Editorial Guidelines

Editorial Guidelines

Last updated: March 2026

This page explains how GuacamoleBlog creates and maintains its content. We believe transparency about our process helps readers evaluate the information we provide.

Our Editorial Mission

GuacamoleBlog exists to make legal rights information accessible to everyday people. Our editorial standard is simple: every claim must be verifiable against a primary source, every article must give readers something they can act on, and every piece must be honest about the limits of the information it provides.

We do not publish legal advice. We publish legal information — the kind that helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions about your next steps.

Content Research Process

Step 1 — Topic Selection We prioritize topics based on real search queries that reflect genuine legal situations people face. We focus on questions that are (a) frequently asked, (b) under-served by clear, accurate information online, and (c) state-specific enough that a clear answer adds real value.

Step 2 — Primary Source Research Every article is researched against primary sources. For US content, this means:

• State legislature websites (e.g., leginfo.legislature.ca.gov for California)
• US federal statutes via congress.gov or uscode.house.gov
• Official agency guidance (CFPB, FTC, EEOC, DOL, HUD, etc.)
• State attorney general publications
• Official court self-help resources

We do not use other blogs, news articles, or secondary sources as our primary legal reference. We may cite them for context, but legal claims are always verified against official sources.

Step 3 — Drafting Our editorial team uses AI tools to assist with research organization and initial drafting. All AI-generated content is reviewed and edited by a human editor before publication. Legal claims, cited statutes, and state-specific rules are manually verified against primary sources during this review.

Step 4 — Review and Fact-Check Before publication, each article is checked for: accuracy of all cited statutes and legal claims, correct state-specific application, appropriate disclaimers, and internal consistency.

Step 5 — Publication Each article is published with a publication date visible to readers.

Linking and Citation Standards

We link directly to the primary source for every specific legal claim. For example:

• If we state that California requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 days, we link to California Civil Code § 1950.5.
• If we state that the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from calling before 8am, we link to 15 U.S. Code § 1692c.

We do not rely on paraphrases of laws from other websites. We go to the source.

Update Policy

Legal information has a shelf life. Laws are amended. Courts issue rulings. Agencies update guidance.

Every article on GuacamoleBlog displays a “Last Reviewed” date. We update articles when:

• A relevant law is amended by the state legislature or Congress
• An agency issues new guidance that changes practical application
• A reader or editor identifies an inaccuracy
• A scheduled annual review indicates information may be outdated

When an article is updated, the “Last Reviewed” date is updated accordingly, and significant changes are noted in the article.

Corrections Policy

We take accuracy seriously. If you believe an article contains a factual or legal error:

1. Email us at hello@guacamoleblog.org with the URL of the article and a description of the claimed error, including your source if possible.
2. Our editorial team will review the claim against primary sources within 5 business days.
3. If the error is confirmed, we will correct the article and note the correction at the bottom.

We do not alter published articles without noting that a change was made, except for minor formatting or typographical corrections.

What We Don’t Publish

• Legal advice tailored to individual situations
• Content that promotes specific law firms, attorneys, or legal services as editorial recommendations (affiliate relationships are disclosed separately)
• Content that we cannot verify against primary sources
• Predictions about how courts will rule in specific cases

Independence

GuacamoleBlog is independently owned and operated. We do not accept payment to publish specific legal opinions or to promote particular outcomes. Affiliate relationships (where they exist) are disclosed in the relevant articles and on our Legal Disclaimer page. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial positions.

Questions About Our Editorial Process

If you have questions about how we research or verify a specific article, contact us at hello@guacamoleblog.org.