Legal Help after a Disaster
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. The loss of homes, belongings, and stability is an unimaginable burden, and we stand in solidarity with you during this challenging time. Please know that you are not alone, and there are resources and communities ready to help you rebuild and recover.
As part of our commitment to supporting those in need, we’ve reprinted a guide compiled by the State Bar of California to assist with navigating federal aid, insurance claims, and other legal challenges caused by the fires. Our goal is to provide tools and information to help ease your path forward.
Below, you’ll find links compiled by the State Bar of California to key resources that provide legal assistance and support during disaster recovery.
Key Resources
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Apply for FEMA support to cover housing, repairs, and other essential needs. DisasterAssistance.gov
If FEMA assistance is available, fire victims have a limited time to file for individual assistance with FEMA. Each county impacted by the fires may have a different deadline.
If your request for assistance is denied, you may be eligible to file an appeal. The time to file is limited.
Statewide legal assistance hotline: 888-382-3406. Disaster legal services for anyone impacted by the wildfires. No hours because it takes messages. No income limits; free to everyone.
Disaster Legal Services California: Comprehensive information and legal resources for wildfire survivors, including help with insurance, housing, and consumer protection. Visit DisasterLegalServicesCA.org (note: updates for current fires are pending).
Replacing lost documents
Your recovery may start with establishing who you are or where you lived. The State Bar provides a list of agencies and next steps to get a duplicate California driver's license or identity card, birth certificate, marriage license, or other documents.
Getting help from state agencies and nonprofits
Other state agencies and nonprofit community groups can help with emergency food assistance, unemployment, shelter, crisis counseling, or other health concerns after the fires.
RESPONSE.CA.GOV provides Californians with information and resources for current incidents, transportation impacts, vital health services information, shelter and housing locations, unemployment assistance, and other state information.
Information about filing an unemployment claim with the California Employment Development Department. Call 800-300-5616 if you have questions.
Help for military veterans through the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Apply for food assistance from the state.
Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the state.
For other resources, see LawHelpCA.org's listings on disaster assistance and recovery.
Avoiding Legal Fraud after a Disaster
Avoid fraud from people promising to offer legal services. This is particularly important when you suffer major losses.
Lawyers and their representatives are prohibited from:
Soliciting clients in person or by telephone calls or other real-time electronic contact;
Soliciting clients who have made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited or if the transmission of the solicitation involves intrusion, coercion, duress or harassment;
Mailing written communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement on the outside of the envelope; and
Sending recorded or electronic communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement at the beginning and end of any such communications.
Fraud alert: More information about how to avoid and report legal fraud
Read more at the State Bar of California’s website