COVID-19: Legal Aid's response to the public health crisis

The health and safety of our clients, advocates, and community are a top priority for us at Community Legal Aid. We are committed to keeping you informed and updated as we continue to respond to the ever-changing landscape surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). This web page will house the most up-to-date information regarding our policies and procedures for responding to the public health crisis.

We are doing our part as a community leader to help prevent further spread of the disease. But we remain diligent in our pledge to fight for justice for our impoverished and disadvantaged neighbors.

Current Policies

• We are still here and working for our clients. Anyone who needs legal assistance can apply online any time, day or night, or can call our HelpLine during operational hours.
• Our offices are generally open and are following CDC guidelines for public safety. Our offices may be closed in counties with high levels of community spread, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff, clients, and community. Please check community spread levels here to see protection tips for your county. If you plan on visiting one of our offices in person, call first.
• Any visitors to the office with a fever of 100.4 or higher, who have been exposed to someone who has tesed positive for COVID-19, or who has shown signs/symptoms of the virus are asked to please contact Legal Aid by phone or online instead of coming to the office in person.
• We are beginning to attend more and more public events as our staff members can attend safely. Community members should check our online events listing for the most up-to-date list of both in-person and virtual events.
• Any concerns or questions should be directed to info@communitylegalaid.org.

Current Case Priorities

In light of the public health crisis, Legal Aid is prioritizing legal issues that involve client health, safety, and ability to remain in stable housing, including:

• Domestic violence situations
• Housing issues, including evictions and lockouts
• Public benefits, such as food stamps and Medicaid
• Employment issues, especially as they relate to the virus
• Advanced directives and estate planning, healthcare powers of attorney, and living wills
• Some limited custody and visitation cases

In order to better serve these high-priority issues, Legal Aid currently is not taking cases related to the following: 

• Child support
• Divorce or dissolution

Legal Education & Resources

Learn about the help available from the American Recovery Plan in our video series here.

You can also access our online library of legal resources, Learn about the Law, for free 24/7. More legal tools, information, and resources are available at OhioLegalHelp.org.