California Law
The Supreme Court of California is the state's highest court, sitting above the Courts of Appeal and the Superior Courts that handle trials in each county. All licensed attorneys in California must be members of the State Bar of California, a mandatory, unified bar that handles attorney licensing, regulation, and discipline. State statutes are organized into a set of subject-specific codes, such as the Civil Code and Penal Code, published through the California Legislative Information website.
Official California resources
Read the official California statutes and track pending legislation.
Court locations, self-help forms, and how the California court system is organized.
Lawyer-referral service and attorney directory. (License and discipline are handled by the state courts or attorney regulator.)
Free or low-cost legal help for people who qualify, plus self-help court resources.
Common legal topics in California
These guides cover the general rules. The details that vary by state, like deadlines and dollar limits, are noted on each page.
How divorce works, what it costs, and the difference between contested and uncontested cases.
Recovering compensation after an accident — negligence, damages, and how settlements work.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13, what bankruptcy discharges, and the effect on your credit.
How criminal cases move through the system, from charges to sentencing.
Leases, security deposits, evictions, and the rights of renters and landlords.
Benefits for on-the-job injuries and how to file a workers' comp claim.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney — planning for incapacity and inheritance.
How to get legal help in California
Start with the California Courts if you're representing yourself — most state court sites publish forms and step-by-step instructions for common filings. If you need an attorney, the California Bar Association above runs a lawyer-referral or directory search; to confirm a lawyer's license is active, check the state's attorney-licensing authority (usually the state courts). If cost is the barrier, legal-aid organizations offer free help to people who qualify, typically based on income — and many county courthouses have a self-help center that can point you toward one even if you don't qualify for full representation.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I find California statutes?
- California's laws are published by the California Legislative Information. Their site is the official, up-to-date source for state statutes — always check the current version rather than relying on a summary, since laws change from year to year.
- How do I find a lawyer in California?
- The California Bar Association typically offers a lawyer-referral service or directory you can search by practice area and location. To confirm that an attorney is currently licensed and in good standing, use the state's attorney-licensing authority (often the state supreme court or a separate attorney-regulation office), since the bar association is not always the licensing body. Our "Find a Lawyer" page explains how to evaluate and hire one.
- What court handles my case in California?
- That depends on the type of case and how much money is involved. The California Courts website publishes court locations, self-help forms, and guidance on which court has jurisdiction over a given matter.
- Is there free legal help in California?
- Yes. Legal-aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people who qualify, usually based on income. Start with the resource linked on this page, or ask the California Courts self-help center for a referral.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and isn't a substitute for talking to a licensed attorney about your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.