Legal Services

In this section, find out about:
● Family Legal Services
● General Legal Help
● Specialized Legal Services
● Violence, Trauma & Abuse Resources
● Reporting a Crime
● Tax Help
● Help for People with Special Needs

● FAMILY LEGAL SERVICES ●
Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency
Enforces child support orders so payments can be made, and gives advice to parents. They can also help with establishing paternity and health insurance coverage for children.
80 East Fulton Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-3275
- www.franklincountyohio.gov
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations
The Mediation Services Office provides a neutral professional (the mediator) who helps the parents solve a visitation disagreement so they can avoid going to court and having a judge make that decision for them. The mediator will also ask the parents to discuss the needs of their children in order to do what is best for the children involved. Services are provided for free.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-6147
- www.fccourts.org
Legal Aid Society of Columbus Child & Youth Law Program
Helps children (from families with a low income) with health, education, mental health and school discipline needs. They can help with Medicaid denials, IEP meetings with school officials, school disciplinary meetings, termination of disability benefits, and children in foster care. They may also be able to help in situations of home safety issues, bullying, evictions, family safety and other issues.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420
- www.columbuslegalaid.org
● GENERAL LEGAL HELP ●
Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio
Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out conflicts. They provide problem-solving services for domestic and family issues, divorce, neighborhood conflicts, tenant-landlord disputes, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
- www.communitymediation.com
Fairfield County Pro Bono Clinic
Gives free legal advice to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Services are provided on a first-come / first-served basis on the fourth Tuesday of each month in Lancaster.
131 North High Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 653-1701
- www.fairfieldcountybar.org
First Church of God Legal Clinic
Offers a free legal clinic on the first Tuesday evening of each month, on a walk-in basis. An attorney is present to offer legal advice and assistance to people.
3480 Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 338-8338
- www.firstchurch.net
Hands On Central Ohio
Hands On's comprehensive information and referral service connects those in need with thousands of social service, government and community resources – to help find a solution to any need. Free and confidential, 2-1-1 is available throughout Franklin County 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
2-1-1 or (614) 221-2255
- www.handsoncentralohio.org
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Call toll-free for help with housing problems, domestic violence, child custody, divorce and many other legal issues. They provide services to people with a low income and can set up home visits for the sick or disabled. They now offer free legal reviews to all homeowners who have questions regarding their mortgages or those who may have fallen behind. They provide services in Franklin, Madison, Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union Counties. Apply for services online as well by clicking the online application link.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420 or (614) 241-2001
- www.columbuslegalaid.org
Northland Free Legal Aid Clinic
Offered by Threshold Community Services and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, free walk-in services are available the second Monday evening of each month at 6 p.m. for people with a low income. Free consultations are provided in minor criminal matters, civil protection orders, landlord-tenant disputes (no evictions) and domestic matters (no divorce or custody fights).
4099 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 261-8440
- www.thresholdcolumbus.com
Ohio State Legal Services Association
As a non-profit law firm, they oversee nine direct-service offices that provide representation to low-income Ohioans in 30 Ohio counties. Their informative website lists legal services throughout Ohio that are available.
555 Buttles Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 529-6446
- www.ohiolegalservices.org
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services
Gives free legal help to low-income people at 9 offices throughout 30 counties in southeastern Ohio. They handle public benefits, housing, unemployment compensation, family issues, education, employment, health and other matters.
12 West Locust Avenue, Newark, Ohio 43055
(888) 831-9412
- http://seols.org
Vineyard Free Legal Clinic
Provides legal help to low-income individuals in matters of immigration, civil protection orders, landlord-tenant disputes (excluding evictions), and minor criminal matters. They do not handle divorce or custody issues. Open the first Monday evening of each month.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5500
- http://vineyardcolumbus.org
● SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES ●
Columbus Urban League
Investigates all illegal housing discrimination complaints and helps with landlord-tenant disputes. Also provides legal referral resources.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300, ext. 300
- www.cul.org
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Offers professional legal services to immigrants and refugees with a low to moderate income. New clients are seen on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis during open immigration intake at the east office. After paying an initial fee of $20, clients can meet with one of the lawyers and receive help with citizenship applications, notary services, visa extensions, green card applications, immigration photos, work authorization and other services.
3624 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 235-5747
- www.cris-ohio.com
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County
Helps abused and neglected children in need of a powerful voice to speak up for their best interest. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for children and help them obtain a safe, permanent home.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-7450
- www.casacolumbus.org
Mental Health America of Franklin County Ombudsman Program
Helps individuals and families resolve problems related to mental health and alcohol / drug services. They can assist with many problems, including access to treatment or denial of services, medication access, medical benefits, guardianship and incarceration. Services are free and confidential.
538 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-1441
- www.mhafc.org
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Helps Hispanics find legal resources and information, ranging from housing issues to immigration issues.
6161 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 840-9334
- www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org
Somali Community Association of Ohio
Offers legal services to Somalis, including help with immigration problems, landlord-tenant disputes and workplace issues. They also help with school concerns and support for victims of domestic violence.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
- www.somaliohio.org
● VIOLENCE, TRAUMA & ABUSE RESOURCES ●
Capital University Family Advocacy Clinic
Offers support and free legal help to victims of domestic violence who have a low income. They help individuals seeking protection orders, divorces or custody in situations involving domestic violence.
303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 236-6779
- http://law.capital.edu
City of Columbus Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit
Provides education, support, counseling, crisis intervention and overall help for victims of domestic violence and stalking. Specialized prosecutors handle cases for victims that are high risk, including children.
