Although the CCCBA staff cannot provide legal advice, we are pleased to offer you these valuable resources to assist you in finding answers to your legal questions.

Access to California Courts The American with Disabilities Act requires that state courts provide full access to individuals with disabilities.  The California Courts website offers brochures that explain their  procedures. "Persons with Disabilities: Q & A on Rule of Court 1.100" (formerly 989.3/1998) was developed by the Judicial Council Access and Fairness Advisory Committee for the public.  Included in this brochure is form MC-410 "Request for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities and Response".  Some courts require that you submit this request at least five days before the needed accommodation.  In Contra Costa County contact the Superior Court Clerk at (925) 957-7868 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. for further information.

Attorney Counseling Evenings
Your "A.C.E." in the hole when it comes to FREE legal guidance!

California Courts Online Self-Help Center
Web site to help Californians find assistance and information, work better with an attorney, and represent themselves in some legal matters. Some of the topics are:  Small Claims"; "Protection from Abuse", "Seniors"; "Traffic" and "Families and Children"  which includes subtopics covering "Divorce", "Custody", "Parentage", "Adoption",  "Juvenile Delinquency", "Emancipation", and "Special Education" issues." Forms and instructions available.

Spanish-speaking:  Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California  www.sucorte.ca.gov

California Office of Privacy Protection
Are you a victim of identity theft? Contact this office for help. They also offer tips on prevention.

Contra Costa County Legal Resource Guide
Links to local and state programs

Contra Costa County Public Law Library
Provides the judiciary, public, and members of the bar free access and use of legal reference resources in order that they may conduct their affairs and preserve their legal rights.

Council of California Law Librarians offers a website www.publiclawlibrary.org that provides training, self-help, and other resources for legal materials.  The pages are set-up to be translated into En Español / In Italiano / Em portuguêsês / Auf Deutsch  / En Français    / <日本語  /   한국어    / 简体中文版

Jury Orientation - Transcript of  the video "Ideals Made Real - The Jury"
Explains the critical role of jurors in a trial from voir dire through verdict.

LawHelpCalifornia.org  
Easy internet access to basic legal information and legal resources in California.

Lawyer Referral and Information Service 
Need a lawyer? Our Lawyer Referral and Information Service is certified by both the State Bar of California (Certification Number 18) and by the American Bar Association.

Northern California Directory

State Bar of California 
Many public services including an "Attorney Search" which allows you to check an attorney's official bar membership record; links to approved county Lawyer Referral Services; information on how to file a complaint against an attorney; consumer pamphlets covering various topics of law; and much more!.

Superior Court of Contra Costa County - Provides information about the local courts. Also available is EZLegalFile an interactive program that will help you fill out the forms necessary to request or respond to papers for a variety of legal issues, as follow:

Family Law Forms
Small Claims Forms
Unlawful Detainer Forms
Guardianship Forms
and a 
Virtual Self-Help Law Center
The Virtual Self-Help Law Center site can help you understand what happens at court and provides you with information that will make it easier for you to handle your court case, whether you have a lawyer or not.  This site covers the following topics: "Court Procedures", "Divorce", "Domestic Violence", "Guardianship", "Landlord/Tenant", and "More Family Law".  Several topics are available in an audio/video format.