Pro Se Divorce Clinics

LAWO has partnered with various county bar associations to develop clinics for pro se divorce filers. Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing the numerous forms and pleadings required for a divorce. Often pro se filers use a self-guided interview and answer questions using ATJ Author, which then generates the complaint and applicable affidavits before the client meets with the pro bono attorney.

Divorce Batch Clinics

Cases are screened for no issues such as assets, debts, retirement, or custody. Clients are partnered with a pro bono attorney at the monthly clinic. The pro bono attorney with either help prepare or review previously prepared pleadings before helping the client finalize the documentation. LAWO staff will copy the pleadings and forms and walk the client to the Clerk of Courts to file the new case. The pro bono attorney attends the hearing with the client to finalize the divorce case. The Court will often schedule the final hearings the same day.

Virtual Advice Clinics

LAWO also has used technology to develop virtual advice clients for clients in our smaller counties. LAWO staff screen applicants and identify their legal issues before setting appointments with pro bono attorneys via video conferencing during monthly clinics. Clinic clients receive advice from the pro bono attorneys.

Kinship Care Pro Se Clinics

To meet the legal needs arising from the opioid epidemic, LAWO has partnered with various county bar associations to develop clinics for grandparents raising their grandchildren, as well as other family caregivers.  Applicants are prescreened and scheduled for an appointment to meet with a pro bono attorney at a clinic. Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing Grandparent Powers of Attorney, Caretaker Affidavits, or in some circumstances a complaint for custody.

LAWO currently offers clinics in the following counties.

Allen County

• Bar Association Email Blasts: The Allen County Bar Association’s members receive descriptions of available cases and updates to its volunteers by mass email.  This system increases efficiencies and allows the PAI program to increase placement in Allen County. 
• Batch Clinic: The Allen County Domestic Relations Divorce Clinic in Lima provides clients with a pro bono attorney, selected by Judge Staley. These cases are screened for no issues such as assets, debts, retirement, or custody. LAWO staff prepares all of the documents and assists with filing the action. At the monthly clinic, the clients meet with the pro bono attorney, and review and sign the pleadings and forms. Any minor changes are made by LAWO staff in attendance. LAWO staff copy the pleadings and forms and walk client to the Clerk of Courts to file the new case. The pro bono attorney attends the hearing with the client to finalize the divorce case. 

Hancock County

• Pro Se Divorce Clinic: LAWO has partnered with the Hancock County Bar Association to develop a clinic for pro se divorce filers.  Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing the numerous forms and pleadings required for a divorce or dissolution. Volunteer attorneys and paralegals received a free Continuing Legal Education course prior to providing their pro bono service.
• Kinship Care Pro Se Clinic: To address legal issues arising from the opioid epidemic, LAWO has partnered with the Hancock County Bar Association to develop a clinic to assist grandparents raising their grandchildren, as well as other family caregivers. Applicants are prescreened and scheduled for an appointment to meet with a pro bono attorney at a clinic. Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing a Grandparent Powers of Attorney, a Caretaker Affidavits, or in some circumstances, a complaint for custody. 

Logan and Shelby Counties

• Virtual Office Clinic:  The federal district court for the Southern District of Ohio supports LAWO counsel and advice clinics in the Southern District’s rural counties.  LAWO staff screen applicants and identify their legal issues before setting appointments with pro bono attorneys via video conferencing during monthly clinics.  The applicants receive advice.  Attorneys can provide ongoing representation at their discretion. LAWO staff attorneys and paralegals will partner with volunteers to minimize case work and travel time. This clinic can be extended to other counties in our service area upon request or availability of pro bono attorneys. 

Mercer County

• Batch Clinic: The Mercer County Domestic Relations Divorce Clinic in Celina provides clients with a pro bono attorney. These cares have no issues such as assets, debts, retirement, or custody. LAWO staff prepares all of the documents and assists with filing the action. At the clinic, the clients meet with the pro bono attorney and reviews and signs the pleadings and forms. Any minor changes are made by LAWO staff in attendance. LAWO staff copy the pleadings and forms and walk client to the Clerk of Courts to file the new case. The pro bono attorney attends the hearing with the client to finalize the divorce case. 

Sandusky County

• Pro Se Divorce Clinic:  LAWO has partnered with the Sandusky County Bar Association and Law Library to develop a clinic for pro se divorce filers.  Using a self-guided interview, pro se filers answer questions using ATJ Author, which then generates the complaint etc. Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing the numerous forms and pleadings required for a divorce. 

Shelby County

• Pro Se Divorce Clinic:  LAWO has partnered with the Shelby County Bar Association to develop a clinic for pro se divorce filers.  Using a self-guided interview, pro se filers answer questions using ATJ Author, which then generates the complaint and other documents. Volunteer attorneys instruct and assist local residents in completing the numerous forms and pleadings required for a divorce.

LAWO has also partnered with various domestic relations and juvenile courts in the Western Ohio area to provide pro se self-help assisted clinics in Divorce, Custody, Paternity and Parenting time matter ins the following counties.  These counties vary from in-person clinics to virtual clinics.

Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams, and Van Wert Counties.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with these limited action clinics along with LAWO staff, please contact Melissa LaRocco, Pro Bono Director, at mlarocco [at] lawolaw.org.