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Access to Justice Resources

  • Limited Scope Representation
    Limited scope representation allows you to hire a lawyer to perform a specific set of legal tasks such as giving you legal advice, helping you fill out court forms and other documents, or preparing you to go to court.
  • Know your Rights
    Knowing your rights during a police stop, understanding how the criminal justice system works, and learning how to voice your opinion to shape laws are important for all Ohioans. Resources on these topics and more can be found at My Ohio Rights.
  • Keys to the Courtroom
    A resource of court procedures for those representing themselves in a civil case.
  • Legal Terminology: A Citizens Guide
    Citizens guide of legal terms and definitions frequently used in court to increase the level of understanding of the trial process.
  • Ohio Courts: A Citizens Guide
    A guide to Ohio courts and the judges who preside over those courts.
  • Report Child Abuse and Neglect 855 O-H-CHILD
    The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has launched 855-O-H-CHILD (855.642.4453), an automated telephone directory that will link callers directly to a child welfare or law enforcement office in their county. Reports can be anonymous.
  • Ohio Legal Help
    Need legal information, forms or a lawyer? Ohio Legal Help provides plain language legal help information, including an interactive self-help tool, connection to the local legal community, and other resources to help people resolve their legal issues. Find your local legal aid center.
  • Legal Aid: 1-866-LAW-OHIO (866.529.6446)
    Six Legal Aid offices provide high quality legal services to Ohio citizens. Call 1-866-LAW-OHIO (866.529.6446) to contact the local office that serves your area.
  • Ohio Justice Bus
    The Ohio Justice Bus is a mobile legal aid office that travels around the state providing free legal services and access to technology to help address legal needs in rural and underserved areas of the state.
  • Why Can’t I Talk to the Judge? A Citizens Guide
    To ensure fairness and equal treatment, judges are not allowed to receive information from one side or party. This guide outlines how to make proper communication with the judge assigned to a case.
  • Representing Yourself in Court: A Citizens Guide
    Information about preparing for a case, how to conduct oneself in the courtroom, and the roles of all people in the court room is provided in this resource guide.
  • Pro Seniors
    Statewide elder law hotline (1.800.488.6070) that provides legal advice, education, advocacy, and representation to individuals 60 and older at no cost to clients.
  • Victim's Rights Information
    If you are a victim of a crime, you have rights surrounding information and hearings. A full summary of rights is found in this document.
  • Filing a Grievance Against Judges or Lawyers (6 languages, 1 form)
    The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates allegations of ethical misconduct made against attorneys, judges, and magistrates, as well as the unauthorized practice of law. The complaint form may be downloaded and mailed to the Office.

Image showing a map of the state of Ohio with inverted, drop-shaped location markers for Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Canton, Dayton, Columbus, Newark, Cincinnati, and Chillicothe.

Your military service may qualify you for veterans benefits.

If you need help with legal issues such as:

  • Bankruptcy and debt
  • Divorce, custody, domestic violence and stalking
  • Access to health care
  • Housing issues and foreclosure
  • Employment and reemployment
  • Public benefits
  • Expungement and record sealing
  • Simple estate planning
  • Tax issues

As the first step in getting a lawyer go to OhioLegalHelp.org to find your nearest veterans justice outreach center or Ohio Legal Aid Office.

Legal Services Offices

Community Legal Aid Services (Akron, Canton, and Youngstown)
(800) 998-9454

Legal Aid of Western Ohio (Toledo and Dayton)
(888) 534-1432

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Cleveland)
(888) 817-3777

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (Columbus and Southeast Ohio)
(888) 246-4420

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (Chillicothe)
(844) 302-1800

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati (Cincinnati)
(513) 241-9400

Pro Seniors (Statewide, 60+)
(800) 488-6070

Ohio Legal Help

A2J Flyer (Color | B&W)
Use this printable flyer to connect people with the helpful resources found on this page.

Veterans Legal Services Poster (8.5 x 11, Color | 8.5 x 11, B&W | 11 x 17, Color)
Use this printable poster to connect veterans with helpful legal resources.

Word files may be viewed for free with Office Online.

PDF Files may be viewed, printed, and searched using the Free Acrobat® Reader. Acrobat Reader is a trademark of Adobe Inc.