guidance on Protections for Immigrant Students in Washington’s K-12 Public Schools.
For Nonprofits: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is sharing this Advisory to Nonprofit Organizations and Social Services Providers.
Additional Organizations For Youth and Families:
State of Washington Keep Washington Working Act
In 2019, the Washington Legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act, enhancing public safety, promoting fairness to immigrants, and protecting the privacy and civil rights of all Washington residents.
Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington This guidance summarizes general information about limitations on federal immigration enforcement power, limits on state and local agencies from participating in immigration enforcement, and the rights of individuals and entities within Washington. This guidance is based on current law as of the date indicated below and it is not legal advice. As always, individuals, agencies, and other entities are encouraged to discuss all legal issues and questions with their attorneys.
State of Washington Rapid Response Team 2025
The team will include professionals within DCYF, Washington State Patrol, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, the Attorney General’s Office and representatives of the Governor’s Office. Members of the team will consult with regional and local experts on immigration and child welfare. Additionally, they will develop policies aimed at supporting children who experience family separation through the deportation or detention of their parents or caregivers.
ACLU: Know Your Rights - Immigrants' Rights Your Rights In Multiple Situations including ICE, 100 Mile Zone, and DACA
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more here about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them. Information available in multiple languages
NWIRP: DACA General Information and Resources
The DACA Portal is a one-stop experience to get information on DACA, learn more about our free DACA renewal clinics, and register for any of these upcoming clinics. NWIRP, through its partnership with Microsoft and with the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP, offers free monthly virtual DACA clinics to assist clients seeking to renew their DACA status. We HIGHLY encourage you to secure registration for a virtual DACA Renewal Clinic at least six months before the expiration date on your EAD (Employment Authorization Document/work permit) to minimize the risk of a lapse in your DACA status.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Explore the NWIRP Webinars covering various topics
World Relief in King County offers a wide variety of services for refugees and immigrants with other statuses. Currently our local offerings include initial resettlement support, extended case management, employment services, youth and family programs, English classes, immigration legal services, resiliency programs, and ministry surrounding the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center.
Legal Council for Youth and Children
Trainings and additional information and resources for youth and families navigating situations and issues related to immigration can be found on our website
Immigrant Safety Plan: The Immigrant Safety Plan document is a collective community resource to help parents plan for the care of their child(ren) (with or without status) in the event that a parent is unable to care for their child, particularly if the parent is detained or deported.
National Immigration Law Center: Know Your Rights: Expedited Removal Expansion
The Department of Homeland Security expanded its use of a process called “expedited removal.” Undocumented community members are now at greater risk of being put in a rapid deportation process without the right to appear in front of an immigration judge or fight their case. These changes were effective as of Jan. 21, 2025. Individuals should exercise their existing rights and follow steps to protect themselves and their families.
Tenants Resources and Information
KCLS & Solid Ground: Rent Smart Tentants’ Rights
Solid Ground’s tenant counselors offer workshops for current and future renters. Know and assert your rights as tenants, navigate the housing search and landlord screening process, protect yourself from eviction and housing loss, and learn how to get deposits back and repairs made. Online workshops will be held twice a month and will cover a variety of topics in English and Spanish. If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 206.267.7069 or hjpstaff@kcba.org. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Wed., Feb 26, 2025 5:00pm - 6:45pm Rent Smart: Renting with an Eviction on Your Record * Wed. March 12, 2025 3:00 - 4:45pm Rent Smart: Information for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Solid Ground: RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES! Next: Feb 27, 2025
Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm on Zoom. Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series presented by Solid Ground Tenant Counselors, with Tenant Law Center attorneys available to help answer question
King County Tenant Resource Line Opens Jan 13, 2023
The King County Tenant Resource Line will be open to King County renters M-F from 9a-1p and will be staffed by attorneys from Tenant Law Center and Housing Justice Project. You'll be able to leave a voicemail and request a call back; from a real person! There'll be interpretation service available, too. Call us if you are a renter in King County and you have received an eviction notice, a pay or vacate notice, or otherwise need legal counsel (and advice) on another residential landlord tenant matter. Number(s) to follow: Starting at 9 a.m on 1/13/23, King County, you can hit us up toll free: 1-855-485-8767 Seattle, here's the local line: 206-580-0762.