375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6232
- www.columbuscityattorney.org
Columbus Division of Police
Individuals can submit a report immediately through the online reporting system and print a copy of the police report for free. Other prevention and alert information is also available.
120 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-4760 or (614) 645-4545
- www.columbuspolice.org
Franklin County Division of Domestic Relations
Handles all domestic relations matters, including protection for victims of domestic violence. A request for a Civil Protection Order may be filed with the court to direct an abuser to stay away from a victim, require counseling, award temporary custody of minors or determine possession of a residence.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-4411 or (614) 525-4412
- www.fccourts.org
Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit
Provides information to victims and witnesses about the procedures of the criminal justice system. The Juvenile Division helps victims in cases where the offender is a parent or caretaker.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-4440
- www.co.franklin.oh.us
Justice League of Ohio
Provides free legal help to crime victims in all counties throughout Ohio and helps with victim compensation claims. They protect children and families who are victims of homicide, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Complete their online contact form for immediate help.
3956 North Hampton Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 848-8500
- www.thejusticeleagueohio.org
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Call toll-free for help with domestic violence, child custody, divorce and many other legal issues. They provide services to people with a low income and can set up home visits for the sick or disabled. They provide services in Franklin, Madison, Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union Counties. Apply for services online as well by clicking the online application link.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420 or (614) 241-2001
- www.columbuslegalaid.org
Office for Victims of Crime
Provides an online directory of crime victim services, victims’ rights information, resources for international victims and toll-free telephone numbers.
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20530
(202) 514-2000
- www.crimevictims.gov
Ohio Attorney General Victims of Crime Compensation Program
Provides financial help to innocent victims of violent crimes (including domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide). Payments can cover medical expenses, counseling and lost wages. The application can be submitted online.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-0515 or (614) 466-4986
- www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Office of Victim Services
Offers several services for victims of crime, including crisis intervention and advocacy, information and referrals, notification regarding inmates and online resources for victims. Call the toll-free number for more information.
770 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(888) VICTIM4 or (888) 842-8464
- www.drc.ohio.gov/web/VICTIM.HTM
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) Family Violence Prevention Center
Although they do not provide direct services to victims, they offer a lot of information about local and state programs for victims of sexual assault, hate crimes, homicide, domestic violence, teen dating violence and sexual abuse. They have brochures on teen dating violence in multiple languages and a list of domestic violence shelters.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43218
(888) 448-4842 or (614) 466-0306
www.ocjs.ohio.gov or www.publicsafety.ohio.gov
● REPORTING A CRIME ●
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers
Allows people to report anonymous crime tips in English, Somali, Spanish and French by going online or calling their toll-free number.
PO Box 16038, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(877) 645-8477 or (614) 461-8477
- http://stopcrime.org
Columbus Division of Police
Individuals can file reports and complaints about child abuse and other issues. Other prevention and alert information is also available.
120 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-4760 or (614) 645-4545
- www.columbuspolice.org
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS)
Individuals can report child abuse or neglect in Franklin County through their 24-hour child abuse hotline or visit the office in person. Emergency placement can be provided for at-risk children and teens. When appropriate, temporary placement with relatives, foster homes, or treatment centers are coupled with services to support family reunification and reduce the level of risk to the child. They can link families with community services, such as parenting classes, child care and substance abuse treatment.
525 East Mound Street, Columbus Ohio 43215
(614) 229-7000
- ww.franklincountyohio.gov
● TAX HELP ●
Legal Aid Society of Columbus Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Provides legal advice and representation to low-income taxpayers involved in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420
- www.columbuslegalaid.org
Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB)
A one-stop place where Ohioans with a low to moderate income can check eligibility for benefits such as child care help, food programs, home energy assistance, free tax preparation services and children’s health care insurance. Follow the link below to access QuickCheck, an easy online way of finding out if you are eligible for benefits. Once determining eligibility, you can find a Benefit Bank near where you live.
51 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 648-1176
- www.ohiobenefits.org
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Serves low-income taxpayers in 30 counties throughout southeastern Ohio who have disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.
12 West Locust Avenue, Newark, Ohio 43055
(888) 831-9412
- http://seols.org
Volunteer Income & Tax Assistance Site (VITA)
VITA sites offer free tax help to taxpayers. The program assists low to moderate-income families, people with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals with preparing their tax returns throughout Ohio. They help people claim all the credits and refunds they qualify for. Franklin County residents can call Hands On Central Ohio at 2-1-1 to find a free tax help. A listing of VITA sites can also be found online.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 829-1040
- http://extension.missouri.edu/hes/taxed
● HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ●
Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)
Helps people throughout Ohio who are developmentally disabled, mentally ill or have other physical and mental impairments. The intake department can be contacted toll-free for confidential services. They can assist with cases of abuse, neglect, discrimination, public assistance denials and other services. Their Client Assistance Program (CAP) helps people applying for or receiving services from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired.
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-9181 or (614) 466-7264
- http://olrs.ohio.gov
More Legal Help for People with Special Needs
Do you need legal help for your child or family member with special needs? Do you need help with your child's school? Click below to find more resources in the special needs section of CAP4Kids.
- Go to CAP4Kids Special Needs Page
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CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse the agencies or resources listed on the site. This is an informational site only. We encourage users to carefully review and evaluate all services and decide what is best to meet the needs of their families.