Free Legal Aid in Ohio
Free and low-cost legal help available in Ohio. Includes LSC-funded legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and self-help resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- 3 legal aid organizations serve Ohio.
- Income eligibility: generally 125% of federal poverty level.
- Covers civil matters: housing, family law, consumer issues, benefits.
- Does not cover criminal cases — contact the public defender.
Legal Aid Organizations in Ohio
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the greater Cleveland area and northeastern Ohio.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Serves low-income residents of the Columbus area with free civil legal services.
Ohio Legal Help
Statewide online resource providing legal information, self-help tools, and connections to local legal aid programs in Ohio.
Additional Resources
What Legal Aid Covers
- Housing: Eviction defense, landlord disputes, public housing issues
- Family law: Divorce, custody, protection orders, child support
- Consumer: Debt collection, credit issues, utility shutoffs
- Benefits: SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment
- Immigration: Some programs handle immigration matters
What Legal Aid Won't Cover
- Criminal cases: Contact the public defender's office
- Fee-generating cases: Personal injury, workers' comp (find a contingency-fee lawyer instead)
- Over income limit: Ask about sliding-scale fees or limited-scope representation
If You Don't Qualify
- Find a lawyer in Ohio — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in Ohio — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find legal aid in Ohio?
Visit OhioLegalHelp.org or call your regional legal aid office. Ohio has multiple legal aid organizations serving different counties across the state.
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What types of cases does Ohio legal aid handle?
Ohio legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer debt, elder law, and expungement for qualifying low-income residents.
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Can Ohio legal aid help me get my record expunged?
Yes. Several Ohio legal aid organizations help eligible individuals apply for record expungement (sealing), which can improve employment and housing opportunities.