King County: Mediation Services for Residents, Landlords and Small Businesses
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County (DRC) is a nonprofit organization that has offered affordable mediation and conflict resolution services for individuals, businesses, and families in King County since 1986, including: Community mediation * Small Claims Court mediation * Conflict coaching * Individual consultation * Group mediation or facilitation * Information and referral * Training. Open to all income levels, free for low income individuals.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & TRAFFICKING RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
We are creating communities where all people can live and love without fear.
Solid Ground: NEW TOOL FOR RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting January 1, 2025
Domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, and others who have received a restraining order from Washington courts can now apply for a wallet-sized Hope Card instead of carrying around a printed protection order that can be as long as 20 pages. These FREE cards are a simpler way to inform police, employers, schools, or landlords about your protection order. TO APPLY: Complete and submit the Hope Card Request Form. This is an application for a Hope Card only – NOT a protection order, which must be obtained separately. MORE INFO: Read WA’s new ‘Hope Cards’ offer alternative to carrying thick protection orders in the Washington State Standard.
King County Law Library: Recorded Webinar - Introduction to Protection Orders
Staff from the King County Superior Court Clerk’s office and the King County Law Library discuss some important procedural aspects of filing for a civil protection order.
API Chaya: Gender-based violence prevention for immigrant and Black communities.
Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence prevention though community education and training.
Domestic Abuse Women’s Network: WE SUPPORT, EMPOWER & SHELTER SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE IN KING COUNTY
Filipino Community of Seattle: Gender-based violence advocacy through trainings in de-escalation and conflict resolution.
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: Prevention education for the LGBTQ+ community.
Lavender Rights Project: Gender-based violence prevention through media campaigns, cultural organizing, providing legal advocacy to survivors, and conducing ‘know your rights’ workshops for survivors.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest: Gender-based violence wraparound services including training participants to recognize signs of trafficking to prevent trafficking and enhance personal and community safety.
Mother Nation: Gender-based violence prevention through cultural prevention services, gathering of Women Sweats, Sisterhood Circles, and Round Dance and Drum teachings.
Organization for Prostitution Survivors: Sexual exploitation prevention through a community-based network for prevention, accountability, and intervention that is guided by survivors of trafficking. Men’s program centered on accountability and raising awareness of the harm of trafficking.
Sexual Violence Law Center: Gender-based violence prevention legal services including community education and training in legal services for survivors.
Somali Family Safety Task Force: Gender-based violence prevention through training in intimate partner violence prevention.
YWCA Seattle| King|Snohomish: Gender-based violence and commercial sexual exploitation prevention.
FINANCIAL NAVIGATION AND TAX HELP
KCLS: SBA Disaster Assistance for Bomb Cyclone 10:00am–6:00pm View all dates Bellevue
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) hosts this Disaster Loan Outreach Center. The centers will assist businesses and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damages from the Bomb Cyclone that occurred Nov. 17‑25, 2024. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
Solid Ground: GET YOUR WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT Starting Sat February 1, 2025
Washington state families can apply for the 2024 Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) starting February 1, 2025. The WFTC is a refund of the sales taxes you pay all year and is available to low-income Washington families regardless of whether they pay incomes taxes. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, use the WFTC eligibility checker. It’s also not too late to apply for tax years 2022 and 2023. So far, more than 177,000 applicants have received a 2023 WFTC payments, which averaged around $751 per applicant. TO APPLY: Go to Working Families Tax Credit – Apply.
Hopelink Tax Clinics Opening Jan 21, 2025 in Bellevue & Redmond
United Way's Free Tax Preparation Campaign, an IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, has partnered with Hopelink to bring free tax preparation services to two locations: Bellevue Flyer & Redmond Flyer
KCLS: Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation Starting Sat, Feb 1, 11:00am–4:00pm View all dates Issaquah
Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Documents you need to bring: Government issued identification–picture ID, Last year's tax return, Social Security cards or other fficial documentation for yourself and all dependents, Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s), All tax and income documents for 2022 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.), Date of birth for each person listed on the return. Drop-in service. Registration not required. No returns started after 4pm.
