Resources for legal information

Coronavirus/COVID-19

Home Law 101 Coronavirus/COVID-19

The Sacramento County Public Law Library has created this page to help our community find reliable information on legal topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are links to reputable websites and sources of information. Please be aware that things are changing rapidly; most of the links below will take you to website that are updated regularly, but we cannot guarantee accuracy.

For up-to-date information, see:
Sacramento County COVID updates
City of Sacramento COVID Resources
California Coronavirus Response page
Coronavirus.gov

Court Closures

Sacramento County Superior Court
The court is closed through March 30, 2020. Only certain emergency matters will be handled. Details can be found on the court’s website:   https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/general/coronavirus.aspx

US District Court, Eastern District of California
The courthouse is closed to the public, unless a judge specifically authorizes entry for official court business. All civil matters will be decided on the papers, or telephone/videoconference hearings. Dropboxes for filing civil and bankruptcy papers will be placed near the courthouse entrances. For more information, see http://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/news/covid-19-courthouse-closure-and-court-hearing-information/

Housing

Many temporary ordinances and rules have been implemented to help Californians affected by COVID-19 remain in their homes. Links below provide information for many of these programs and laws. Further assistance or information based on your particular circumstances may be available from:

  • Renter’s Helpline, 916-389-7877
  • Legal Services of Northern California   916-551-2150
Evictions

Many cities and counties have implemented temporary ordinances halting eviction of tenants who cannot pay rent due to COVID-19-related loss of income.

Foreclosure

Homeowners experiencing COVID-19-related loss of income may be able to defer mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure.

Employment & Wages

A variety of benefits and programs are available to both workers and employers affected by COVID-19. For assistance in applying for benefits, or accessing assistance programs, contact the providing agency directly. For questions about denial Unemployment Insurance benefits, contact Voluntary Legal Services Program at 916-551-2167. 

Workers

These resources provide details about the types of benefits that may be available to workers, including disability insurance, paid family medical leave,  and unemployment insurance.

Employers

Information for employers about issues such as reduction in hours, layoffs, tax assistance, work sharing programs and COVID-19 workplace safety can be found here:

Government Benefits

Government benefits will likely continue, despite the closure of may physical offices. For questions or assistance with benefits, contact the providing agency. Information and assistance with some types of benefits may also be available from Legal Services of Northern California,  (916) 551-2150.

Continuation of Benefits

Most public benefits will continue, and assistance may be available online or by telephone.

Applying for Benefits

Although physical offices may be closed, you may still be able to apply for benefits. Below are links to the application process for some of the more common types of benefits.

Other Legal Topics

The Law Library is closed to the public, but we are still able to provide some basic assistance.

BY PHONE – At this time, patrons can call our Reference telephone number – 916-874-6012 – to receive basic legal reference assistance from approximately 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.  Feel free to leave a voice mail, if we cannot answer the phone. We are unable to handle complex legal research queries.

BY EMAIL – Patrons may also send legal reference questions to reference@saclaw.org.  Again, we cannot answer complex legal research queries.  Our goal is to provide answers within 48 hours of receiving a question.

WEBSITE – Our Website provides a wide range of research information, step-by step guides, free videos, podcasts, and online MCLE classes.

Other Legal Matters

Voluntary Legal Services Program
(916) 551-2102
Providing telephone assistance with issues such as Unemployment Insurance denials, bankruptcy and debt collection, guardianships and conservatorships, probate and small estates, and family law matters.

Legal Services of Northern California
(916) 551-2150
Provides information and assistance on topics such as housing issues, public benefits, health care law, and elder law.

Domestic Violence/Abuse

Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center
916-875-HOPE
Provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, human trafficking, and dating violence.

WEAVE
916-920-2952
Provides crisis intervention and legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County.