The Lowdown on Free Legal Help
Free legal services are, as the name suggests, legal services that are provided free of charge to help those who may not otherwise be able to afford or access the legal assistance they need. This is an important facet of accessibility in the legal system, because it guarantees that everyone has the opportunity to seek the counsel of a lawyer, regardless of their income or capital. It’s also necessary for ensuring a fair and balanced legal system—a case without representation on either side is not one that courts would decide in a fair manner .
These kinds of programs often fill a very specific niche—such as family law or bankruptcy—that is otherwise difficult for many people to access. They also often employ lawyers on a volunteer basis. While you may think that free legal assistance means a reduced level of professionalism or care when it comes to pursuing your case, oftentimes these legal aid organizations will provide access to some of the best legal professionals in a given area at no charge. This is a powerful and important service that ensures no one in Columbus has to fight their legal battles alone.
Locating Free Legal Aid in Columbus
There are a variety of organizations in Columbus, Ohio, like legal aid societies and nonprofit organizations, that can provide free legal help. Here is a brief overview:
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati (LASC) serves low-income residents of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, and Adams Counties in Ohio. It provides access to local attorneys through its offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mariemont, Ohio. It offers a "Lawyer Finder" service, which enables you to connect with a local attorney who will listen to your legal situation and evaluate possible solutions.
Legal Aid also offers pro bono services through groups such as the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Network to local residents in need of assistance. In addition, Legal Aid specializes in foreclosure mediation and housing and consumer lending education programs.
Columbus Bar Association
The Columbus Bar Association has many ways in which it can help residents of Franklin County find free legal assistance. Through their Lawyer Referral Service, members of the public can receive a free 30-minute consultation with a Columbus area lawyer. There is a $25 fee for all referrals. Furthermore, the Columbus Bar Association has a Young Lawyers Division that can provide free legal assistance to members of the public through its Citizenship Day and Veterans Legal Advice Clinic events.
There is also a pro bono program that provides legal counsel on an array of civil issues, including Guardian ad Litem support for needy families and children; defense on consumer debt lawsuits; divorce assistance; and living wills and medical powers of attorney.
YMCA
The YMCA offers free legal assistance to its Columbus, Ohio, members through its member benefit plan. YMCA members who pay their monthly membership fee have access to a legal assistance hotline. In addition, they have access to a financial consultation as part of their membership.
Who Qualifies for Free Legal Help?
While many people assume that free legal help is available to anyone, virtually all legal aid societies and pro bono organizations have specific income and other requirements that determine who can and cannot receive legal services. Income limits similar to those used to determine whether individuals can receive food stamps or Medicaid are the most common. It is not unusual for the level to be around 125% of the federal poverty level. With the federal poverty level for a family of four currently at $25,100, that means eligibility for free legal advice and assistance can be as high as $31,375, which is reasonable in light of the fact that even a modest income can place you well beyond the limits for free food or medical care. Income limits do not apply to all types of legal problems. Virtually all legal aid societies provide representation in cases involving domestic violence, and the City of Columbus has developed a "Domestic Violence Limited Representation Project" through which lawyers with the Columbus Bar Association represent victims in divorces and domestic violence protection orders at substantial savings. If you do not qualify for free legal help, there are several low-fee programs in the Columbus area (see "Low-Cost Legal Help" in this blog).
Legal Matters Covered
The types of legal issues that are most frequently encountered and covered by free legal help services include family law disputes such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. These services also commonly assist with housing issues, including eviction defense and tenant rights. Employment matters, ranging from wrongful termination to wage disputes, as well as consumer rights issues like debt collection and consumer scams, often fall within the purview of free legal aid organizations. In some instances, these services also provide assistance with simple legal documents such as wills, not powers-of-attorney, in an effort to promote efficient use of resources.
