With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of us have romance on our minds. This time of year can make us yearn for that special someone. While it’s never too late in life to find romance, it is important to approach romance with an understanding of how to date safely. While many couples do meet online, looking for romance on the internet can pose risks, namely in the form of romance scams. Scammers know that many of us
We are happy to introduce to you a new member of the CCSLS team: Suman Kaur. She is our new Legal Clinic Coordinator. In her role she works closely with our Pro Bono Attorneys and all of our free monthly legal clinics around the county to make sure operations are running smoothly. Before joining CCSLS, Suman worked at Deloitte, where she gained experience in professional communications, teamwork, and client focused service. Her time there helped her develop strong organizational skills
Starting in January, new landlord-tenant laws will take effect in California. Here is information about some of these laws. Rental Units Must Have Refrigerators and Stoves California has a law that requires that rental units be habitable. Up to now, to be considered habitable, a rental unit needed to have effective roofs, walls, windows, and doors, plumbing with hot and cold water, electricity, hearing, adequate places to dispose of garbage, and a private mailbox that can be locked. Starting on
What: Contra Costa Senior Legal Services is starting a free Elder Abuse Self-Help Restraining Order Clinic. The clinic will launch on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. When: Every Tuesday (note that there will be no clinic on December 30th and holidays). Time: 8:30am – 11:30 am (note that you must arrive by 11am to receive assistance. If you arrive after 11am, we may not be able to assist you). Where: The clinic will be held at 1026 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA
Please see the interactive Food Distribution Map on Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank’s website, which is searchable by zip code or city, to find additional resources for food support.
Domestic violence cuts across all ages, socio-economic statuses, and cultural backgrounds. While we may think of it as abuse by a partner, sometimes other family members are the abusers. Victims of domestic violence may have spent a lifetime with their abusers, staying due to financial, cultural, and family pressure. In some cases, victims may not recognize they are being abused because it has become a familiar part of their lives. As people age, they may be reluctant to leave their
A common question we hear from clients is, “Who should I choose to be my agent for my Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive?” This is an important decision, yet many people fail to take the time to consider it or discuss it in detail with the potential agent. This can lead to unpleasant consequences down the line. So how do you choose an agent? A Durable Power of Attorney grants your chosen agent the authority to make
September is National Senior Center Month. Senior centers provide an important venue for elders to socialize, eat a meal, and access important services. Many Contra Costa County cities have seniors centers that host a wide variety of programs. Contra Costa Senior Legal Services understands the important role that senior centers play in the lives of elders. For this reason, we hold many programs at senior centers. Our programs at senior centers include legal clinics and know your rights presentations. Legal
What are they and how do you make them? What is a Reasonable Accommodation request? A reasonable accommodation is: 1) an exception, 2) change, 3) or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service because of a disability. The purpose is to provide tenants with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling. See 42 U.S.C. §3604(f)(3)(B); Cal. Gov’t Code § 12927(c)(1). Who can make a Reasonable Accommodation request? A tenant with one or more disabilities; or Any person,
Starting January 1, 2026, significant changes are coming to Medi-Cal asset limits, which will impact how Medi-Cal eligibility is determined for many people. If you or a loved one is navigating long-term care or applying for Medi-Cal, it is crucial to stay informed about these upcoming adjustments. What is changing? Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will consider assets (what you own) when reviewing eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities as part of the application and renewal process. The
