Court’s self-help center a free community resource
A valuable community resource for Dayton residents is celebrating its second anniversary.
The Dayton Municipal Court and Clerk of Court’s Self-Help Center began as a joint initiative between Judge Dierdre Logan and former Clerk of Court Mark Owens as a quiet space for attorneys and self-represented litigants to complete and organize their forms before filing.
Clerk of Court Marty Gehres has expanded the help center by hiring a full-time employee, Self-Help Center Coordinator Kaylyn Drodge, to assist visitors with procedural questions, as well as those with additional language, mobility, or learning barriers.
“After taking office, I saw a real opportunity to break down barriers to justice between the public and the courts. As clerk, it is my top priority to help serve the people who need access to the law,” Gehres said.
The Self-Help Center has also increased community outreach by participating in legal aid clinics and helping post common questions on the Dayton Municipal Clerk Court Facebook page.
The center can provide general information over many different topics. Some of the most common include landlord-tenant questions, small claims, and steps to get a valid driver’s license and driving privileges.
“Our office recognized the growing need to meet people where they are and bring the resources of our office into the community. So, we have expanded our outreach to record sealing and driver’s license clinics throughout the Dayton area. Now, filings can be accepted on-site, and the resources of our office can be shared throughout the community,” Gehres added.
The Municipal Court SelfHelp Center is located on the first floor of the Dayton Municipal Court at 301 W. Third St. It is equipped with a computer, printer, preprinted forms and law-related material, all at no cost.
The center’s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Self-Help Center Coordinator Kaylyn Drodge may be reached at 937-333-4483 for more information.
The Municipal Court Clerk’s office cannot offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, you may consult an attorney.