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Court cost updates: Jurors receive a higher per diem stipend, and the clerk computerization fee for new cases has increased. To learn more, click here.

The Franklin County Municipal Court will be closed half day Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, and all day Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 25 & 26, 2024, in recognition of the holidays.

Home / Departments / Services / Self Help

WELCOME TO THE SELF HELP CENTER

Resources to help you with your day in court.

 

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Location & Hours

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Self Help Center

375 S. High St., 16th Fl.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-7381*

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Mon - Fri 9 AM - 3 PM

Note: *No legal assistance can be provided over the phone. The last in-person visitor is accepted at 2:30 PM.

How Can We Help

What We Do

The Self Help Center is a free walk-in service to help individuals represent themselves in court without a lawyer. 


Staff cannot offer legal advice but can assist in finding helpful resources and provide legal information. Legal information includes court forms and the tools to help complete them as well as answers to general questions about court procedures.The Center is open to the public on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary. Read more!

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Legal Matters

The Self Help Center provides information about civil claims in Franklin County Municipal Court. If you are unsure whether your legal issue is a Municipal Court issue, read the Center’s Municipal Court Overview.

Visit us to find out if you are eligible to get your criminal record sealed.

Forms

Need help or have questions about enforcing a judgment or a judgment being enforced against you?
Have questions about rent escrow, evictions, or other housing issues? We help both Landlords and Tenants. Before filing, take a look at our Eviction Prevention Resources.

Escrow Forms

Rent Escrow Application   
Rent Escrow Program   

Not sure know which form you need or how to file it? Visit for free help.

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Are you trying to sue someone (or being sued) for money damages less than $15,000?
We assist with Small Claims lawsuits. Small Claims cases appear before the Magistrates of the Franklin County Municipal Court. Small Claims cases involve money damages of $6,000 or less. Online forms and additional resources are available by visiting the Small Claims website.

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Publication

Articles

Find monthly articles to help understand some of the most common questions answered at the Self Help Center.

 
 

The Importance of Filing an Answer

calendar 17 March 2021
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Social Work and the Self Help Center

calendar 28 January 2021
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Why Can’t I Just Talk to the Judge?

calendar 04 December 2020
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