Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Cleveland, Ohio — including verified organizations, what they handle, who qualifies, and how to prepare before you reach out. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Cleveland, OH: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Cleveland and cannot afford an attorney, several well-established legal-aid organizations provide free or low-cost civil legal services. These groups help with evictions, housing problems, family law issues, domestic violence, consumer debt, public benefits, immigration matters, senior rights, and disability appeals. Cleveland has one of the strongest legal-aid networks in Ohio, serving both the city and greater Cuyahoga County. (You may upload legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Cleveland
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
What they do: The main civil legal-aid provider for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. They help with eviction defense, rent escrow and repairs, domestic violence protection orders, custody and child support issues, immigration matters, debt and consumer issues, public-benefits denials, elder law, homelessness prevention, and record sealing.
Who they help: Low-income individuals and families, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, veterans, and households facing housing instability.
Contact: Intake line: (888) 817-3777. Website: lasclev.org.
United Way of Greater Cleveland — Right to Counsel (Evictions)
What they do: Provides free legal representation for eligible tenants facing eviction in Cleveland Housing Court. A partnership between United Way and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Eligibility: Cleveland tenants with children and income at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines.
Website: righttocounselcleveland.org
CHN Housing Partners — Housing & Utility Support
What they do: Helps tenants with rental assistance, utility support, landlord mediation, and housing-stability services. Provides referrals to legal-aid for eviction or habitability issues.
Contact: Phone: (216) 574-7100. Website: chnhousingpartners.org
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
What they do: Offers survivors of sexual violence legal advocacy, protective-order assistance, trauma counseling, and court accompaniment.
24/7 Hotline: (216) 619-6192. Website: clevelandrapecrisis.org
Legal Aid for Seniors — Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
What they do: Helps adults aged 60+ with legal issues including eviction prevention, benefits access, elder abuse, power-of-attorney questions, and consumer protection.
Contact: Phone: (216) 621-8010. Website: areaagingsolutions.org
Common Civil-Legal Issues Handled in Cleveland
- Evictions and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Debt collection, garnishment, and consumer fraud
- Record sealing and expungements
- Immigration support (not removal defense)
- Elder law and abuse prevention
- SSDI/SSI and disability benefits appeals
- SNAP, Medicaid, and public-benefits issues
What Cleveland Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense (felonies, misdemeanors, traffic)
- Civil lawsuits for personal injury or malpractice
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration deportation/removal cases
- High-asset or contested divorce litigation
When Cleveland Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- If you receive an eviction notice or court summons: Right to Counsel may apply — act quickly.
- If you are experiencing domestic violence: Call emergency services or the Rape Crisis Center hotline.
- If your utilities are shut off or at risk: Contact CHN Housing Partners.
- If you receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Deadlines are strict — save all documents.
- If your benefits are denied or reduced: Appeals require timely submissions.
- If you are a senior facing eviction or financial exploitation: Contact the Area Agency on Aging.
How to Prepare Before Applying for Legal Aid
- Gather documents: eviction notices, leases, repair requests, photos, debt letters, benefit denials, ID, pay stubs, medical/disability records, and court filings.
- Create a timeline: list key dates of notices, rent payments, repairs, communication, or incidents.
- Prepare financial information: household income, expenses, benefits received, and dependents.
- Write a short issue summary: 2–3 sentences explaining your problem and the help you need.
- Note urgent factors: homelessness risk, domestic violence, disability, or pending court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Lawyer Referral: fixed-fee consultations with private attorneys.
- Ohio Legal Help: free forms and guided legal information.
- Community and faith-based legal clinics: offered periodically throughout Cuyahoga County.
- LegalClarity document upload: receive a plain-English explanation (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Cleveland Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Cleveland and cannot afford a lawyer, your first step should be calling The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland at (888) 817-3777. Tenants facing eviction may qualify for Right to Counsel assistance. If you do not qualify for free help, consider the Bar Association referral service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.