Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Columbus, Ohio — including verified organizations, eligibility rules, common case types, and how to prepare before requesting help. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Columbus, OH: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Columbus and need civil legal help but cannot afford a private attorney, several local and statewide organizations provide free or low-cost legal services. These groups help with eviction defense, housing disputes, domestic violence, family law matters, debt issues, public benefits, disability rights, and immigration-related civil needs. (You may upload documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Columbus
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC)
What they do: The primary free civil-legal provider for Franklin County. LASC helps with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, unsafe housing, domestic violence protective orders, custody and child support issues, record sealing, immigration-related civil matters, consumer and debt issues, public-benefits appeals, and tax controversies.
Who they help: Low-income residents, seniors, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and vulnerable households.
Contact: Phone: (614) 224-8374. Website: columbuslegalaid.org.
Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA)
What they do: Provides statewide legal advocacy, impact litigation, and support for low-income Ohioans. Assists with civil rights, disability benefits, benefits access, Medicaid and SNAP appeals, housing policy, domestic violence issues, and elder law.
Website: oslsa.org
Ohio Legal Help
What they do: A statewide legal-information and referral platform offering guided forms, tenant-rights tools, and step-by-step instructions for family law, evictions, small claims, and domestic violence. Not a legal-aid provider, but an essential resource for self-help.
Website: ohiolegalhelp.org
Columbus City Attorney's Office — Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit
What they do: Provides victim advocacy, protective-order assistance, safety planning resources, and help navigating the criminal-justice process for survivors.
Contact: Victim advocates: (614) 645-6232. Website: columbus.gov/cityattorney
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
What they do: Provides low-cost immigration legal services including status adjustments, family petitions, work authorizations, naturalization, humanitarian relief, and guidance for refugees and asylees.
Contact: Phone: (614) 235-5747. Website: crisohio.org
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Columbus
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Family law issues including custody, visitation, and child support
- Debt collection, garnishment, and consumer fraud
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI/SSI)
- Unemployment appeals
- Civil immigration assistance
- Record sealing and expungement
- Elder law and senior protection
What Columbus Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic cases
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration removal/deportation defense (refer to outside specialists)
- High-asset or complex divorce litigation
When Columbus Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice: Franklin County eviction timelines move fast—contact LASC right away.
- You experience domestic violence: Call the City Attorney's Victim Assistance Unit or a local crisis hotline.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: Keep all documents — deadlines are strict.
- Your benefits are denied or reduced: Appeals often require quick action.
- Your home is unsafe or your landlord refuses repairs: Document issues with photos and written requests.
- You have an upcoming hearing: Seek assistance immediately or prepare your documents for self-help support.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Collect documents: leases, eviction notices, pay stubs, ID, benefit denials, debt letters, medical/disability records, and court filings.
- Create a timeline: list key dates, incidents, notices, communication with landlords, or benefit decisions.
- Prepare financial information: household income, expenses, benefits received, and number of dependents.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences describing your issue and the help you need.
- Identify urgent factors: homelessness risk, safety concerns, disability, upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Columbus Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: low-cost consultations with private attorneys.
- Ohio Legal Help: free forms, guided tools, and step-by-step instructions for self-represented individuals.
- Community clinics: local nonprofits and law schools occasionally host free legal clinics.
- LegalClarity document upload: receive a plain-English explanation (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Columbus Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Columbus and cannot afford a lawyer, start by calling The Legal Aid Society of Columbus at (614) 224-8374. For domestic violence emergencies, contact the City Attorney's Victim Assistance Unit. If you do not qualify for free help, try the Columbus Bar referral service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.