Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're looking for insights on legal matters or general information, our resources are designed to help you navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.

Please note that the information provided is not comprehensive or all-inclusive, and we are not responsible for the content or reliability of third-party sources linked or referenced on this site. Always consult a qualified professional attorney for specific legal advice. We encourage you to explore the resources available to enhance your understanding and knowledge.

Need Legal Information, Forms or a Lawyer?

Ohio Legal Help

https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/

Plain language legal information, with interactive self-help tools and connections to local legal and community resources that empower Ohioans to resolve their legal issues.

SPANISH/ESPAÑOL: https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/es


Need Files from a Deceased Lawyer?

Office of Disciplinary Counsel The Supreme Court of Ohio

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) may obtain the client files of an attorney who has died or disappeared, been disciplined, been deported, or is incapacitated.

https://www.odc.ohio.gov/abandoned-files


Can't Afford a Lawyer?

Legal Aid Society of Columbus

https://www.columbuslegalaid.org

LASC provides legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire an attorney and easy-to-understand information about your legal rights. This includes information about how to get into court, what to do when in court or what to do when dealing with government agencies. LASC also offers free, easy-to-complete legal forms.

Learn what LASC can assist with and complete an online intake form at https://www.columbuslegalaid.org/get-help

New client intake phone lines for Franklin and Madison counties are open Mon-Fri 9:30-3:30; please call (614) 241-2001


Been Accused of a Crime and Can't Afford Representation?

Franklin County Public Defender

https://defender.franklincountyohio.gov/Contact/Contact-us

373 S. High St, 12th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215   (Google Map)
(614) 525-3194

Office of the Ohio Public Defender

https://opd.ohio.gov/

250 East Broad Street Suite 1400 Columbus, Ohio 43215   (Google Map)
(614) 466-5394 or (800) 686-1573


Want to Resolve a Dispute Outside of Court?

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio

CMS helps people to resolve conflicts through mediation:

  • Tenant/Landlord Disputes
  • Workplace Issues
  • Marital Problems
  • Elder-Care Concerns
  • Parent/Teenager Conflicts
  • Neighborhood Nuisances

CMS also teaches people how to use conflict resolution and mediation skills in their own lives.

Please contact the Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio (CMS) office at (614) 228-7191 and leave a message, making special note to give them the court date and a phone number where they can reach you.


Want to Represent Yourself in Court?

The Franklin County of Ohio Self Help Center

https://municipalcourt.franklincountyohio.gov/Departments-Services/Self-Help

The Self-Help Resource Center provides information about civil claims in Franklin County Municipal Court.

It is a free walk-in service to help individuals represent themselves in court without a lawyer. Staff cannot offer legal advice but can assist in finding helpful resources and provide legal information, provide court forms, and answers to questions about court procedures. The Center is open to the public on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary.

375 S. High St., 16th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215   (Google Map)
9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday-Friday

The Franklin County Probate Court Resource Center

https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/about/the-court/resource-center

The Franklin County Probate Court Resource Center was created to provide limited legal assistance to individuals who are handling simple estate matters but cannot afford a lawyer.

373 S. High Street 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311   (Google Map)
All consultations are completed by phone. Resource center hours may vary, so please allow time for a return call and be sure to answer your phone.

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch Self Represented Resource Center

https://drj.fccourts.org/DRJ.aspx?PN=SRRC.htm

The Self-Represented Resource Center is a legal center wherein low-income individuals, who do not have an attorney, can receive assistance with preparing legal paperwork. The Self-Represented Resource Center is staffed by attorneys. These attorneys do not represent you, and they cannot provide you with any legal advice. The attorneys are available to assist with Juvenile and Domestic court forms.

(614) 525-7531   9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday


Need Help as a Victim of a Crime?

Ohio Attorney General's Crime Victim Services Section

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims

Victims of crime face many setbacks as a result of their tragic and unexpected circumstances. The Attorney General's Crime Victim Services Section provides funding and services to aid victims, training for professionals who assist them, grants for victim service providers, and crime prevention programs for Ohio communities.