Self Help
This section gives you information about the various types of legal help available to people in Los Angeles County who do not have a lawyer, whether you are representing yourself, looking for low cost legal help or trying to hire a lawyer. Below you will find information about services available at the Law Library, court-based self-help centers, legal aid and non-profit agencies, lawyer referral services, limited scope representation, and dispute resolution programs.
LA Law Library Services
LA Law Library Reference librarians assist with legal research questions and locating legal resources (including samples, court forms and instructions) in person, by phone or email. At LA Law Library, you can do research, take how-to classes, attend workshops and clinics or even get a free consultation with an attorney at Lawyers in the Library or Talk to a Lawyer Online. CLICK HERE to see our calendar for more information about classes, services and drop-in assistance at LA Law Library.
Los Angeles Superior Court Self Help Resource Centers
Self-Help Resource Centers are available in many court locations to provide free legal help to litigants who do not have lawyers. For specific case types, they give you legal information, provide instructions about how to complete court forms, make referrals to other legal resources, and explain the court rules and process. Self-Help Resource Centers do not cover all areas of law. For hours and locations of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s self-help centers and to find information on which centers have clinics and drop-in assistance for divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, civil harassment, elder abuse, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes and evictions, CLICK HERE.
Legal Aid and Non-Profit Agencies
Legal aid agencies are non-profit organizations that provide free legal services to people below a certain income level. Before you can get help from a legal aid agency, you usually have to qualify for their help based on your income. Many legal services focus on problems that affect basic needs such as housing, government benefits and family safety. Find legal aid and non-profit agencies at LawHelpCA.org. (You will need to provide your location and the legal topic and question. Feel free to ask a reference librarian at the Law Library for assistance identifying the topic and question.) For a list of legal aid and non-profit agencies by legal topic, CLICK HERE.
Lawyer Referral Services
Lawyer referral services help people find lawyers. Most lawyers practice in distinct areas of law, such as personal injury, family law, or criminal law. Finding the right lawyer for your specific legal issue is important. Many of the local bar associations throughout Los Angeles County have lawyer referral services which help you connect with lawyers knowledgeable in particular areas of law. For a list of Los Angeles County lawyer referral services certified by the State Bar of California, CLICK HERE.
Reduced Fee Lawyers
Some lawyer referral services have "modest means panels" which are designed for people who have some ability to pay for a lawyer, but who cannot afford the standard cost of a private lawyer's services. Lawyers on modest means panels have agreed to perform services at a reduced cost to moderate income clients. You must meet specific income and asset guidelines in order to be eligible for these programs. For a list of Los Angeles County lawyer referral services with modest means panels, CLICK HERE.
Community Lawyers
LA Law Library is a participant in the Los Angeles Incubator Consortium (LAIC), which is a program that supports and assists lawyers in starting their own solo practice so they can serve the community’s legal needs at an affordable cost. Lawyers in LAIC represent clients of modest means in a wide variety of practice areas such as immigration, family, criminal, housing, small business, employment, civil rights, consumer, and probate. LAIC is a collaboration between various law schools and legal aid organizations. For more information about LAIC or to get assistance, CLICK HERE.
Limited-Scope Representation (https://www.courts.ca.gov/1085.htm)
Limited scope representation is when you and a lawyer agree that the lawyer will handle some parts of your case and you will handle others. This is different from more traditional arrangements between lawyers and clients in which a lawyer is hired to provide legal services on all aspects of a case, from start to finish. You can contact your local lawyer referral service to find out where you can find a lawyer who will provide unbundled services. For a list of Los Angeles County lawyer referral services certified by the State Bar of California, CLICK HERE.
Online Lawyer Directories
Online lawyer directories provide attorney listings. Check out Martindale.com, FindLaw.com, Avvo.com, Justia.com and Nolo.com to identify attorneys who specialize in your area of law.
