Clinic to offer free legal help, guidance - Washington County, Ohio

Clinic to offer free legal help, guidance

Washington County residents who have legal questions, but who cannot afford to hire an attorney, now have another resource available for legal help and guidance.

Members of the Washington County Bar Association and Southeast Ohio Legal Services are joining forces to offer a free legal advice clinic, starting this Wednesday.

A family of four can earn up to $3,900 monthly and still qualify for the free clinic, Bozian said.

Local, private attorneys will be available to discuss legal issues in confidence with residents from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 320 Second St. Bozian said the goal is to hold the clinic at the same time and location on the third Wednesday of each month.

Sharon Wolboldt, paralegal with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, said legal advice will be available on a wide array of topics, including landlord/tenant disputes, divorce, custody issues, financial matters, Social Security disability and property loss.

Judge Spencer announces visitation schedule revision - Ohio

Judge Spencer announces visitation schedule revision

Excerpts:

Judge Brett M. Spencer of the Adams County Court of Common Pleas has announced the adoption of a revised Court Rule 16 as it pertains to the visitation schedule with minor children. This revision will replace the previous visitation schedule, and went into effect on Jan. 3 in both domestic and juvenile cases where visitation is an issue.

At the request of Judge Spencer, the Adams County Bar Association formed a committee to review the current visitation schedule and those of surrounding counties. Led by Adams County Bar Association's President Douglas McIlwain, the committee sought to bring the visitation schedule in line with neighboring counties, which have recently increased the amount of time a child spends with the non-custodial parent. Studies have shown that a child's best interest is served by having significant, positive contact with both parents. Towards this end, the revised rule will expand non-custodial parenting time. Copies of this new rule are available from the Clerk of the Adams County Common Pleas Court.

In addition to the revised Rule 16, Judge Spencer has mandated in all new divorce and/or dissolution filings, where minor children are involved, both parents must attend a seminar on custody and parenting issues. The seminar will also be mandatory in all post-decree motions for change of custody and/or visitation, and in juvenile cases wherein custody and/or visitation are an issue.

Bar Association President Douglas Mcllwain, states the revised visitation rule 16 is prospective only, and anyone whose visitation falls under the previous Court Rule 16 will be required to apply to the appropriate division of the court, domestic or juvenile, in order to benefit from the new rule.

Parkersburg, Ohio Support Group

From MariettaTimes.com

MAD chapter to meet in Wood County library

PARKERSBURG - Non-custodial parents and all other persons interested in restoring and protecting parental rights and the American family are invited to attend an organizational meeting for the newly-formed West Virginia Chapter of MAD (Men Against Discrimination) Men United from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, in the board room at the Wood County Public Library. The status of the pending class action lawsuit in United States District Court will be discussed.

For more information: 304-295-0053.

Ohio Legal Aid

Free legal aid is available to Ohio residents in Muskingum County who meet certain income standards.

"The clinic is open to residents who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, Mann said. The financial guidelines are based on gross household income and household size. For a four-person household resident in 2004, this would mean their total gross income must be at or below $28,275 to qualify to receive the legal advice. Mann said this amount will change every year as the federal poverty guidelines change."

"The clinics are held on the third Thursday of each month -- except for December -- at the domestic relations court, 22 N. Fifth St. The next clinic will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday. Registration and screening is from 5 to 6 p.m. "

The full article is available zanesvilletimesrecorder.com.