While Lakewood Public Library has resources to assist patrons with their legal questions, the library may not have sufficient resources to effectively answer various patron requests. It also cannot offer legal advice on specific issues. There are further options outside of the library. Various Ohio organizations specialize in legal assistance, and may be useful for particular situations. Some of the selected Web sites below offer general insight on legal issues, while others may provide advice on specific legal problems. Examples of sites involved in alternative dispute resolution are included. In many cases, however, an attorney's expert advice may be the best option. Lakewood Public Library does not officially endorse any of these organizations and Web sites; they are provided for informational purposes.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

To qualify for assistance, individuals must be financially eligible and in a situation that can be handled by LSC. LSC typically handles matters relating to housing, consumer law, employment law, benefits, family law, criminal law, income tax law, and the elderly.

Ohio Legal Aid Programs

A list of the Legal Services Corporation's Ohio legal assistance programs. The page includes a link to programs in other states.

Cleveland Bar Association

The Cleveland Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral and Information Service to assist people with legal questions. People may be directed to a Cleveland service agency or a lawyer if necessary. The initial consultation with a lawyer is free of charge.

Ohio Attorney General: Citizen Services

Find information on Consumer Protection Enforcement, including the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act & Rules, Contractor Registration Program, and examples of significant consumer protection litigation.

Ohio Public Defender

The Ohio Public Defender provides indigent defense services. There are links to County Public Defenders in Ohio.

Ohio Bar Associations

This list of associations from FindLaw includes the Akron Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Dayton Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, Toledo Bar Association, and other legal-related associations.

Ohio State Bar Association

The Ohio State Bar Association's Web site has a page devoted to public resources. This includes links to Ohio lawyer referral services, facts about commonly encountered legal issues, a general handbook on law, resources for small business owners, and more.

Ohio Courts

Provides links to Ohio District Courts organized by county. Municipal Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, County Courts, Clerk of Courts, Probate Courts, Juvenile Courts, and Domestic Relations Courts are included.

Ohio Law Firms

Hieros Gamos, a popular portal of legal and government information, allows for law firm searches by firm name, city, county, practice area, firm size, and state. Contact information and links to law firm Web sites are provided.

Online Assistance

ABA Consumer's Guide to Legal Help on the Internet

This page from the American Bar Association's site provides information on free legal assistance, hiring a lawyer, proceeding without a lawyer, attorney-client difficulties, and the distinction between legal information and legal adivce.

ABA LawInfo.org

This page from the American Bar Association's site offers practical legal information in the areas of personal finance, family law, employment, property, commerce, the court system, criminal justice, and locating a lawyer.

American Pro Se Association

A resource for individuals interested in proceeding pro se ("for self") without the assistance of an attorney. Membership in the association requires an annual fee.

Free Advice.com

This site provides answers to general questions in specific areas of law, such as bankruptcy, business, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, family, real estate, tax, and personal injury law.

GotTrouble.com

Offers advice regarding police, injury, marriage, job, debt, landlord, consumer, immigration, estate, and tenant troubles.

Hyatt Legal Plans

Hyatt Legal Plans has been providing legal services for twenty years to individuals, families, and corporations.

LawGuru.com

Offers a network of attorneys to answer legal questions, though questions may not necessarily be answered. Anwers are provided free of charge. The site includes a searchable database of questions and answers. A FAQ is offered to answer common questions.

Lawyers.com

Provides an attorney locator, a request for legal assistance service, and tips on hiring a lawyer. Message boards and links to other sites are also included.

Nolo.com

Nolo offers information in a variety of "Law Centers," including Wills & Estate Planning, Small Business, Employment Law, Real Estate, and more. The "Ask Auntie Nolo" section posts answers to legal questions. There are links to primary sources of law, a dictionary, and an encyclopedia.

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

Pre-Paid Legal Services offers discounted legal services in the United States and Canada. Ohio residents have access to a variety of plans.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

National Arbitration and Mediation

NAM describes itself as "a global dispute resolution provider offering cost-effective alternatives to expensive and time-consuming litigation. NAM has a network of more than 2,000 top-tier former judges and highly-respected practicing specialists who provide arbitration and mediation services in every major city around the world." The company has won awards from Business Insurance Magazine.

Online Resolution

An online dispute resolution service that assists with conflicts without resorting to the courts. Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are common forms of alternative dispute resolution.

SquareTrade

SquareTrade's Online Dispute Resolution Service assists buyers and sellers resolve issues online. A FAQ provides an overview of SquareTrade's online dispute resolution services.