Dispute Resolution Programs
Many communities have "dispute resolution" programs. These programs try to help "mediate" or work out problems instead of going to court, so you may not need a lawyer. For more information about resolving your dispute out of court, CLICK HERE. The Los Angeles Superior Court provides settlement programs for civil cases (http://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/CI0109.aspx) and a Pro Bono Probate Settlement Program (http://www.lacourt.org/division/probate/PR0104.aspx) for cases involving probate, trusts, estates, guardianship and conservatorships.
Food Assistance & Food Safety: Public benefits programs that provide meal or food assistance and the proper handling, preparation, and storage of food.
Food and Nutrition Assistance: Public benefit programs that provide meal or food assistance to eligible participants.
- CalFresh Food Benefits (English): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFresh/EBTOnline/EBT-Online-Flyer.pdf
- CalFresh Food Benefits (Spanish): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFresh/EBTOnline/EBT-Online-Flyer-Sp_10_18_ADA.pdf?ver=2021-11-02-152339-017
- California All, Food Resources: https://covid19.ca.gov/food-resources/
- Disaster FNS Response to Active Disasters, Assistance | Food and Nutrition Service
- EBT Online Frequently Asked Questions (English): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFresh/EBTOnline/EBT-Online-FAQ-Sheet-En_11_2.pdf?ver=2021-11-02-160405-007
- EBT Online Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFresh/EBTOnline/EBT-Online-FAQ-Sheet-Sp_6_03_ADA.pdf?ver=2021-11-02-152339-313
- Karsh Center (Mobile) Food Pantry: https://karshcenter.org/about-us/programs/food-and-nutrition-security/
- California WIC (Women, Infants & Children): https://www.phfewic.org/how-wic-works/apply-for-wic/
- CalFresh Food, EBT Online: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online
- Pandemic-EBT ( English and other languages): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/home/pandemic-ebt
- U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Safety COVID-19 Resources https://www.fns.usda.gov/ofs/food-safety-covid-19-resources
- FNS Responds to COVID-19: https://www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus
- USDA Foods COVID-19 Waivers: https://www.fns.usda.gov/programs/fns-disaster-assistance/fns-responds-covid-19/usda-foods-covid-19-waivers
- State Guidance on Coronavirus P-EBT https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-guidance-coronavirus-pandemic-ebt-pebt
Food Safety: Proper handling, preparation, and storage of food to prevent food-borne illnesses.
- FDA: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/counterterrorism-and-emerging-threats/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus
Going to Court: How the court process works, closures due to COVID-19, emergency services, alternatives to appearing in person, court fees and fines, options for filing papers and how to extend court deadlines. Includes Civil, Family Law, Small Claims, Appeals and other areas.
Appeals: The process for asking a higher court to overrule or modify a lower court’s decision.
- Appellate Clinic for Self-Represented Litigants: https://publiccounsel.org/clinics/appellate-clinic/
- LA Law Library Online Class, Appeals: Building You Case & Persuading the Court: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1631-appeals-court-pbw2020
- LA Law Library Online Class, Appeals: How the Court Process Works: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1536-appeals-how-the-court-process-works-online
- LA Law Library Online Class, What if you Lose? Don't Ruin Your Chance to Appeal: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1730-on-demand-what-if-you-lose-don-t-ruin-your-chance-to-appeal
- 2nd District Court of Appeals: https://www.courts.ca.gov/2dca.htm
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, Central District: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-website-links/court-orders-and-updates-during-covid19-pandemic#appeals
Continuance: Where to find information on how to ask the court for a continuance of your case or a hearing (change a date to a date in the future).
- LA Law Library: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/pdfs/LASC%20Continuances.pdf
Filing Court Documents: How do I file my court documents while the court clerks offices are closed due to COVID-19.
