Welcome to Legal Aid Line
COVID-19 Response
Though our offices are closed to the public to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are still working, and we are here to help you! To receive help from Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) or a pro bono program, you must be low-income and live in one of 32-counties of northwest and west central Ohio, OR be an Ohio resident and have a legal problem in one of 32-counties of northwest and west central Ohio; and complete an application for services.
Civil Legal Problems
LAWO and ABLE help with civil legal problems. All of our services are free. Some services are provided by telephone, by computer or by mail. Legal representation may be provided by one of our attorneys or by a volunteer attorney program partner.
The size of our staff and our resources may limit the legal problems we are able to help you with. If we are not able to help you with your problem, we will try to give you helpful information to handle your problem on your own and to find other help in your community. Be sure to visit our online Self-Help Center for information, forms, sample letters and other helpful resources.
We do not help with criminal matters. For help with a criminal matter, call the Public Defender’s office or your local Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service. If you are not sure if your legal problem is civil or criminal, call us and we will help you determine which type of issue you have.
If your civil legal problem is outside our 32-county service area, go to OhioLegalHelp.org to find the Ohio legal aid program near you.
Language Help
English and Spanish speaking staff are available to help you.
We offer interpreters if you do not speak English or Spanish. We offer American Sign Language and other language interpreters by appointment.
Access to Services
LAWO and ABLE services are fully accessible. The law firms will make reasonable accommodations to program policies and procedures to enable people with disabilities to participate in and benefit from our services. If you require an accommodation, please ask the receptionist.