Applying for No Cost Legal Assistance
For all the resources listed above, your first step in the process is to have an intake interview (also called a "consultation") with that organization in order to obtain free legal assistance. You will answer questions about your issue and probably fill out a form with information about yourself, your family, and your legal problem. This information forms the basis of your application for legal services and lets the organization determine if you are eligible for their services. Many times the intake interview and application can be completed in one sitting, but some groups will split it up over multiple meetings . For example, Legal Aid may have you fill out paper applications and then schedule a time for you or your lawyer to complete an intake interview over the phone.
While this sounds time consuming, it is the best way for the organization to determine what type of legal help you need. Remember these groups get a lot of applications so the faster you can return documents, the faster they can process your application. We strongly suggest you read and complete any forms they give you carefully and fully. If you have questions, tell them about it as soon as possible. Not providing the right information on the forms is one of the most common reasons for denial of free legal services.
Drawbacks and Limitations
While free legal help is valuable, it can also present certain challenges. One of the more prominent issues in Columbus, as in many cities across the U.S., is a lack of resources and potential long wait times. Legal aid organizations are often inundated with requests, leading to longer response times. In some cases, you may be placed on a waiting list for assistance. While lawyers take many pro bono hours, they also have to balance their obligations to clients who are paying for their services.
Other limitations revolve around coverage. While there are many resources available for specific types of issues, such as bankruptcy or social security, there may not be help for other problems. You may not get an attorney who practices on the specific issue you are facing. Make sure that any resource you use provides reviews of the key problems each organization can help you with.
As with any aid or service, the challenge is finding the right fit for you, but there are some things you can do to improve your chances for success. Try to be as specific as possible about your need and budget when reaching out to get help.
Successes/Benefits of No Cost Legal Aid
While many organizations are doing their part through innovation, education, and pro bono efforts, nothing hits home more than a real-life story of how free legal aid has made a difference. Let’s examine a few case studies of those successfully served by the Columbus Bar Association.
Case Study 1: Protecting A Child
Ali came to the CBA’s Legal Aid Society in search of basic protection for both her and her daughter who she had brought over from Afghanistan. Her husband had abused her – he had hospitalized her twice. While in the U.S. on a temporary visa for her husband’s school, Ali began to attend a local mosque, where a member referred her to a local church, which in turn referred her to the CBA’s Legal Aid Society. The CBA filed and successfully obtained an Order of Protection on behalf of Ali and her daughter. The abuser was arrested soon after and Ali was able to leave the shelter – she rented a room from a local church. Her renting agreement became a lease when the CBA served her landlord with a quit notice. They also filed for Ali’s permanent residency and helped pay an application fee. Ali has since filed for divorce from her husband and is in a custody battle over her daughter. With time, we believe Ali will be able to legally escape her abusive relationship and support her child in a safe home.
Case Study 2: Establishing Paternity
Jeremy found himself in need of the CBA when he and his pregnant girlfriend split. She moved out, locking him out of the apartment they had been sharing and he feared he would lose access to his child as a result. He went to the CBA and described his situation to one of our paralegals. His case was filed that very day – the CBA asked the Court to name both parties as the residential parent or custodian of their child. Jeremy’s ex was served with the Complaint and agreed to the request within week. A judge then established paternity so that both parties would legally be the legal parents of their child. Thanks to the Legal Aid Society, this new father will not be denied access to his child – judgment was delivered in his favor.
Other Resources and Contacts
For those seeking more comprehensive legal assistance regarding their specific situation, the following resources may prove useful:
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
1108 City Park Ave
Columbus, OH 43206
Website: www.columbuslegalaid.org
Phone: 614-241-2001
Franklin County Municipal Court Self-Help Center
Phone: 2-1-1 (Franklin County Residents) or 614-221-6765
The Self-Help Center assists individuals who are not represented by an attorney in civil court.
U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio
85 Marconi Blvd 2nd Floor Room 200
Columbus , OH 43215
Website: www.ohsd.uscourts.gov
Phone: 614-719-3000
Citizen Service Center (City of Columbus)
Phone: 3-1-1 (within city limits) or 614-645-3111
Service to citizens seeking information about City facilities, services and programs.