- LA Law Library: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/pdfs/03%2031%2020%20Options%20for%20filing%20court%20documents.pdf
- California Court updates- COVID-19: https://support.onelegal.com/california-court-updates-covid-19
- Steps for E-Filing—Civil and Probate: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/pdfs/COVID19/LASC E-Filing Guide - Civil and Probate.pdf
- LA Court Guide Files to Forms Resource https://www.lacourt.org/laselfhelp/pdf/GuideFilestoForms.pdf
- LA Superior Court: Self Help File Home https://www.lacourt.org/selfhelp/filefromhome/SH_FH000.aspx
Fines, Fees and Court Debt: Information relating to fines, fees, or costs assessed by the Courts.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Free Phone Calls: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/covid19/covid-19-response-efforts/
- Fines & Fees Justice Center: https://finesandfeesjusticecenter.org/articles/ffjc-policy-recommendations-for-the-covid-19-crisis/
- Los Angeles Superior Court, Traffic Court Changes: http://www.lacourt.org/division/traffic/traffic2.aspx
Legal Deadlines & Extensions: Information about changes to deadlines that have been affected by court closures.
- California Court updates, COVID-19: https://support.onelegal.com/california-court-updates-covid-19
Remote Court Appearances: Find out how to request a telephone appearance via LACourtConnect so you don't have to go to court in person.
- Alternatives to Going to a Court Hearing: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/pdfs/COVID19/Alternatives to Going to Court for a Court Hearing.pdf
- LACourtConnect Informational Flyer: (English)
- LACourtConnect Informational Flyer: (Spanish)
- LA Court Connect https://my.lacourt.org/laccwelcome
- LA Court Connect FAQ https://www.lacourt.org/documents/LACCFaqs.pdf
Services available at LA Superior Court: Find out what types of hearings and matters are still happening at LA Superior Court.
- LA Court Online Services https://www.lacourt.org/onlineservices/on0001.aspx
- LA Superior Court eFiling https://www.lacourt.org/division/efiling/efiling2.aspx
- Hearing Reminder Service https://hrs.courts.ca.gov/la
- LA Court Connect https://my.lacourt.org/laccwelcome
- LA Superior Court Self-help https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/
- LA Superior Court News Center https://www.lacourt.org/newsmedia/UI/newscenter.aspx
- Access LA Court Your-Way https://www.lacourt.org/newsmedia/ui/AccessLACourtYourWay.aspx
Small Claims: Legal dispute over money or other property, valued less than $10,000 for individuals, and under $5,000 for corporations.
- LA Law Library Online Class, Small Claims: Where You Begin: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1524-small-claims-where-you-begin-online
- LA Court, Small Claims Self-Help Resource: https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/service-catalog/C11
- LA Court, Small Claims Online Services: http://www.lacourt.org/division/smallclaims/smallclaims.aspx
- LA Law Library Online Class, Small Claims Court: An Overview: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1591-smallclaims-pbw2020
- Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/small-claims-and-mediation/
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, Small Claims Assistance: https://www.lacba.org/need-legal-help/small-claims
Healthcare & Mental Health Services: Laws relating to medical services and providers.
Advance Healthcare Directives - Legal document that states written wishes for medical care and/or names a specific person to carry out those wishes.
