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Legal Services

* Looking for Specialized Legal Help and Additional Resources?

Click the links below for additional, related resource lists.

Community Mediation Services (CMS) 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 to prevent eviction, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. They also help clients access supports like rental assistance. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale. Professional training opportunities are available for individuals and organizations.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
communitymediation.com

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County

This program provides court-appointed volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, throughout legal proceedings. CASA Volunteers get to know the child and conduct an investigation to understand the child’s situation, in order to make fact-based recommendations to the Juvenile Court about custody, placement, visitation and services that could assist the child or family. Go online to find program specifics or to become a CASA Volunteer.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-7450
casa.franklincountyohio.gov

Fairfield County Pro Bono Legal Clinic

Professional association of lawyers and judges in Fairfield County, Ohio. The Pro Bono Legal Clinic is held virtually once a month and offers free legal advice for qualifying individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Services are provided on a first come/first served basis. Call to schedule an appointment.
(800) 686-3668 ext. 8409
fairfieldcountybar.org

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations & Juvenile Branch

Handles all domestic relations matters, including protection for victims of domestic violence, for juvenile citizens. They offer a variety of mediation services to help settle matters without a full legal trial, Civil Protection Orders (CPO’s) / Juvenile Protection Orders (JPO’s), interpreters, Self Represented Resource Center (SRRC) for those who do not have the financial resources to retain private counsel, and more. Their Youth Education and Intervention Services Department works to divert youth from further involvement with the Juvenile Justice System through prevention, intervention and treatment services. Go online to find program details, FAQs, and legal forms.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone Directory: drj.fccourts.org/Administration/Quick-Phone-Directory
drj.fccourts.org/Home

Franklin County Law Library

County law library serving the legal community and general public. Services include access to legal research guides, a library of self-help legal resources, and printable court documents and legal forms. The Ohio Legal Aid Portal offers a quick survey to help you find lawyers and resources according to your legal needs and location.
369 South High Street, 10th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-4971
lawlibrary.franklincountyohio.gov
Ohio Legal Aid Portal: ohiolegalhelp.org

Franklin County Municipal Court Self-Help Center

Provides information about civil claims in Franklin County Municipal Court for issues such as record sealing / expungement, landlord / tenant issues, creditor / debtor issues and general claims. They offer a free walk-in service to help individuals represent themselves in court without a lawyer. Staff cannot offer legal advice but can help with finding resources and legal information, such as help completing court forms or answers to general questions. The Center is open to the public on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary.
375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-8214
municipalcourt.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit

Provides information and support to victims and witnesses navigating the criminal justice system. Assistants help victims in sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, and homicide cases. The Juvenile Division helps victims in cases where the offender is a parent or caretaker. The Victim Witness Assistant located at The Center for Family Safety and Healing provides on-site assistance to victims of child abuse seen at the Center. The website has helpful information on the duties of Victim witness Assistants, Victim Rights, Offender Search tools, and more.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Adult Division: (614) 525-3555
Juvenile Division: (614) 525-4440
prosecutor.franklincountyohio.gov/criminal-division/victim-witness-unit

Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board (FC-RAB)

Provides resources for those transitioning from correctional and rehabilitative institutions back into the community. The website has information on document/identification assistance, job opportunities, public assistance benefits, mental health and addiction programs, clothing assistance, housing/shelter and more. Franklin County First Step provides in-person help the first Friday of every month to help fill in gaps for restored citizens. Visit to get help with record expungement, intakes and appointments for services, and access to additional resources.
FC-RAB Office: 373 South High Street, 25th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-5577
reentry.franklincountyohio.gov
Franklin County First Step: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
reentry.franklincountyohio.gov/Community-Information/Franklin-County-First-Step

Franklin County Tap In Center

Is a non-violent misdemeanor warrant holding you back? The Tap In program offers help for Franklin County residents who have low-level, non-violent misdemeanor warrants. Non-violent misdemeanors may include theft, criminal trespassing, drug offenses, soliciting or driving offenses. Staff assist in recalling and rescheduling legal cases without the need for arrest. Services are provided at several local libraries, but appointments are required, so you must call to schedule.
(614) 525-4488
Tap In Website: franklincountytapincenter.my.canva.site
Franklin County Justice Policy Website: franklincountyohio.gov/Agency-Directory/Justice-Policy-Programs

Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO: Formerly LASC)

Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance to low income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, immigration, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has a page of Resources with easy-to-read information on these topics.
lasco.org

  • Columbus Office: Serves Franklin and Madison county
    1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    Intake: (888) 246-4420
    General Inquiries: (614) 224-8374 or (877) 224-8374
  • Marion Office: Serves Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union county
    150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
    (740) 383-2161 or (888) 301-2411

Muslim Family Services (MFS) of Ohio

Social service agency established by Muslim women to help women and families overcome challenges. They support the Muslim community in Central Ohio by offering referrals, and material support. Services include basic needs assistance (food, housing referrals), mediation and conflict resolution services, interpretation and paperwork assistance, resettlement support, ESL classes, job skills training, and Janazah (Muslim funeral) services. They host seasonal giving programs for school supplies, and Eid and Ramadan meals.
4900 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 470-2848
wp.mfsohio.org/let-us-help

Office for Victims of Crime

Provides important resources and information for victims of crime. Use the website to file a civil rights complaint, apply for victim compensation, or use the online directory to find victim assistance services across the country.
Hotlines & Contact Information: ovc.ojp.gov/help-for-victims/toll-free-text-and-online-hotlines
ovc.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
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims/Apply-for-Victims-Compensation.aspx

Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

Provides free legal representation to state and federal victims of crime throughout Ohio to ensure their constitutional and statutory rights are enforced and protected from the time a crime is first reported throughout the criminal justice process. They also offer Free Victims’ Rights Training to promote awareness of crime victims’ rights laws and to ensure consistent systemic implementation of crime victims’ rights laws.
PO Box 369, Powell, Ohio, 43065
(614) 848-8500
ocvjc.org

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Office of Victim Services

Works with victims of crime to support meaningful participation in post-conviction processes. Victims can go online to register for  notifications, file a claim through the Victim Compensation Fund, and find additional resources and community organizations. Victim-Offender Dialogue (VOD) is a restorative justice process in which the victim of a violent crime and the offender meet with a dialogue facilitator.
4545 Fisher Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(888) 842-8464
Additional Contact Information: dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drc.ohio.gov/Forms/VictServ_OVS%20Regional%20Map.pdf
drc.ohio.gov/victim-services/welcome

Ohio Legal Help

Helps Ohioans access the civil justice system. They provide plain language legal help information, interactive self-help tools and connections to local legal and community resources that can help people resolve their legal issues.
88 East Broad Street, Suite 720, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 791-8362
ohiolegalhelp.org

Ohio Special Education Legal Clinic (Lawyers4Students)

Offers a free Special Education Legal Clinic for parents of students with disabilities (ages 3-26). Parents and guardians meet with a special education advocate or attorney to ask questions and discuss challenges related to special education services. The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free, 30-minute guidance sessions with attorneys are also available.
262 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus: (614) 745-2001
Cleveland: (216) 714-1515
Cincinnati: (513) 496-1635
lawyers4students.com/legalclinic

Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS)

Provides free legal help for income-eligible individuals throughout 30 counties in southeastern Ohio. They handle public benefits, housing, unemployment compensation, family issues, education, tax disputes, healthcare, record expungement, and other matters. Their website also has a fantastic library of resources for consumers to educate themselves on these topics.  New clients should call the Intake Line.

  • Administrative Office: 1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (800) 589-5888
  • Athens: 964 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
    (740) 594-3558 or (800) 686-3669
  • Chillicothe: 73 East Water Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
    (740) 773-0012 or (800) 686-3668
  • Marion: 150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
    (740) 383-2161 or (888) 301-2411
  • New Philadelphia: 255 Second Street Northeast, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
    (330) 339-3998 or (800) 686-3670
  • Newark: 15 West Locust Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 345-0850 or (888) 831-9412
  • Portsmouth: 800 Gallia Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
    (740) 354-7563 or (800) 837-2508
  • Steubenville: 100 North Third Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952
    (740) 283-4781 or (800) 837-4781

Intake Line: (844) 302-1800
seols.org

USA.gov

An official guide to federal information and services. Use the website to find helpful, easy-to-read information on topics like how the government works, government benefits, disability services, immigration and citizenship, taxes, legal issues and more. The website can also be used to register to vote, print tax forms or check on a tax refund, file a complaint, and other government-related tasks.
(844) 872-4681
usa.gov

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