Solid Ground: FREE TAX HELP Tax returns due Tuesday, April 15, 2025
If you make less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers), the United Way of King County is available to do your taxes for FREE so you can get back more of your hard-earned money. Volunteers help you understand your tax situation, plus take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize your refund. MORE INFO: Go to Get Free Tax Help
There are three ways to get FREE tax help:
In-Person Assistance: Check out the tax site map below to find a tax site that’s most convenient for you. All tax sites are first come, first serve. No appointments necessary!
Virtual Tax Assistance: Interested in filing your taxes virtually but don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own? We’re happy to help!
File Your Own Taxes For Free: Feeling good about filing your own taxes but want to do it for free, without any hidden fees? We’ve got you.
PIM/VITA Free Tax Help Weekly in Renton and Everett
In partnership with the Washington State Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), PIM Savvy provides FREE IN-PERSON and DROP-OFF TAX PREPARATION throughout King and Snohomish Counties in Washington State. We ensure taxpayers maximize their refunds by claiming all credits they are eligible for, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Washington State’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).
Hopelink: Financial Capability Program Flyer in English * Flyer in Spanish
This program provides free, professional financial coaching to help members of our community sort through complex financial challenges and build long-term financial stability. There is no income eligibility requirement to access our services and we can also provide on-demand interpretation in multiple languages as needed. In addition to financial coaching, we also offer customizable financial education classes. We work in collaboration with many partners in the community to offer financial education classes based on topics that are most relevant to the clients they serve. We can provide classes virtually and in-person. For more information, please contact Donna O’Connor
Hopelink Financial Coach Donna O’Connor discusses what credit is and ways to use it. Watch the YouTube Video Series on how to Take Control of Your Credit! Visit here
Hopelink Financial Coaching & Education Program: If you feel overwhelmed by your financial situation or just want to learn more about how to successfully manage your money, we are here to help. Flyer English * Flyer Spanish
Drop-In Hours Every Tuesday on Zoom! Join Hopelink’s financial coach and local financial institutions every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for an informal session to get answers to your credit, banking, and money management questions. Interpreters are available. No registration is required
WA and King County Property Tax Relief
WA State Dept of Revenue Property tax exemptions and deferrals, available to individuals whose primary residence is located in the State of Washington
King County Assessor Office Learn more about exemptions and deferrals for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Find out how to qualify and apply.
OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
The ARC of King County Guardianship & Alternatives
In January of 2022, Washington State has revised guardianship law, which includes the new adult guardianship, conservatorship and other protective arrangements. Visit here for the new guardianship forms from King County. The Arc of King County doesn't offer any legal advice, and this section should not be taken as such. We are not able to refer you to a specific attorney or service. However, if you have further questions about how to start the process, please call us!
ELAP: Legal Clinic Topics
Talk to an attorney at one of ELAP’s free legal clinics. Legal clinics are one-time appointments to meet with an attorney to get resources or advice on a specific topic. Our new online intake tool is making it easier for people seeking legal help to apply through our website portal. Potential clients can now make a request to see if they qualify for services outside of our office hours in addition to having the option to call us during the workday.
