Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of California. Know your rights and find help.
Provides free legal services to low-income residents in Los Angeles County, covering housing, immigration, and family law.
Visit Website →Offers civil legal assistance to low-income individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area on housing, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Visit Website →Serves rural communities across California with legal representation in employment, housing, education, and immigration matters.
Visit Website →Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, covering housing, family law, immigration, and consumer issues.
Visit Website →Offers free civil legal services to low-income San Diegans in areas including housing, public benefits, domestic violence, and tax controversies.
Visit Website →Defends civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, advocacy, and community engagement across Southern California.
Visit Website →The Supreme Court of California is the state's highest court. Courts of Appeal are organized into six appellate districts. Superior Courts in each of the 58 counties serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters.
The California Superior Courts are organized across all 58 counties, with the largest being the Los Angeles Superior Court (the busiest single court in the nation). The six appellate districts are headquartered in San Francisco (1st), Los Angeles (2nd), Sacramento (3rd), San Diego (4th), Fresno (5th), and San Jose (6th). The Supreme Court of California sits in San Francisco, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Statewide rent cap limiting annual increases to 5% plus inflation (max 10%), with just cause eviction protections for most tenants.
Landmark data privacy law giving consumers the right to know, delete, and opt-out of the sale of personal information.
Comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering employment, housing, and public accommodations with broad protected categories.
Provides up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for workers caring for a seriously ill family member or bonding with a new child.
Prohibits discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles in workplaces and schools, the first law of its kind in the nation.
Extends overtime protections to domestic workers including nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers who were previously excluded from labor protections.
Automatically registers eligible citizens to vote when they obtain or renew a driver's license or state ID at the DMV.
24/7 confidential support for domestic violence victims
1-800-799-7233
Connects to local California DV shelters and resources
1-800-799-7233
Housing Rights Center help for tenant emergencies
1-800-477-5977
Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support
988
California's minimum wage increased to $16.50/hour effective January 1, 2025, with fast food workers receiving $20/hour under AB 1228.
New regulations require employers to disclose when AI tools are used in hiring decisions and provide candidates the right to opt out of automated screening.
AB 12 limits security deposits to one month's rent for most landlords, effective July 1, 2025, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years (oral) / 4 years (written)
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years (1 year from discovery)
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Typical filing fee: $30-$75 (claims up to $10,000)
Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.
Typical filing fee: $435 (unlimited civil)
Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.
Typical filing fee: $435-$500
Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.
Free legal services to low-income residents in LA County covering housing, immigration, and family law.
Visit Website →Civil legal assistance in the San Francisco Bay Area on housing, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Visit Website →Serves rural communities with legal representation in employment, housing, education, and immigration.
Visit Website →The largest pro bono public interest law firm in the nation, based in Los Angeles.
Visit Website →The state's highest court, hearing appeals on important legal questions. Seven justices review decisions from the Courts of Appeal.
Visit Court Website →Six appellate districts reviewing Superior Court decisions. Find your district court, case information, and filing procedures.
Visit Court Website →Trial courts in each of California's 58 counties. Access case lookups, filing information, self-help centers, and local court rules.
Find Your Local Court →Tenant Rights & Landlord Obligations. Governs residential tenancies including habitability standards, security deposit limits, entry notice requirements, and repair-and-deduct remedies.
Fair Employment & Housing Act. Prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment and housing based on race, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected categories.
Consumers Legal Remedies Act. Protects consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices in the sale of goods and services, allowing lawsuits for damages and injunctive relief.
Whistleblower Protections. Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report suspected violations of law to government or law enforcement agencies.
Domestic Violence Prevention Act. Authorizes restraining orders for victims of domestic violence, including emergency protective orders, temporary orders, and orders after hearing.
Provides free legal help to low-income individuals in Los Angeles in employment rights, housing, elder law, and public benefits.
Visit Website →Strengthens the legal aid safety net by training and connecting pro bono attorneys with legal aid organizations across California.
Visit Website →Serves Asian and Pacific Islander communities with free legal representation in immigration, housing, employment, and civil rights matters.
Visit Website →The California Attorney General's Consumer Protection division handles complaints about fraudulent business practices, data privacy violations, identity theft, and unfair competition. Consumers can file complaints online or by phone.
Phone: (800) 952-5225
Online Complaints: File at oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company
Visit AG Consumer Protection →Formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), the CRD enforces California's civil rights laws including FEHA. It investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment, housing, and public accommodations. You must typically file with CRD before suing in court for discrimination.
Phone: (800) 884-1684
Filing Deadline: Generally 3 years from the discriminatory act
Visit CRD Website →