Legal and Financial Protection
What free legal resources are available in California after a death?
Short answer
California court self-help centers at every Superior Court — free legal information (not advice) on probate, small estates, and property transfer. Legal Aid organizations throughout California provide free legal help to low-income households. The California State Bar referral service can connect you…
What this usually means
California court self-help centers at every Superior Court — free legal information (not advice) on probate, small estates, and property transfer. Legal Aid organizations throughout California provide free legal help to low-income households. The California State Bar referral service can connect you with attorneys who offer free initial consultations. Law school clinics at UC schools provide supervised legal assistance.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.