Find a Lawyer & State Resources.

Eligible if income at or below 125% of federal poverty level or receiving public assistance.

• CA Legal Aid Web Portal — statewide, find help by county
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles — LA County
• Bay Area Legal Aid — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, SF, San Mateo, Santa Clara
• Legal Aid Society of San Diego — San Diego County

• State Bar of California — attorney search
• Certified Specialist Directory — Family Law is a certified specialty in CA
• LA County Bar | SF Bar | Sacramento County Bar — $25-$50 for 30-min consult

California has formal Certified Family Law Specialist designation through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Only ~1 in 200 CA attorneys qualify. Certified specialists have passed a rigorous exam, demonstrated substantial experience, and meet continuing education requirements.

• Search Certified Specialists (calbar.org)
• Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS)

• Hourly rate: $250-$500/hour (SF/LA metros up to $700+/hour)
• Retainer: $5,000-$25,000+ for contested cases
• Uncontested divorce: $1,500-$3,500 flat fee
• Contested: $15,000-$50,000+ per side
• Limited scope: $200-$500/hour for specific tasks

• Verify attorney is in good standing — State Bar of CA
• Look for Certified Family Law Specialist designation — the gold standard in CA
• Primary focus on family law
• Clear, written fee agreement
• Doesn't guarantee specific outcomes

Red flags: Guarantees you'll "win" · Pressures you to sign immediately · Can't explain fees · Takes days to return calls

• CA Courts Self-Help Guide
• Self-Help: Families & Children
• All Judicial Council Forms
• Find Your Court
• Family Law Facilitator — available at every Superior Court — free help with forms (not legal advice)

• CA Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)
• CA Child Support Guideline Calculator — official, free
• Local DCSS offices by county

National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7

CA Partnership to End Domestic Violence: cpedv.org

• CA Courts DV Self-Help
• DV Restraining Order Forms

Not mandated statewide by statute, but many CA counties require parenting education in contested custody cases. Check your county Superior Court website for court-approved providers.