Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Akron, Ohio — including verified providers, what issues they handle, who qualifies, and how to prepare before seeking help. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Akron, OH: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Akron and cannot afford a private attorney, several organizations provide free or low-cost civil legal aid. These groups help with evictions, unsafe housing, domestic violence, consumer debt issues, family law, immigration-related civil matters, disability benefits, senior legal needs, and more. (You may upload legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Akron
Community Legal Aid (Akron Office)
What they do: Community Legal Aid is the primary free civil legal-aid provider for Summit County. They assist with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, domestic violence, custody/child support matters, debt collection defense, record sealing, elder law, foreclosure prevention, and benefits appeals (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI).
Who they help: Low-income residents, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and vulnerable households.
Contact: Phone: (800) 998-9454. Website: communitylegalaid.org.
Akron Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service
What they do: Provides low-cost consultations and referrals to private attorneys in family law, housing, consumer issues, probate, and more. Useful for residents who do not qualify for free legal aid.
Contact: Phone: (330) 253-5007. Website: akronbar.org
Victim Assistance Program (Summit County)
What they do: Offers protective-order assistance, safety planning, and court support for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and harassment.
24/7 Hotline: (330) 376-0040. Website: victimassistanceprogram.org
Fair Housing Contact Service (FHCS)
What they do: Provides assistance with housing discrimination, rental denials, accessibility issues, and landlord retaliation. Helps tenants file fair-housing complaints and understand their rights.
Contact: Phone: (330) 376-6191. Website: fairhousingakron.org
Asian Services in Action (ASIA) — Immigration Legal Services
What they do: Provides low-cost immigration support including naturalization applications, family petitions, humanitarian relief, and document assistance for immigrants and refugees.
Contact: Phone: (330) 535-3263. Website: asiaohio.org
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Akron
- Eviction defense and unsafe housing conditions
- Landlord retaliation and habitability problems
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support issues
- Debt collection, repossessions, and garnishment
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI)
- Foreclosure prevention and homeowner assistance
- Immigration-related civil help
- Record sealing and expungement
- Elder law and financial exploitation prevention
What Akron Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense cases
- Traffic violations
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration removal (deportation) defense
- High-asset or heavily contested divorce cases
When Akron Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice: Act quickly — eviction cases move fast in Summit County.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Contact Victim Assistance Program right away.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: Deadlines are strict — save all documents.
- Your landlord refuses urgent repairs: Document issues with photos and written communication.
- Your public benefits were denied: Appeals often require fast action.
- You face utility shutoffs or foreclosure: Legal aid can help with housing stability.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: leases, notices, photos of conditions, debt letters, benefit denials, ID, pay stubs, medical/disability documentation, and court papers.
- Create a timeline: list important dates such as notices received, attempted repairs, missed payments, or communication.
- Prepare financial information: household income, monthly expenses, benefits received, and household size.
- Write a short issue summary: 2–3 sentences explaining what happened and what help you need.
- Note urgent factors: homelessness risk, violence, disability, or upcoming hearings.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Akron Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: low-cost legal consultations.
- Ohio Legal Help (statewide): free forms and step-by-step guidance.
- Local law-school or nonprofit clinics: periodic free legal workshops.
- LegalClarity document upload: receive a plain-English explanation (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Akron Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Akron and cannot afford an attorney, your first step should be contacting Community Legal Aid at (800) 998-9454. For domestic violence emergencies, call the Victim Assistance Program immediately. If you don’t qualify for free services, use the Akron Bar Association referral program or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.