We provide free legal assistance to: eligible low-income individuals or families (our top priority are those with incomes at 200% of the FPL and below), people with disabilities, seniors age 60 and over, and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking or other abuse who are residing in Santa Barbara County.
We provide services in the following areas of law:
- Tenants at risk of eviction (Unlawful Detainer) (Income eligibility required)
- Tenants at risk of losing Section 8 or other housing subsidies (Income eligibility required)
- Fair Housing/Housing Discrimination (Income eligibility required)
- For residents of: City of Santa Maria, City of Lompoc, and Unincorporated Santa Barbara County.
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders & Related Services
- Elder Abuse Restraining Orders & Related Services
- Sexual Assault Civil Restraining Orders & Related Services
- Immigration Assistance for Victims of Crimes (U-Visa, T-VISA, VAWA self-petition, SIJs)
- See Project Outreach for additional immigration services below
- Guardianship & Conservatorship (of the person only) (Only in Lompoc/ Santa Maria locations) (Income eligibility required)
- Financial Abuse/Exploitation of Seniors (Age 60+) (partnership with Family Service Agency)
- Consumer Protection – assisting with consumer fraud, debt collection, foreclosure, scams, and other related matters (Income eligibility required)
- Disability benefits advocacy for people experiencing homelessness (partnership with Good Samaritan Shelter)
People needing help in other areas of law will be referred to other sources of assistance.
Mixtec – Taller Sobre los Derechos del Inquilino (Presentation)
Potential clients may call, submit an intake form online, or visit us during business hours to apply for service. See our Locations page for the locations, hours & contact information for the Legal Aid offices.
Additional Assistance
Additional assistance is offered outside of our main offices and normal business hours via the following programs:
The Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy Clinic offers free bankruptcy information and consumer debt advice, forms, access to reference materials, and referrals for individuals who represent themselves and have not hired an attorney.
For individuals 60 years of age or older, an attorney is available for advice and information during a 30-minute consultation.
1st & 3rd Thursdays: 10:15am, 10:45am, and 11:15am. for telephone consultations, only.
Every Wednesday: 10:15am, 10:45am, and 11:15 am, for in-person consultations, only.
Please call 805-963-6754 to schedule an appointment.
Volunteer lawyers provide “advice only” outreach for civil (not criminal) matters at various community centers. Individuals will be assisted by appointment only.
The Legal Resource Center of Santa Barbara County is staffed by a California licensed attorney, and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
For clients in need of estate planning assistance, an attorney is available for advice and information during a 30-minute consultation.
Please call (805)963-6754 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
*Only one appointment available per week – Thursdays, 10am.