- California Advance Healthcare Directive: https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/bioethics/documents/AdvanceDirective_English-easy-read.pdf
- California Courts: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/Advanced-HealthCare-Directive-Form_031620.pdf
- Coalition for Compassionate Care of California: https://coalitionccc.org/CCCC/Resources/Advance-Care-Planning-Tools-and-Resources.aspx
- Sample Form, California Hospital Association (Spanish): https://www.calhospital.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/form_3-1_-_spanish.pdf?1554912994
- Sample Form, Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (Chinese): https://coalitionccc.org/common/Uploaded%20files/PDFs/Advance-Directive-Chinese.pdf
- Advance Healthcare Directive Instructions, Kaiser Permanente (Spanish): https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/content/dam/kporg/mhc/life-care-plan/pdfs/advance-health-care-directive/NCAL-Spanish-Advance-Health-Care-Directive_ADA.pdf
- Advance Healthcare Directive Instructions, Kaiser Permanente Advanced Health Care Directives Materials also available in Chinese and Vietnamese: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/life-care-plan/advance-health-care-directive
- LA Law Library Online Class, Wills & Trusts: Where You Begin: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1548-wills-trusts-where-you-begin
- LA Law Library Online Class, Probate & Inheritance: Where You Begin: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1525-probate-inheritance-where-you-begin-online
- Advance Healthcare Directive Materials available in Armenian, Farsi, Khmer, Korean, Russian, and Tagalog): https://prepareforyourcare.org/advance-directive-library
COVID-19 Treatments
- COVID- 19 Vaccines https://www.vaccines.gov/
- COVID Treatments https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/treatments/Pages/default.aspx
- Receive Covid Tests https://www.covid.gov/tests
- California Department of Public Health https://myturn.ca.gov/
- County of Los Angeles Public Health-Vaccines http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
- LA City CORONAVIRUS Vax Alert https://coronavirus.lacity.org/VaxAlert
Mental Health Servies
- Advance Health Care Directive Directive Registry https://www.sos.ca.gov/registries/advance-health-care-directive-registry
- CalHope Connect, 24/7 hotline for non-emergency support specific to COVID-19 stressors: https://www.calhope.org/
- Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: http://heritageclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook.pdf
- Covered California https://www.coveredca.com/
- Department of Human Health Services https://www.hhs.gov/
- Didi Hirsh Mental Health Services, Suicide Crisis Line: https://didihirsch.org/services/suicide-prevention/crisis-services/
- Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/lacounty?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
- Health Care Healthcare.gov
- Karshcenter.org https://karshcenter.org/
- Karsh Center, Mental Health Services: https://karshcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mental-Health-Services-at-the-Karsh-Center_3.9.2021.pdf
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, COVID-19 Mental Health Resources: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/covid-19-information/
- Mental Health https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
- National Coalition on Mental Health & Aging: http://www.ncmha.org/?page_id=81
- Resources for emotional support and well being https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/
Suicide Prevention
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Dial 988 or https://988lifeline.org/
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center https://www.sprc.org/
- National Institute for Mental Health- Suicide Prevention https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
- World Health Organization - Suicide Prevention https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1
Substance Abuse
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/
Housing & Homelessness: Programs and services to help those who own or rent property, unhoused persons or those at risk of homelessness
Homeless Assistance: Programs and services to help unhoused persons or those at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- COVID-19: Homelessness & Housing: https://covid19.lacounty.gov/homelessness-and-housing/
- COVID-19, Medical Sheltering: https://covid19.lacounty.gov/medical-sheltering/#:~:text=Approximately%20900%20medical%20sheltering%20beds,%2C%20doingbusiness.lacounty.go
- LA County Department of Public Social Services Homeless Services: https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/homeless.html
- Public Counsel, Lawyers Preventing and Ending Homelessness: https://publiccounsel.org/services/housing-and-homelessness/
- Safe Parking LA: https://www.safeparkingla.org/
Shelters: Service agencies that provide temporary residence, food, healthcare, or other support service for people experiencing homelessness.
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Winter Shelter Program Information: https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=5704-winter-shelter-list-english-nov-2021.pdf
- PATH: https://www.epath.org/
- Los Angeles County Homeless Access Centers Directory: https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2760-ces-access-point-directory.pdf
- Los Angeles County Health Services Guide to Shelter & Housing Assistance: https://pubdef.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LADHS_Shelter-Housing-Brochure_121119_FINAL.pdf
- Los Angeles Mission: https://losangelesmission.org/emergency-services/
- Midnight Mission: https://www.midnightmission.org/our-services/emergency-services/
- Union Rescue Mission: https://urm.org/services/emergency/
Housing & Landlord/Tenant: The rights and obligations of those who own property occupied by others and those who rent or lease property; can be residential or for business.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 3088: Tenancy: rental payment default: mortgage forbearance: state of emergency: COVID-19: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3088
- Assembly Bill (AB) 832: COVID-19 relief: tenancy: federal rental assistance: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB832
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Tenant Defense Clinic, en español: https://www.bettzedek.org/clinica-de-defensa-al-inquilino/
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Tenant Defense Clinic, in Tagalog: https://www.bettzedek.org/clinic-para-sa-mga-nangungupahan/
- California Department of Real Estate: Landlord Forms: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/landlord/forms.html
- California Department of Real Estate: Tenant Forms: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/tenant/forms.html
- California Women's Law Center, Free Legal Housing Clinic: https://www.cwlc.org/free-legal-housing-clinic-3/
- California Tenants, A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/resources/guidebook/index.html
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HousingHub_P
- Department of Justice, Working with DOJ to Stop Sexual Harassment in Housing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=vhskfe_7DHc&feature=emb_logo
- Department of Consumer & Business Affairs, Housing and Tenant Protections: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/rentstabilization/
- Housing is Key: Resources for Renters, Landlords and Homeowners: https://housing.ca.gov/
- Housing Rights Center: https://www.housingrightscenter.org/
- LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief: LA Court’s Online Dispute Resolution, Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) https://my.lacourt.org/odr/unlawful-detainers
- Landlord: LA Superior Court: Evictions (Unlawful Detainers): https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/search-results/C03/Topic031
- LA Law Library, Ask a Lawyer: Renting During COVID: LIVE ZOOM: Ask a Lawyer: Landlord-Tenant Law and Evictions
- LA Law Library Online Classes, For more landlord/tenant topics, click here:https://www.lalawlibrary.org/onlineclasses/landlord-tenant-law
- LA Law Library Online Class, Housing Protections for Women and Victims of Domestic Violence: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1547-housing-protections-for-women-and-victims-of-domestic-violence-online
- LA Law Library Online Class, Landlord/Tenant: Where You Begin: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1561-landlord-tenant-pbw2020
- National Fair Housing Alliance, COVID-19 Resource Center: https://nationalfairhousing.org/covid-19/
- National Housing Law Project, Protecting Renter and Homeowner Rights During Our National Health Crisis: https://www.nhlp.org/campaign/protecting-renter-and-homeowner-rights-during-our-national-health-crisis-2/
- National Low Income Housing Coalition, Contacting Congress Members template: https://nlihc.secure.force.com/actions/TakeActionNew?actionId=AR00928
- New Laws Apply to Eviction Cases: https://www.courts.ca.gov/44660.htm
- Senate Bill 91: COVID-19 relief: tenancy: federal rental assistance: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB91
- Tenants: LA Superior Court: Evictions (Unlawful Detainers): https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/search-results/C03/Topic032
- LIVE ZOOM: Ask a Lawyer: Landlord-Tenant Law and Evictions from LA Law Library, Ask a Lawyer: Renting During COVID: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/ask-a-lawyer
Tenant Protections: Tenants’ rent payment is temporarily delayed; courts’ temporarily suspension of eviction proceedings due to non-payment of rent.
- BASTA: https://www.basta.org/
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Legal Support for West Hollywood Tenants: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./bookings/
- California Tenants, A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/resources/guidebook/index.html
- Coalition for Economic Survival (CES): Tenants’ Rights Clinic: TENANTS' RIGHTS CLINIC | CES In Action
- COVID-19 Restrictions guide (2023): https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-county-city-eviction-guide?utm_campaign=20230125+LAist+How+To+LA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc_&utm_content=&utm_term=121045316
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Complaint Database for Renters: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=A
- LA Court, Eviction (Unlawful Detainers) Self-Help Resource: https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/service-catalog/C03
- LA Court’s Online Dispute Resolution, Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) https://my.lacourt.org/odr/unlawful-detainers
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) Eviction Defense: https://lafla.org/get-help/housing-and-eviction/
- Los Angeles Tenants Union: https://latenantsunion.org/en/
- Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs : COVID-19 Tenant Protections (Acerca de la Moratoria de Desalojo Temporal del Condado de Los Ángeles): https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions/
- LA Law Library, Online Class, Housing Rights of Tenants With Mental Health Disabilities: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1584-housing-rights-pbw2020
- LA Law Library, Online Class, Section 8 & Subsidized Housing: ON DEMAND: Section 8 & Subsidized Housing,
- LA Law Library, Online Class, What HUD Can Do For You: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1593-hud-pbw2020
- En español: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions-es/
- Eviction Assistance Center: http://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/pdf/ShriverFlyerEnglishSpanish.pdf
- Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County: https://www.nlsla.org/covid-19-legal-changes/
- New Laws Apply to Eviction Cases: https://www.courts.ca.gov/44660.htm
- Stay Housed L.A. County: https://www.stayhousedla.org/
- COVID-19 Medical Sheltering: https://covid19.lacounty.gov/medical-shelterin/#:~:text=Approximately%20900%20medical%20sheltering%20beds,%2C%20doingbusiness.lacounty.gov.
- Acera de la Moratoria de Desalojo Temporal del Condado de Los Ángeles" from just En español: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions-es/
- Stay Housed L.A. County Promoting Tenants’ Rights: https://www.stayhousedla.org/
- Tenants: LA Superior Court: Evictions (Unlawful Detainers): https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/search-results/C03/Topic032
- Tenant Power Tool Kit: https://tenantpowertoolkit.org/
- Tenants Together: https://www.tenantstogether.org/
Real Estate: Rights of those who own homes, land, buildings, natural resources, etc.
- California Department of Real Estate, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: https://www.dre.ca.gov/About/covid19_info.html
- National Housing Law Project, Protecting Renter and Homeowner Rights During Our National Health Crisis:https://www.nhlp.org/campaign/protecting-renter-and-homeowner-rights-during-our-national-health-crisis-2/
Foreclosure: Lender legally imposing sale of mortgaged property to recover real estate loan balance from borrower unable to pay.
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Free Legal Assistance for Homeowners with PACE Loans: https://www.bettzedek.org/free-legal-assistance-for-homeowners-with-pace-loans/
- En español: https://www.bettzedek.org/free-legal-assistance-for-homeowners-with-pace-loans-spanish/
- California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation: Foreclosure Protection and Relief: https://dfpi.ca.gov/foreclosure-protection-and-relief/
- Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affars: Foreclosure Prevention for Property Owners: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/foreclosure-prevention/
- California Department of Business Oversight: https://dbo.ca.gov/covid19-updates-fi/
- California Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-financial-help/#top
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wc&utm_term=April12020
- National Housing Law Project: https://www.nhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020.03.23-Federal-Foreclosure-Eviction-Moratorium_Final.pdf
Mediation:
- LA Court’s Online Dispute Resolution, Unlawful Detainer (Eviction): https://my.lacourt.org/odr/unlawful-detainers
- Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs (DCBA), Mediation Services: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/mediation/
- Los Angeles City Attorneys Office-Dispute Resolution Program: Dispute Resolution Program ("DRP") | City Attorney
- Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution: https://www.lls.edu/academics/centers/loyolacenterforconflictresolution/
Mortgage Payments: Borrower’s regularly scheduled payments of a real property loan’s principal and interest amounts to a lender.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 3088: Tenancy: rental payment default: mortgage forbearance: state of emergency: COVID-19: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3088
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wc&utm_term=April12020
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Start a Complaint: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/getting-started/
Immigration: Laws and procedures relating to individuals entering the United States, including detention, court hearings, and citizenship.
