Domestic Relations Court opens Help Center

Lorain County Domestic Relations Court Administrative Judge Sherry Glass announced April 19 the launch of its new Help Center, according to a news release.

On Oct. 24, 2022, the Domestic Relations Court was awarded a $425,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The purpose of this grant was to increase access to justice for the citizens of Lorain County, the release said. Domestic Relations Judge Lisa Swenski said the Help Center will accomplish this goal by providing self-represented individuals with information necessary to successfully navigate through the Court’s processes and procedures, according to the release.

“The Help Center will assist self-represented individuals seeking a divorce, dissolution, legal separation and/or protection order,” said Domestic Relations Judge Frank Janik.

“The Help Center will also assist with custody, visitation, and/or child support.” Janik also noted that the Help Center cannot provide legal advice, but it will provide access to standardized forms, answer general questions about the Court’s processes and procedures, and connect litigants to other agencies when appropriate.

The Help Center has partnered with Ohio Legal Help to develop a Virtual Self-Help Center (VSHC), according to the release.

The role of the Virtual Self-Help Center is to provide an interactive online process for obtaining standardized forms and navigating the filing process, the release said.

The Help Center and the Virtual Self-Help Center are effective tools to modernize the Court and improve the public’s navigation of legal proceedings, both online and on-site, according to the release.

Attorney Jessica Alvis will supervise the Help Center, which is located at 225 Court St., second floor in Elyria.

The Help Center accepts walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information, contact The Help Center at helpcenter@lcfct.org or visit the Court’s website at www.lcdrc.org.

Glass