Legal Aid Society of Columbus OH assistance programs.
Numerous civil cases are handled by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. Attorneys from the non-profit law firm help qualified low income families from the region, including Franklin, Marion, and nearby counties. Clients can get free legal consultations with a number of needs, including housing and eviction prevention, help in applying for public benefits, consumer debt issues, and other topics and find details on free legal services in the Columbus Ohio area.
Lawyers that help with consumer debt needs
One of the major issues handled by the firm is around consumer debt and dealing with predatory lenders . The federal government, as well as state of Ohio, have rules and regulations in place that need to be followed. For example, a creditor must disclose their identity to individuals and may not contact people certain hours of the day. Consumers can also request to have debt collectors stop from contacting by writing them a letter just telling them to cease. Many different types of support fall under the Consumer Law team of Legal Aid Society of Columbus. They can assist with some or all of the following, including Creditor Harassment. People in debt can also get legal aid for bankruptcy filings, wage Garnishments, as well as lawyers that offer debt settlement and Repossessions such as from an auto lender. There are a number of other consumer debt protections in place as well, all of which the Columbus Legal Aid Society can advise clients on. This information is free, and they can help ensure that a debt collector will not threaten or harass someone. Another action that a consumer can take is they can complain to the Attorney General of Ohio or even the Federal Trade Commission noting the abusive actions.
Housing consultations from Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Free foreclosure prevention is provided by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. Staff, including either attorneys or HUD approved housing counselors, will advise clients on the process. They will help people file an answer/counterclaim to any foreclosure notice with the court. Or work with a case manager on exploring various mortgage assistance programs, including government loan modifications, forbearance and more. Some of the more common solutions used in Ohio are the following. The lenders Loss Mitigation Department can be contacted in order to negotiate and alter terms of the home loan. Lawyers can help people complete a Work Out with their bank. In this case, the homeowner will continue to make monthly payments. At the same time, they will need to agree on terms or a repayment plan to catch up the amount that they are behind. Mediation services are available from the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. This involves a third party meeting with the client as well as the lender to try and resolve the issue. Other options include a Loan Modification as well as support from HUD, or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Homeowners in the area, including Marion, Franklin, Union County, can explore these options and many others. The goal is to help people avoid a foreclosure. Free legal assistance for other housing matters is also available, including eviction defense . The Legal Aid Society of Columbus Ohio provides representation and advice for tenants residing in either private or government subsidized housing. The goal is to prevent homelessness and ensure that homes and apartments are safe to live in and they also help low-income families get rent assistance in Columbus so they can remain in their home. The main service offered is known as the Pro Bono Tenants Advocacy Project. Qualified low income families from the greater Columbus region can get free help in dealing with Evictions, landlord Lock-outs, Section 8 Voucher Terminations, and even utility matters. There is support provided for energy companies on disconnections as well as the shut off of heat during the winter months.
Legal help in getting government benefits
The Public Benefits Team
can help elderly and low-income families in central Ohio apply for the government benefits they are entitled too. If someone has been denied by either the state of Ohio or federal government, representatives from Legal Aid Society of Columbus will help clients overcome those barriers. They can get help in applying for public aid and other federal and start of Ohio government benefits. One way they do this is from Direct Service. The firm’s Public Benefits Team provides legal advice at no cost to qualified low income families. If needed, lawyers will also represent them in any disputes. Clients can get help in applying for programs such as Disability, SNAP Food Stamps, Medicare, Ohio Works First, Unemployment Compensation, and more. Get legal aid with Social Security SSI applications as well. There is particular focus on veterans in the Franklin County area as well as those with a disability. Also, if you think you have been unfairly denied or if your benefits have been terminated, clients can call the Legal Aid Society. They will help ensure that people that have applied for public aid are treated fairly.
Civil cases handed for free by Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Lawyers handle other civil legal cases as well. Domestic legal aid is for a wide variety of more general civil issues. They will all have a common theme of dealing with the family and the challenges faced by them. Get help with ending domestic violence and obtaining civil protection orders. There is also free support for Child custody matters or in some cases a divorce filing. Free legal assistance is offered for those that have been terminated from their employer but do not think they should have been. There is also aid for people that have been denied benefits, such as unemployment, at the workplace, or maybe they have been reduced for some reason. Also, if there have been delays in the processing of your application, then a lawyer can help the person overcome that challenge. There is also legal guidance offered to senior citizens in the Columbus Ohio region. This includes Priority Services. They can get help with completing simple wills, Advance Directives, or Powers of Attorney notices. Lawyers work with their families to ensure any nursing home issues are handled appropriately. Other assistance for seniors in regions such as Franklin County include applications for Medicaid/Medicare, housing Issues, and ensuring access to public healthcare with lawyers also offering other senior assistance programs in Ohio. LITC, or the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic is part of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus as well. The non-profit will represent taxpayers who are involved in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service. They can support individuals through the audit process or any wage garnishments that are undertaken. Questions can be answered on the Earned Income Tax Credit by either lawyers or accountants that work for the firm. Other civil cases handled include unemployment compensation and illegal terminations. Veterans can also get help with applying for VA benefits, including the Ohio Veterans’ Bonus, disability, and civil legal issues that apply to military members.
Contact information
When calling for advice, there will be an intake procedure held. The result of that will help less fortunate clients find the correct service, and they will work with a paralegal or attorney to find a solution. If not support is available, then clients may be given referrals. Residents of Madison County should dial 1-888-246-4420 for information. Other phone numbers include Marion, Delaware, Morrow, or Union, the phone number is 740-383-2161 and address is 150 Oak St, Marion, OH 43302. The main office, for Franklin County OH, can be reached at 1108 City Park Ave. Columbus OH 43206. Call (614) 224-8374.