Finding bliss in the little things is easy to do growing up in Appalachia Ohio. Hours spent exploring the great outdoors, rocking in chairs on porches and attending local free functions are memories I cherish deeply. Unfortunately, sometimes life throws a wrench in the machine. Running into legal issues can be surprising and overwhelming, especially when you are already living in poverty. Luckily with a good support system and available resources they can become a thing of the past. Southeastern Ohio Legal Services is here to help those who qualify.
Light in the Tunnel
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) is an organization that offers legal help without attorney fees to people or organizations of people with low income and limited savings and assets. There are nine SEOLS office locations throughout southeastern Ohio including Athens, Chillicothe, Lancaster, Marietta, Newark, New Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Steubenville and Zanesville. The Athens office serves Athens, Gallia, Meigs, Vinton and Washington counties at 964 East State Street, Athens, Ohio. If you are facing legal troubles, SEOLS urges you to call or email today at 740-594-3558, 800-686-3669, or [email protected]
Do you qualify?
There are three qualifications for your case to be accepted by SEOLS. First, you must live or be sued in one of the counties served by SEOLS. Secondly, there is an income stipulation. The household income must be less than 125 percent of the poverty level established by the federal government. Lastly, the nature of the case must be within the following categories: public benefits, family problems, housing, health care, consumer problems, tax, utilities, education, Right to Counsel and other cases involving health, safety, physical liberty, income or earning ability. Even if you do not meet these requirements, SEOLS also offers referrals to get you to the right people and places to solve your dilemma.
Let’s Get Involved
The Washington County Community Legal Clinic hosts regular opportunities to receive free advice regarding your legal concerns. These clinics are held at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 320 Second Street, Marietta, Ohio. This pro bono project is brought to you by lawyers who are committed to increasing the access to justice for all. If you are interested or have questions about the clinic, please call SEOLS at 1-800-686-3669.
On the other hand, if you are a lawyer who would be interested in joining this great project, there are pro bono opportunity applications available at https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/seols-pro-bono-application/ Inquiries can also be emailed to SEOLS at [email protected] or phoned in at 1-800-589-5888 ext. 2508.
If you are facing legal troubles, SEOLS urges you to call or email today at
740-594-3558, 800-686-3669,