Find free help in California

Statewide free help

CourtsCourt Self-Help CentersEvery California superior court has one. Staff explain court forms and steps at no cost. They do not represent anyone.
Legal aidLawHelpCA directorySearch nonprofit legal aid and volunteer lawyer programs by county and topic. Most programs have income limits.
Age 60+Senior legal servicesFree legal services for people 60 and older through each county’s Area Agency on Aging. No income test.

CourtsCalifornia Courts Self-Help GuideThe Judicial Council’s official guide to court processes and forms.
InformationState Bar legal guide pamphletsFree consumer guides on common legal topics.

Immediate dangerCall 911.
Mental health crisisCall or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
National Domestic Violence HotlineFree, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

Age 60+Senior legal servicesFree legal services for people 60 and older through each county’s Area Agency on Aging. No income test.
AgencyDHCS Estate RecoveryMedi-Cal estate recovery questions and hardship waivers.
AgencyBoard of Equalization: Property taxProperty tax change-in-ownership rules, with links to Prop 19 information.

InformationAttorney General: Tenant and landlord guidePlain-language overview of California rental law.
AgencyCRD: Housing discriminationComplaints about housing discrimination and harassment.
CourtsCalifornia Courts Self-Help GuideThe Judicial Council’s official guide to court processes and forms.

CourtsFamily Law FacilitatorsCourt staff who help with child support and family law forms at no cost.
SafetyNational Domestic Violence HotlineFree, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
SafetyCalifornia Partnership to End Domestic ViolenceFind domestic violence programs across California.

AgencyCalifornia Labor CommissionerTakes wage claims and retaliation complaints. There is no fee to file.
AgencyCivil Rights Department (CRD)Takes discrimination and harassment complaints about work, housing, and businesses.
AgencyEmployment Development DepartmentUnemployment, disability, and paid family leave benefits.

AgencyDept. of Financial Protection and InnovationLicenses debt collectors and many lenders, and takes complaints about them.
FederalApproved credit counseling agenciesThe U.S. Trustee’s list of approved counseling and education providers.
FederalU.S. Courts: Bankruptcy BasicsOfficial overview of bankruptcy chapters and process.

CourtsCalifornia Courts Self-Help GuideThe Judicial Council’s official guide to court processes and forms.

AgencyAttorney General: Consumer complaintsConsumer information and a statewide complaint form.
FederalIdentityTheft.govThe FTC’s official identity theft report and recovery plan.
FederalReportFraud.ftc.govReport scams and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
AgencyDepartment of Consumer AffairsLook up licenses and file complaints about licensed businesses and professionals.

AgencyDMHC Help CenterHelp with most HMO and many other health plans. Phone: 1-888-466-2219.
AgencyDepartment of InsuranceHelp and complaints about auto, home, life, and some health insurance.
AgencyHospital Fair Billing Program (HCAI)Hospital financial assistance policies and complaints.

AgencyDMV accident reportingThe SR-1 collision report and related information.
AgencyDepartment of InsuranceHelp and complaints about auto, home, life, and some health insurance.

Age 60+Senior legal servicesFree legal services for people 60 and older through each county’s Area Agency on Aging. No income test.
SafetyAdult Protective ServicesReport suspected abuse or neglect of an older or dependent adult.
AgencyProfessional Fiduciaries BureauLook up licensed professional conservators and trustees.

BusinessCalifornia Small Business Development CentersFree business advising (not legal advice).
BusinessCA Office of the Small Business AdvocateState small business resources, including help finding permits and free advising centers.
AgencySecretary of State: Business ProgramsForming and maintaining California business entities.
AgencyFranchise Tax Board: BusinessState tax obligations for businesses.
AgencyCDTFA: Permits and sales taxSeller’s permits, sales and use tax, and special taxes and fees.
AgencyBoard of Equalization: Property taxProperty tax change-in-ownership rules, with links to Prop 19 information.