Free Legal Help in Columbus and Franklin County Ohio

If you or loved ones need to find answers to legal questions, there are many free resources available to the public. The Franklin County Municipal Court has opened a Self Help Resource Center for people who cannot afford a lawyer but need to either file or defend against a civil case. The Center has a staff attorney who can help with figuring out the logistics of court. The staff attorney is not there to provide legal advice or representation, however. Instead the staff attorney can offer information about a number of court-related topics.

Self Help Resource Center Hours of Operation

The Self Help Resource Center is located in a building adjacent to the Franklin County Municipal Court and across from the Franklin County Law Library in downtown Columbus. It is located at 369 South High Street on the 10th Floor. It is open from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. It opened on May 2, 2016, but it will be temporarily closed between May 13 through May 20.

What You Can Find at the Center

Opening the Center has happened because of effort and help coming from multiple avenues. The startup costs were covered by the Columbus Bar Association, and an imposed court fee built up a fund for operating costs. So in a sense, the community has built this Center. There are free pamphlets of information about legal topics available and there will be computer terminals where people can do research. Although you must qualify for eligibility, some people could obtain additional services from the Center.

Currently, the Self Help Resource Center focuses on landlord-tenant law, small claims, some debt collection, sealing of records, and consumer issues. It can also help on general issues such as how to represent yourself in court, about forms and applications, and other available resources.

What You Cannot Find at the Center: An Experienced Lawyer to Fight for You and Build a Case

The Center cannot offer you legal advice and cannot represent you in court. These services are the critical components you need to have the best chance possible to win your case. Remember that the Center is a wonderful resource for getting you basic information so that you can have a starting point. But if you can afford to pay legal fees, don't just depend on yourself to think your way through the legal system. Depend on someone who has been trained to do just that and who has the experience to back it up.

In addition, since the Center has a limited focus on topics currently, there are many areas of law that you will not get help on. For example, since the Center only handles civil topics, you will not find resources for criminal matters or traffic matters. In addition there are other topics, such as divorce, that are not covered and complex enough that you should seek professional legal advice and advocacy. Divorce involves determinations about child custody and finances; there is a lot at stake. Especially in such high-stakes cases, you should take the time to find an attorney who will be right to see your case through.