You are here:Home > Court Services > