California Rural Legal Assistance provides free civil legal services through its 17 offices to low-income residents of the state’s rural counties. Their focus is on the legal areas of employment and labor, housing, education, rural health, and leadership development. In addition, they have special advocacy programs for: Indigenous Latin American communities, LGBTQ+, agricultural workers, fair housing, and environmental justice.
Legal Assistance
Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims of abuse and others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer who you can consult with to get advice. Please note that we list the organizations by the town/city or county where the office is located – however, many offices may likely serve multiple counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click the blue “View All” button to look through the complete list of organizations. You can also contact law schools in your area to ask if they have a legal clinic.
Madera
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. - Madera Office
Marin
Family & Children's Law Center
The Family & Children’s Law Center (FACLC) provides low-cost legal representation and assistance in matters of general family law to Marin County residents. They offer services in the following areas: divorce and legal separation, domestic violence restraining orders, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, guardianship, stepparent adoption, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Staff are trained domestic violence advocates. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
Mendocino
Legal Services of Northern California – Ukiah Office
Legal Services of Northern California provides free civil representation to low-income clients in 23 counties. This location handles the following types of cases: immigration, naturalization, green card renewals, U visas, housing, elder abuse, public benefits, healthcare benefits, and more. They do not handle cases of divorce or custody. Serving Lake and Mendocino counties.
Merced
Central California Legal Services - Merced Office
Central California Legal Services (CCLS) provides legal services for low-income people in the areas of family violence, housing, immigration, senior issues, health, employment, guardianship, utilities, and public benefits. Their Legal Advice Line helps eligible central valley residents and seniors (age 60+) with civil legal advice in housing, benefits, family law, and consumer issues. To apply for services, complete the online application form or call their Legal Advice Line. CCLS serves Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties, and senior citizens in Madera County.
Monterey
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. - Salinas Office
California Rural Legal Assistance provides free civil legal services through its 17 offices to low-income residents of the state’s rural counties. Their focus is on the legal areas of employment and labor, housing, education, rural health, and leadership development. In addition, they have special advocacy programs for: Indigenous Latin American communities, LGBTQ+, agricultural workers, fair housing, and environmental justice.
YWCA Monterey County Legal Advocacy Program
The YWCA Legal Advocacy Program assists survivors of domestic violence with family law matters such as domestic violence restraining orders, civil harassment restraining orders, cease and desist letters, divorce, and child custody. They offer free legal advocacy, and the advocate will accompany survivors through the court hearing process for restraining orders. (Legal representation is NOT provided.) Immigration status is never questioned during the process of preparing legal documents or at any court hearings. Services provided in English and Spanish.