Lorain County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court gets innovation award for Virtual Self-Help Center

The Lorain County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court received the "Innovative Court Programs and Practices Award" from the Ohio State Bar Association for its Virtual Self-Help Center. The award is sponsored by the state Bar Association's Justice Administration and Innovation Committee. Ohio Legal Help and the courts partnered to develop the virtual self-help center so people using the courts could access information and court forms from their computers or mobile devices. It also allows users to complete, save and edit forms for matters such as divorce, child custody and protection orders. It also offers an automated chatbot that assists users by answering common questions and helping them navigate court processes. Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court debuted the virtual self-help center in July 2025.Free and online at lcdrc.ohiolegalhelp.org, it 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 cases or documents; what to expect at hearings; how to find a lawyer; and instructions in Spanish, the courts said. It has made the courts more accessible by reducing barriers such as transportation, childcare and time off from work, the three Domestic Relations/Juvenile judges said in the news release. Ohio Legal Help reported that virtual self-help centers have assisted more than 93,000 users with legal information and court process questions, while more than 30,000 users have received help completing court forms. More than 80 percent of users report a positive and helpful experience, the news release said.