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Civil and family court help

Local family, small-claims, probate, restraining-order, name-change and eviction information, plus specifically cited legal-help referrals.

Before you start

  • Choose the exact case type and court before filing. Court self-help information and a referral do not establish an attorney-client relationship.
  • Court fees, service requirements, response deadlines and exceptions depend on the current procedure. A link is an informational starting point, not a complete filing workflow.
  • Court branches, clerk windows, telephone assistance and remote appearances may have different instructions. Check the cited official page for the applicable channel.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Riverside

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California state court · Riverside

Riverside Superior Court

Superior Court for Riverside County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.

Family Law division — Riverside Superior Court (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Official local court entrance for the specifically named information, filing channel or self-help referral. Consult the current instructions for your procedure.

Local Family Law division; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow

A Dissolution of Marriage or Registered Domestic Partnership (Divorce) is a legal action that ends marriage or a registered domestic partnership.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Family Law | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

A Dissolution of Marriage or Registered Domestic Partnership (Divorce) is a legal action that ends marriage or a registered domestic partnership.

Saved evidence: bcdaace7d27188c8 · Agent source review

Small Claims division — Riverside Superior Court (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Official local court entrance for the specifically named information, filing channel or self-help referral. Consult the current instructions for your procedure.

Local Small Claims division; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow

Maximum amount that you can sue for depends on who you are and who you are suing.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Small Claims | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Maximum amount that you can sue for depends on who you are and who you are suing.

Saved evidence: b8b1172311a01189 · Agent source review

Probate Division — Riverside Superior Court (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Official local court entrance for the specifically named information, filing channel or self-help referral. Consult the current instructions for your procedure.

Local Probate Division; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow

Probate court laws protect the interests of individuals involved in probate court matters. These include the administration of an estate after someone dies, and the protection of the rights of minors or mentally incapacitated individuals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Probate | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Probate court laws protect the interests of individuals involved in probate court matters. These include the administration of an estate after someone dies, and the protection of the rights of minors or mentally incapacitated individuals.

Saved evidence: 60f8ae72aafd3eec · Agent source review

Restraining Orders — Riverside Superior Court (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Official local court entrance for the specifically named information, filing channel or self-help referral. Consult the current instructions for your procedure.

Local Restraining Orders; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow

There are different types of restraining orders. Most restraining orders can order a person to not contact someone and stay away from them. Some restraining orders can include more protection, like order a person to move out, or include protections for your children or other family members.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Restraining Orders | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

There are different types of restraining orders. Most restraining orders can order a person to not contact someone and stay away from them. Some restraining orders can include more protection, like order a person to move out, or include protections for your children or other family members.

Saved evidence: ed56c8d16ec0140d · Agent source review

Eviction / unlawful detainer court information — Riverside Superior Court (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official court page specifically describes this subject and its available information. Consult its current instructions for your situation.

The specifically cited local court subject context; no complete-workflow claim

This California Courts Self Help Guide for Evictions offers information for:

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Evictions | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed local Eviction / unlawful detainer subject context

This California Courts Self Help Guide for Evictions offers information for:

Saved evidence: 1521e8ab71f4fb69 · Agent source review

Riverside — Find court-listed legal assistance and self-help resources (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Read this Superior Court’s named legal-service referrals or procedural self-help information. Independent providers decide their own eligibility and appointments. Court self-help information does not create an attorney-client relationship or promise representation.

Service area: Riverside County — local court legal-information/referral context. Area details & sources

Riverside Superior Court source; named provider or directory referral. Source page subject limits apply.

Court-listed legal-help resource. Check the cited court page for the named provider or directory. The provider decides current services, subject and area coverage, financial eligibility and intake; a referral does not establish representation.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Riverside Superior Court source; named provider or directory referral. Source page subject limits apply.

Court-listed legal-help resource. Check the cited court page for the named provider or directory. The provider decides current services, subject and area coverage, financial eligibility and intake; a referral does not establish representation.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside · Evictions | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside (opens in a new tab)

Evictions | Superior Court of California | County of Riverside — legal-06065-188

Legal Aid Societies / Advocacy Groups (external site)

Saved evidence: 1521e8ab71f4fb69 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
California state agency · Statewide

California Courts Self-Help Guide

Shared California Courts self-help guidance, available for all 58 California county court contexts; local procedures and individual circumstances vary.

