California · Plain English
Set down the panic.
Here's the plan.
ZenLegal walks you through your legal problem the way a calm friend would — what California law says, what it means for you, and exactly which paper to file next.
Free to read · Small flat fee for prepared documents · Honest about when you need a lawyer
Three quiet steps.
01
Tell us what happened
Plain words are fine. “My landlord won’t return my deposit” is a perfect start.
02
Read your plan
Your rights, your deadlines, your forms — in English, in order, on one page.
03
File it, or hand it off
Do it yourself for a small flat fee, or let a California attorney take it from here.
Calm, on paper.
A sample of what you'll get: a security-deposit demand letter, built from ten plain-English answers. No legalese you didn't ask for.
Yours is built from your answers and checked against current California law.
Sample output
RE: Return of security deposit — $2,400.00
123 Alder St, Apt 4 · Sacramento, CA
I moved out on June 30. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g), my deposit must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days. That deadline passed on July 21.
I am requesting, within 10 days of this letter:
- ■ Return of $2,400.00 in full
- ■ The itemized statement required by § 1950.5(g)(1)
Generated from your answers · Checked against current California law
Where should we start?
Pick the life area that's on your mind. Every topic starts free.
Family
SoonDivorce, custody, support, restraining orders.
134 guides
Money & Debt
SoonDebt lawsuits, collectors, judgments.
25 guides
Small Claims
SoonSue — or defend — without a lawyer.
51 guides
Work & Wages
SoonUnpaid wages, termination, your rights.
13 guides
Wills & Legacy
SoonWills, trusts, powers of attorney.
10 guides
Some cases deserve a lawyer.
We'll tell you honestly when yours is one of them. ZenLegal is built by the attorneys behind our sister California firms — the handoff is clean.