If you’re in a tough situation, your best bet might be to hire an attorney. We found ways for you to get legal aid in California!
Need legal aid in another state? Click here!
Use SoloSuit to file an answer!
Have you heard of SoloSuit? This easy-to-use program can help you create an official Answer if you’ve been sued. Although the basic service is free, you can pay a little extra to have them file the paperwork with the Court and the Plaintiff. I have used this service myself and I highly recommend it. Get started here.
We found legal aid in California.
Finding legal aid in California can help you save yourself from difficult legal situations. No matter what issue you’re going through or what you’re dealing with in the legal system, having an attorney might help you feel better about it and might make things easier.
Use these resources for help with legal issues.
California Indian Legal Services might be able to help if you are a member of a tribe in California. You will need to apply for help through the legal services organization to find out about how you can get help.
California Rural Legal Assistance may help with legal aid in California if you’re in any of the rural areas of the state. You will need to apply for help through the organization. You could get help with legal representation for housing, disability, family law and more. There might be other resources to help you if you’re going through a life change or you’re dealing with a difficult event in your life.
Law Help of California might be able to help with disability law, family law and housing laws. They do not provide help for criminal law but are able to provide some help with civil matters. They may be able to provide you with a free attorney, with legal information or with other resources that could help you with legal aid in California.
Many law schools offer legal clinics! While you cannot have a law student represent you, you might be able to attend one of these legal clinics to learn more about laws and what your rights are.
We found legal aid in different regions.
Since the state is so big, many organizations that provide legal aid in California split up into regions. You can find help in your region or one nearby for the best chance at getting legal aid.
Bakersfield
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance offers legal aid services to those who qualify in the Bakersfield area including Kern County. You must be below the poverty guideline to qualify for help. They may be able to help with consumer law, family law and other civil matters.
Bay Area
The Bay Area Legal Aid provides civil legal services to people in the bay area. You may need to complete an application and get approved for help through the organization. Since it serves a large area, you might need to find out if resources are available.
Central California
Central California Legal Services provides help to people in Tulare, Mariposa, Fresno and Kings Counties. You could get help with assistance through the organization with civil matters. You must meet their low-income requirements.
Inland Counties Legal Services might be able to help if you live in San Bernardino, Riverside, Indio, Rancho Cucamonga or Victorville. You’ll need to qualify for help through the program using their income guidelines.
Los Angeles Area
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles could help if you are low income and live in greater Los Angeles. They provide assistance to those who qualify and have civil cases that require an attorney.
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County could help with assistance if you qualify and have a civil matter. You will need to apply through the organization and meet their income requirements. If you’re in Los Angeles County, Pomona, Santa Clarita or the San Fernando valley, you might qualify for help through the organization.
Legal Aid Society of Orange County might be able to help if you’re struggling with a civil legal matter. You must be a resident of Orange County to get assistance. You will need to meet their income guidelines. Help may not always be available and may depend on the availability of attorneys. This organization also offers free legal clinics to all.
Norcal
Legal Services of Northern California provides help to those who qualify in Northern California. If you’re in Butte, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Siskiyou, Yuba, Sutter, Placer or El Dorado, you may be able to get legal aid in California through this organization. The organization has income guidelines you must meet and may only take certain civil cases.
San Diego
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego could help you with assistance in civil legal matters. They serve the greater San Diego area and may be able to help with assistance for migrant workers, family law and other civil matters. They offer legal aid in California to those who qualify as low-income.
The California bar association could help with legal aid in California.
If you cannot get help through one of the organizations in your area or in California in general, you might be able to find an attorney through the bar association. The association lists pro bono (free) attorneys as well as paid attorneys. Even if you’re unable to find a free attorney, it’s always worth asking if a paid attorney can take your case with lower fees or with a payment plan that makes retaining legal help easier!
You could find help from the ACLU.
Even though the ACLU does not help with most cases, your case may be worth presenting to them. They work with people who are in extraordinary circumstances and might be able to provide both legal help and national exposure to the case.