Divorce and relationship-ending options (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

You probably know what divorce means. In California, the legal word for divorce is dissolution.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

Dissolution is the legal process to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It includes both divorce and a simpler option called summary dissolution. In some cases, people may choose a different legal process, like legal separation or annulment.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Divorce in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Get a divorce

Saved evidence: 8b796c86ebb63f57 · Agent source review

Small claims in California (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

Small claims court allows you to sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you’re a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

You have to collect the money if you win your case. The court does not do it for you.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Small claims in California

Saved evidence: 5e7cc71e2f3f9d1a · Agent source review

Wills, estates and probate guidance (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

Get basic information and links to sample legal documents (like a will or a power of attorney) to have a plan if you or someone you love becomes sick or dies.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

Get basic information about what happens to someone's property when they die, including transferring property with or without going to probate court.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Guide to wills, estates, and probate court | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Guide to wills, estates, and probate court

Saved evidence: 2cfa1f7bf131b533 · Agent source review

Choose and respond to a restraining-order type (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

If you need a restraining order, first find out what type of restraining order you need. Your court's self-help center ↗️ (link opens in a new tab) can help if you're not sure. Once you know, select that type to find the type of protection it offers, how to ask for one, and how to renew or enforce it.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

If someone asked for a restraining order against you, choose the type of restraining order they asked for below to find out more about your options. The forms you got have the name of the type of restraining order listed on them.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Restraining order | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Restraining orders

Saved evidence: a53c2ed743548886 · Agent source review

Legal name changes in California (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

If you already changed your name and need a copy of a court order, contact the court where your case was filed.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

The steps and forms you need to fill out vary depending on your situation. Answer a few questions to get the right set of instructions.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Change your name in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Change your name in California

Saved evidence: 010a68e83578bc47 · Agent source review

Residential eviction court process (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

This guide explains the eviction process (called unlawful detainer) for residential evictions only. It includes steps for:

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

📌 Note: This guide is not for commercial evictions (like businesses or stores). Talk to a lawyer if you need help with those.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Eviction cases in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Eviction cases in California

Saved evidence: df77286ea1d89904 · Agent source review

Find free or low-cost legal help (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

There are a number of resources that may be able to help you with free and low-cost legal help

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Get free or low-cost legal help | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Get free or low-cost legal help

Saved evidence: c0811e8d52dfe0fe · Agent source review

Request a court fee waiver (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford court fees, you can ask the court for a fee waiver.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

A fee waiver lets you file your papers for free. It may also cover some other court costs.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Ask for a Fee Waiver | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford court fees

Saved evidence: ac4b69cc78452ee6 · Agent source review

Tenant legal and housing resources — California Courts (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

California Courts referrals to tenant-rights guidance, local legal information, housing resources and the appropriate state agencies.

Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources

California Courts resource referral; confirm the services offered by the actual local court

Each court has a self-help center that offers free legal information. Find out from your local court what type of services they offer.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

California Courts referral to the California Department of Justice renter/landlord rights information

Department of Justice Overview of California law and rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Eviction | Legal and housing resources | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section

Legal and housing resources

Saved evidence: d538b2651a2fb118 · Agent source review

Renter rights and landlord responsibilities — DOJ resource referral (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The California Attorney General’s information about renter protections, habitability, lockouts, discrimination and other landlord/tenant issues. Statutory exceptions and local rules affect protections.

Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources

DOJ guidance on checking additional local tenant protections; no determination that a particular tenancy is covered

In addition to the statewide requirement that landlords have just cause before evicting a tenant, local laws may offer additional protections to residential tenants. Tenants and landlords should consult local resources to see whether their city or county has rules that may offer additional tenant protections.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

DOJ referral for unresolved housing-condition concerns; contact the actual local code-enforcement or health authority

If a landlord refuses to make repairs, tenants should contact their local code enforcement office or local health department. Cities or counties may also have their own rent board or rent control program that deals with building health and safety.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

California Department of Justice · Landlord-Tenant Issues | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section

As a tenant, knowing your rights is critical. Under California law, residential tenants are protected from certain rent increases and may be protected from certain types of evictions.

Saved evidence: 26b194c36c4422d9 · Agent source review

California Tenants rights and responsibilities guide — DRE resource referral (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The Department of Real Estate’s official landing page for the 2026 California Tenants guide, with English and Spanish document links.

Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources

DRE landing-page description of its informational guide

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

California Department of Real Estate · Landlord/Tenant Rights (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section

A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities

Saved evidence: 61083ed8fd886328 · Agent source review

Housing discrimination and disability accommodation — CRD resource referral (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

California Civil Rights Department information on fair-housing protections, reasonable accommodations, prohibited retaliation and housing-discrimination resources.

Service area: Shared California statewide tenant information and official resource referrals; local laws and individual eligibility vary. Area details & sources

Current Civil Rights Department fair-housing information; the webpage lists the complete protected characteristics and applicable exceptions

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against or harass someone because of a protected characteristic, such as their gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

CRD housing-rights information; individual situations and statutory exceptions vary

The law also requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and prohibits retaliation against someone for exercising their rights.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

California Civil Rights Department · Housing | CRD (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed tenant-rights/resource section

Housing Discrimination

Saved evidence: 4867096c7c013702 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

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