Free and reduced-cost family law help is available in California, but the kind of help varies. A court self-help center can explain forms and procedures. A legal aid organization may offer advice or representation if you qualify. A private attorney may agree to handle only part of a case.

Start with the help you need

Identify your next deadline and the task you need help with: completing forms, understanding an order, preparing for a hearing, or having an attorney represent you. Ask each provider what it handles and whether it can assist before your deadline. Applying for help does not postpone a court date or filing deadline.

Free court self-help services

California courts provide free self-help services for people without lawyers, regardless of income. Staff can explain procedures and help with forms. They do not represent you or choose a legal strategy for you. Both sides may use the service, and conversations are not protected by attorney-client privilege.

The Family Law Facilitator assists with support and related matters; other services vary by county. Family Code section 10002 establishes the office, and section 10004 describes its services.

• California Courts self-help services
• Orange County Self-Help Services
• Los Angeles Family Law Facilitator

Legal aid and nonprofit organizations

Eligibility can depend on income, location, the legal issue, conflicts of interest, and available staff. Ask whether the organization offers advice, a clinic, help with documents, or representation. A directory listing is a starting point, not a promise that a provider can take your case.

• LawHelpCA: search for legal aid by location and issue.
• Community Legal Aid SoCal: family law assistance subject to its intake requirements.
• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County: check its domestic violence and family law services.
• Legal Aid Society of San Diego: check its current practice areas and referral resources.
• Public Law Center: services for qualifying Orange County residents, including domestic violence assistance.
• Veterans Legal Institute: civil legal services for qualifying veterans.

Domestic abuse support

Organizations may offer advocacy, safety planning, legal assistance, or referrals. Ask specifically what legal help is available. Orange County resources include Laura’s House, Human Options, and Radiant Futures. The Los Angeles County provider directory lists additional organizations.

Reduced-cost attorney services

Lawyer referral and modest means programs

A local bar association may offer referrals or a modest means program. Ask about current eligibility, consultation charges, hourly rates, deposits, and whether a participating family law attorney is available. The Orange County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service can be reached at 949-440-6747. The State Bar’s legal professional directory links to certified referral services and attorney license records.

Limited scope representation

Unbundled Legal Services, also called limited scope representation, can cover a defined task or hearing. Compare the written scope, exclusions, total expected cost, and who handles deadlines. Noticed family court representation uses Notice of Limited Scope Representation (FL-950) under rule 5.425.

Some providers offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, law school clinics, or short consultations. Ask who will perform the work and whether the service includes advice from a California lawyer. A document-preparation service is not the same as hiring an attorney.

Prepare for the intake call

• Have your county, case number, next hearing date, and any response deadline ready.
• Describe the specific issue and the help you need.
• Ask what documents and eligibility information the provider needs, and use its designated intake channel.
• Confirm whether the provider has accepted your case and exactly what work it will do.
• Ask about language access, disability accommodations, and safe ways to contact you when relevant.

If court filing fees are a separate obstacle, review California Courts’ fee-waiver guidance. A court fee waiver does not pay a private attorney’s fees.

Provider links and source information checked October 24, 2026. Services and intake availability can change.