Virtual Self-Help Center to help those representing themselves in Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court

A new online self-help center from the Lorain County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court will give self-represented parties the help they need to better understand and navigate the civil court system. Many Lorain County residents represent themselves in civil legal cases such as divorce, child custody and support because they cannot afford legal representation — more than 12 percent of Lorain County's 317,000 residents live below the federal poverty level — making free, accessible resources like the new Virtual Self-Help Center critical. Developed in partnership with the nonprofit Ohio Legal Help, the Virtual Self-Help Center is a free tool that removes barriers to accessing justice. It can be accessed at lcdrc.ohiolegalhelp.org. The Virtual Self-Help Center is available 24 hours a day and allows users to fill out, edit, save and complete court forms on mobile phones, tablets or computers. It also provides local court information; guidance on filing documents; what to expect at hearings; and instructions in Spanish, helping Spanish-speaking users better understand the court process. "Improving access to justice is one of the most important responsibilities of the court," Domestic Relations/Juvenile Judge Frank Janik said in a news release. "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 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 child care just to get the information and forms they need. They can get the help they need, when it works for them."