Legal Assistance (209) 385-7550 or Toll-free (800) 510-2020

The California Department of Aging funds Legal Services Projects for older persons through the network of local Area Agencies on Aging. The projects identify legal problems and legal service needs of older individuals within their communities.

The Department aids the 33 Area Agencies on Aging in evaluating their senior Legal Services Projects with a view to increasing the quantity and quality of services. Through the Association of Legal Service Programs for Older Californians, the Department provides individual and group technical assistance to senior legal service projects.

A total of 39 California Senior Legal Services Projects assist the state's seniors with a variety of legal problems concerning:

The senior who needs assistance can locate a Legal Services Project by calling the local Area Agency on Aging listed under "Senior Citizens' Services Organizations" in the blue-edged section (in front of the yellow pages telephone directory).

The Merced County Area Agency on Aging contracts with Central California Legal Services to provide legal and notary services to senior citizens throughout the County. This service provides countywide an established calendar stating the dates and times service will be provided. House calls are available to private homes, convalescent homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities upon request. To comply with requests for out-station services, the senior legal representative has established a regular appointment schedule in Los Banos, Merced, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos and Gustine. For more information and/or appointments, call (209) 385-7550 or 1-800-510-2020.