Through the new online help center in Lorain County, people can complete court forms, available in English and Spanish, on their mobile devices.

Through the new online help center in Lorain County, people can complete court forms, available in English and Spanish, on their mobile devices.

Many Lorain County residents who are dealing with divorce, child custody disputes, or child support matters represent themselves in court because they can’t afford to hire an attorney. Navigating the court system without an attorney’s help can be overwhelming, especially when families are already in stressful situations.

The Lorain County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, in partnership with Ohio Legal Help, have constructed a new online self-help center to assist people who are representing themselves in domestic relations or juvenile cases to guide them through the legal processes and court.

“Improving access to justice is one of the most important responsibilities of the court,” said Judge Frank Janik. “The new Virtual Self-Help Center builds on the foundation of our in-person Help Center and offers access anytime, anywhere to the information our residents need to complete court forms, and better understand the court process.”

The Virtual Self-Help Center is available 24/7 at no charge. The online service allows users to fill out, edit, save, and complete court forms on their mobile phones, tablets, or computers. It also provides local court information, guidance on filing documents with the court, and what to expect at hearings. Much of the legal information on the site is also available in Spanish.
 
“The Virtual Self-Help Center removes major barriers for people trying to navigate the legal system on their own,” said Susan Choe, executive director of Ohio Legal Help. “Now, families don’t have to worry about finding transportation, taking time off work, or arranging childcare just to get the information and forms they need. They can get the help they need when it works for them.”

More than 12% of the Lorain County population (approximately 317,000) are living below the federal poverty level — making free, accessible resources like the Virtual Self-Help Center particularly critical.

The Lorain County launch follows the successful implementation of similar virtual self-help centers in Montgomery and Cuyahoga counties, as part of Ohio Legal Help’s broader mission to expand access to civil justice across the state.