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California Legal Guides
Plain-English explanations of common California legal processes — from someone who prepares the paperwork every day. Educational only; not legal advice.
How to File for Divorce in California
A step-by-step guide to an uncontested divorce — forms, disclosures, and the waiting period.
READ GUIDE →Served an Eviction Notice? What to Do Next
Understand the unlawful detainer timeline and how to respond before you lose by default.
READ GUIDE →How to File a Small Claims Case
Sue for up to $12,500 without a lawyer — the SC-100, service, and your hearing.
READ GUIDE →Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
How DV and civil harassment restraining orders work, from the DV-100 to the hearing.
READ GUIDE →Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Which type of bankruptcy fits your income, assets, and goals in California.
READ GUIDE →Will vs. Living Trust in California
Avoid probate and protect your family — what each document does and whether you need both.
READ GUIDE →How to Form an LLC in California
Register your California LLC the right way — Articles of Organization, operating agreement, EIN, and the annual franchise tax.
READ GUIDE →How to Legally Change Your Name in California
The court petition, the four-week publication step, the hearing, and updating your records after.
READ GUIDE →Sued Over a Debt? How to Respond
Avoid a default judgment — how to answer a California debt collection lawsuit and assert your defenses.
READ GUIDE →How to Evict a Tenant (Landlord Guide)
The landlord step-by-step unlawful detainer process — notice, filing, service, and the sheriff lockout.
READ GUIDE →How to Respond to a Civil Lawsuit
Served a lawsuit? File your Answer within 30 days, raise your defenses, and avoid a default judgment.
READ GUIDE →Power of Attorney in California
The durable financial POA and the advance health care directive — what each does and how to set them up.
READ GUIDE →How to Modify Custody or Support
Change an existing California custody, visitation, or support order through a Request for Order.
READ GUIDE →Annulment in California
How a nullity differs from divorce, the grounds, and how to file.
READ GUIDE →Guardianship of a Minor
Get legal authority to care for a child — the GC-210, notice, and hearing.
READ GUIDE →Small Estate Affidavit
Skip full probate for a small estate using a California small-estate affidavit.
READ GUIDE →How to Establish Paternity
Set custody, visitation, and support by legally establishing parentage.
READ GUIDE →How Much Does Divorce Cost?
Court fees vs. attorney fees vs. document prep — what a California divorce really costs.
READ GUIDE →Grant Deed vs. Quitclaim Deed
Which California deed to use to transfer property, and how to record it.
READ GUIDE →U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)
Naturalization step-by-step — eligibility, the N-400, the interview, and the oath.
READ GUIDE →Renew Your Green Card (I-90)
When and how to renew or replace your permanent resident card with Form I-90.
READ GUIDE →Work Permit (Form I-765)
Who qualifies for a work permit (EAD) and how to file Form I-765.
READ GUIDE →USCIS Fee Waivers (I-912)
Cannot afford USCIS fees? How to request a waiver with Form I-912.
READ GUIDE →Legal Separation in California
Divide finances and set support without ending the marriage.
READ GUIDE →Spousal Support in California
How alimony is set — temporary vs. long-term and the factors courts weigh.
READ GUIDE →How to Stop a Wage Garnishment
Reduce or stop garnishment with a Claim of Exemption — how it works and who qualifies.
READ GUIDE →Debt Validation (FDCPA)
Make a collector prove the debt before you pay — your rights under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act.
READ GUIDE →LLC Operating Agreement
What to include, and why even a single-member California LLC needs one.
READ GUIDE →Conservatorship in California
Conservatorship of the person and estate, and less-restrictive alternatives.
READ GUIDE →How to Collect a Judgment
Abstract of judgment, writ of execution, garnishment, levy, and debtor exams.
READ GUIDE →File a Wage Claim (Labor Commissioner)
Recover unpaid wages, overtime, and final pay through California DLSE.
READ GUIDE →Workplace Discrimination (CRD/DFEH)
File a California Civil Rights Department complaint under FEHA.
READ GUIDE →IRS Payment Plans & Offers
Resolve back taxes with an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise.
READ GUIDE →California Probate Step-by-Step
Open and settle an estate — petition, Letters, inventory, and distribution.
READ GUIDE →Respond to a Restraining Order
Served with one? File your DV-120 response and prepare for the hearing.
READ GUIDE →Civil Harassment Restraining Order
Protection from a neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance (CH-100).
READ GUIDE →Ready to get started?
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