- Berkeley International Human Rights Law Clinic: https://undocu.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SoCal-Immigration-Referral-List_FINAL.pdf
- California Lawyers for the Arts free/low cost resource list: https://www.calawyersforthearts.org/resources/Documents/legal%20aid%20immigration.pdf
- California State Guide: https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.: https://cliniclegal.org/
- Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), Immigration Legal Assistance Project: https://lacba.org/?pg=cfj-immigration-cases
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LA City government (it was created for COVID, but useful in general too): https://coronavirus.lacity.gov/city-la-resource-guide-immigrants-during-covid-19-crisis
- LA County Health Services Immigrant Services: https://dhs.lacounty.gov/our-services/resources/our-services-immigration/
- List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for immigration: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/file/ProBonoCA/download
- National Imigrant Forum: https://immigrationforum.org/
- Table of Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California from the National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cal-benefits-table.pdf
Asylum - Protection for people who have suffered or have been threatened based on their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in particular social groups.
- Esperanza (English & Spanish): https://a43bef2d-528e-48ae-a5e2-717d13947485.filesusr.com/ugd/a7013a_6812c58336c24eed888efae76c2261a7.pdf
- Carecen: https://www.carecen-la.org/legal_services
- Tahirih Justice Center: https://www.tahirih.org/
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Asylum: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum
Citizenship - Status of being or process of becoming a citizen of a specific country.
- Carecen: https://www.carecen-la.org/legal_services
- INALEO Educational Fund: https://naleo.org/citizenship/
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-covid-19
- U. S. Citizen & Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/
Custodians of Unaccompanied Minors - Adults who are responsible for unaccompanied minors’ care and safety during immigration proceedings.
- Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project: https://www.esperanza-la.org/
- Esperanza: https://a43bef2d-528e-48ae-a5e2-717d13947485.filesusr.com/ugd/a7013a_546fa310b7064c15a4ed958ac7ec2710.pdf
- Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. Assist Immigrant & Refugees- Immigration Service: https://catholiccharitiesla.org/immigration-services/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/programs/social-services/unaccompanied-children/index.html
Detained Adults - Persons held in immigration detention centers pending their case processing, release, or removal.
- Esperanza: https://a43bef2d-528e-48ae-a5e2-717d13947485.filesusr.com/ugd/a7013a_b23ae612ab704543b0e1a622ba349a42.pdf
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL): https://www.adl.org/blog/supporting-allofus-means-supporting-immigrants-during-covid-19
Healthcare - Laws relating to medical services and providers.
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: https://www.bettzedek.org/our-services/resources/
- National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/issues/health-care/
- California Immigrant Guide: https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/covid19/
Housing
- California Department of Social Services, Resources & Information: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/refugees/whats-trending/resources-and-info
- Mercy Housing: https://www.mercyhousing.org/
- National Housing Law Project, Protecting Renter and Homeowner Rights During Our National Health Crisis: https://www.nhlp.org/campaign/protecting-renter-and-homeowner-rights-during-our-national-health-crisis-2/
Refugee
- Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (State Department humanitarian bureau): https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-population-refugees-and-migration/
- Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program: https://catholiccharitiesla.org/refugee-resettlement/
- Housing for Refugees: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/refugeeprogram/res/pdf/Housing/Housing_Resources_Guide.pdf
- Immigrant & Refugee Services: https://www.iilosangeles.org/service/immigrant-refugee-services/
- Immigration Advocates Network legal services directory (California): https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/search?legalarea=&interpreting=0&legalnetwork=&legalservice=&text=&national=0&nonlegalservice=&detentionfacility=&zip=&interestarea=&map=0&state=CA&population=&county=6723&language
- International Institute of Los Angeles legal services: https://www.iilosangeles.org/
- International Justice Resource Center litigation & advocacy support: https://ijrcenter.org/ijrcs-services/support/
- International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/united-states/los-angeles-ca
- Present a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for victims of human rights violations: https://www.oas.org/en/IACHR/jsForm/?File=/en/iachr/mandate/petitions.asp
- Refugee Cash Assistance: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/refugees
- UNHCR services for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless people: https://help.unhcr.org/?utm_source=unhcr.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=HQ_HE_EN_orghelp___servicesglobal&_gl=1%2Abjgr1u%2A_rup_ga%2AMTg0NzcwNTQ1OS4xNzAyMDg0NDE5%2A_rup_ga_EVDQTJ4LMY%2AMTcwMjA4NDQxOC4xLjEuMTcwMjA4NDUwNS4wLjAuMA..#_ga=2.65141998.1771452843.1702084419-1847705459.1702084419
- USA Hello resource map: https://find.usahello.org/#/list
- USCIS page for immigration for humanitarian reasons: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian
U-Visa - A type of visa that can protect victims of certain crimes by making it safer to report crime to or help law enforcement.
