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
COVID-19 Public Resources

Court Closures

Sacramento County Superior Court

Most divisions of the Sacramento County Superior Court are now accepting filings. See the court’s coronavirus web page for details on filing and scheduling hearings.

US District Court, Eastern District of California
For information on current restrictions, 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
  • City of Sacramento Tenant Protection Program, 916-808-8121

This article from Nolo Press provides a good explanation of the different state, federal, and local COVID housing laws.

Evictions

In accordance with the Presiding Judge’s Order the Sacramento Court’s Unlawful Detainer Division remains closed due to the Covid-19 Epidemic. Most eviction cases cannot move forward because of this closure.

The State Legislature enacted AB 3088 (Chiu) which was signed by the Governor and took effect on August 31, 2020. If a tenant suffered a loss of income or increased costs due to COVID-19, including increased childcare or elderly care costs and health care costs, the tenant and all members of the household are protected from eviction until February 1, 2021. See AB 3088: COVID-19 Residential Eviction Moratorium  for more information.

Additionally, some cities and counties have implemented tenant protections.

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

Consumer Protection
Estate Planning
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.

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.

Free Virtual Community Legal Clinics
(415) 567-6255 (510) 251-2846
Multilingual legal assistance on many legal topics over the telephone or by video conferencing in Cantonese, Japanese,  Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish, and Vietnamese.