What we help with

We provide free legal help for a variety of concerns, including issues related to housing, debt, public benefits, taxes, and school. We also can assist with family problems and record sealing.

We also assist seniors and veterans

Apply online Apply by phone Find an office

About applying

All applicants are screened for eligibility.

Assistance is available for applicants with disabilities.

Interpreters are available at no cost when needed. (We are not a government agency.)

Due to limited resources, we cannot help everyone. For additional help, visit OhioLegalHelp.org.

Eligible applicants may be scheduled to speak with an attorney or referred for other type of assistance.

Have any court papers or other important documents ready when you apply.

Eligibility factors

To be eligible for CLA’s services depends on the following factors:

  • You meet our income and asset guidelines. Generally, a client is eligible if their household income is less than 125% of the federal poverty guideline, or up to 200% of the federal poverty level in some cases. Certain grants allow us to serve some clients with higher income and/or asset criteria.
  • You have one or more legal problems that fall within our established priorities.
  • We have no conflict of interest regarding your legal issue.
  • You live in our service area, or have a civil legal problem in one of our counties in our service area.
  • You meet the citizenship or immigration requirements established by Congress, unless you are fleeing domestic violence or trafficking.
  • Government regulations do not prohibit CLA from handling your type of legal problem.

     

Eligibility factors

To be eligible for CLA’s services depends on the following factors:

  • You meet our income and asset guidelines. Generally, a client is eligible if their household income is less than 125% of the federal poverty guideline, or up to 200% of the federal poverty level in some cases. Certain grants allow us to serve some clients with higher income and/or asset criteria.
  • You have one or more legal problems that fall within our established priorities.
  • We have no conflict of interest regarding your legal issue.
  • You live in our service area, or have a civil legal problem in one of our counties in our service area.
  • You meet the citizenship or immigration requirements established by Congress, unless you are fleeing domestic violence or trafficking.
  • Government regulations do not prohibit CLA from handling your type of legal problem.

Clients’ Rights

We will keep all information you provide confidential. However, if you are applying online, we cannot guarantee that the computer you are using is secure.

We will not deny help on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, political affiliation or belief, disability or any other classification protected by law.

We provide free legal help to eligible clients in any language.

CLA has a grievance procedure if you are not satisfied with the service provided. Please contact our HelpLine by telephone at (800) 998-9454 for more information.