- Carecen: https://www.carecen-la.org/legal_services
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), California State Laws on the U Visa: https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/6-21_ca_state_u_visa_laws.pdf
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-covid-19
Undocumented - Immigrants who are non-U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents, do not have current visas, or have not been approved for legal residency in the U.S.
- California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance: https://ciyja.org/covid19/
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI): https://www.advancingjustice-la.org/
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI): https://www.chirla.org/
- Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Telephone Town Hall on Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Crisis (English): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-3lUvDJ4c
- Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Telephone Town Hall on Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Crisis (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQiYQBN3WRA
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/covid-19-drai
- Guide for Immigrant Californians: https://covid19.ca.gov/guide-immigrant-californians/
- Immigrants Rising: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PxLuuH0-hwHXftUXuEi52Q1qWUDegN8_I1L4ulIFwzk/edit?ts=5e90bd61
- LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (English &Spanish): https://oia.lacounty.gov/coronavirus-updates/
Insurance Claims & Disaster Relief: Filing claims for different types of insurance and financial and other assistance to help rebuild and recover after a disaster.
Disaster Relief: Financial and other assistance to help rebuild and recover after a disaster, including COVID-19.
- Califronia Department of Social Services - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants: https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/covid-19-drai
- COVID-19, Disaster Relief, and California Resident Resources: https://www.boe.ca.gov/cohen/covid19-disaster-relief.htm
- COVID-19 Economic Relief – Assistance for Families and Workers: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/5936
- FEMA Economic & Recovery Support: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic
- IRS - Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses
- Summer 2021 California Wildfires Helping Handbook – Morrison & Foerster: https://www.mofo.com/culture/pro-bono/helping-handbooks.html
- LawHelpCA.org: https://lawhelpca.org/disaster-relief-information
- L. A. County, Consumer & Business Affairs - Financial Navigators Program Provides No-Cost Help to LA County Residents Facing COVID-19 Financial Hardships: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/financial-navigators-program/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn_Cez62f_AIVdQl9Ch0mGwq4EAAYAiAAEgIN8fD_BwE
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/covid-19-drai
- The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP): https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- Disaster Relief & Emergency Assistance: California: https://www.hud.gov/states/california/library/disasterrelief
- U.S. Small Business Administration, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Insurance Claims: How and where to file claims for unemployment, workers compensation, disability, health and other types of insurance.
- California Employment Development Department (EDD): https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
- California Department of Insurance, Consumer Complaint Line: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/101-help/index.cfm
- California Department of Insurance, COVID-19 Consumer Scam Alert: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
- California Department of Insurance, COVID-19 Consumer Scam Alert (Spanish): http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/101-help/GettingHelpSpanish.cfm
- Forbes Magazine, How to Reduce Car Insurance Costs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/04/16/how-to-reduce-car-insurance-costs-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#1aa369c05874
- Forbes Magazine, How to Reduce Home Insurance Costs During the COVID-19 Pandemic https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/best-homeowners-insurance-companies/
- LA Law Library Online Class, Car Insurance During COVID-19: https://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden-classes/1623-car-insurance-pbw2020
COVID-19 Claim Reimbursement
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) -
FAQs for COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment and Vaccine Administration": https://www.hrsa.gov/provider-relief/about/covid-uninsured-claim/faq