Debt/bankruptcy: Bankruptcy, student loans, unfair debt collection, credit card debt
Domestic violence/family law: Protection orders, divorce, custody, parenting plans
Employment: Workplace issues, wage claims, benefits, discrimination
Housing: Eviction, landlord issues, discrimination
Immigration: Petitions, applications for adjustment of status or citizenship
Wills/estate planning: Wills, Advance Directive, Power of Attorney
Other: Veterans’ benefits, landlord/tenant, employment, social security benefits
Small claims court can be confusing! But sometimes it’s the best path to solve small legal issues. For example, a tenant may need to take their landlord to small claims court over issues like withheld security deposits or unaddressed repairs. ELAP is offering a free pre-recorded webinar to help you understand the small claims court process in King County. ELAP volunteer attorney Josh Schaer will walk you through what you need to know to navigate the process. Read more on our blog: elap.org/the-mysteries-of-small-claims-court Watch it any time on our YouTube channel: tinyurl.com/elapsmallclaims
YWCA: Work First Legal Assistance Program
The YWCA WorkFirst Legal Navigation Program is a new WorkFirst program that provides TANF recipients who live in or have a case in King County with free (no cost) legal systems navigation in a variety of areas. The program aims to reduce legal barriers, provide access to benefits and resources and build skills and education in legal literacy. • Family Law • Parenting Plans • Criminal Records • Blake Refunds/LFOs • Workplace Discrimination • Wage and Hour Law • Public Benefits • And more! Clients are currently accepted on referral only
QLaw Foundation of Washington Legal Support Program
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new 2SLGBTQIA+ Legal Support Program! This program amplifies our commitment to providing accessible legal services to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Washington state. Through the 2SLGBTQIA+ Legal Support Program, we aim to connect individuals with the legal assistance they need, whether it's through our free legal consultations, support from a Peer Navigator accessing non-legal services, or referrals to qualified attorneys for direct representation. We understand the unique legal challenges facing our community, and we’re here to connect you with the resources you need.
Civil Legal Aid King County
If you are experiencing a crisis but can’t afford a lawyer, there is help. We are fortunate to live in a region that has many dedicated nonprofit organizations that provide free legal assistance to people of all backgrounds. If you reside in King County, this website is a resource for you.
CISC Chinese Information and Service Center Legal Clinic
One of 30 legal clinics organized by the Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW) and sponsored by the King County Bar Association. The purpose of the clinic is to reduce the cultural and linguistic barriers faced by community members in their efforts to participate in and access the legal protections of the American justice system. The clinic utilizes volunteer attorneys through the ABAW and Perkins Coie to assist Pro Bono Clients on family, immigration, employment, housing and discrimination issues. The Clinic operates on Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30pm. Contact Karia Wong at 206-957-8538 to schedule an appointment. Interpretation is provided upon request with advance notice.
King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics Bellevue: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00pm
The purpose of the Neighborhood Legal Clinics program (NLC) is to offer free, limited legal advice and referrals to King County residents and Washington State residents with legal issues in King County who might otherwise have no access to the legal system. It is a goal of the program to make the clinics accessible regardless of barriers such as income, education, language or disability.
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, healthcare, education, and more. Our work challenges structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State.
Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fee: If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee to start a new case, use the Washington Forms Online interview to help you!. A judge will look at your financial information and decide if you qualify for a waiver under Washington Courts' General Rule 34 . Learn more HERE
Learn how to file a petition for a short term (emergency) guardianship: Use this only to file for guardianship lasting 2 months to 4 months (60 – 120 days) of a child under age 18 who is living in Washington State. #4408EN. Details HERE
Benefits Law Center provides accessible legal advocacy to people living with physical and mental disabilities so that they may obtain the resources necessary to overcome barriers to financial and medical stability. We further our mission through targeted advocacy projects that help people with Social Security disability problems.
Washington Law Help is a guide to free civil legal services for low-income persons and seniors in Washington. This site provides legal education materials and tools that give you basic information on a number of legal problems, and in some cases, detailed instructions and forms to help you represent yourself in court. You can also locate information on free legal aid programs in Washington, including basic eligibility and contact information.
Got unpaid non-criminal traffic fines? You may be able to get your license back.
WA DOL: ID help for the unhoused
Are you experiencing homelessness and need help getting an ID? These resources will help you get and pay for an ID. If you are experiencing homelessness, you're eligible for a no cost ID (one per lifetime) or a reduced-fee ID for $5. Anyone receiving public assistance may be eligible for an ID card at a reduced cost. Find your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) community services office (dshs.wa.gov). They can help you complete a Request for Identicard form that you can bring to a driver licensing office. If you're under 25-years old, you don't need a letter for a $5 ID card.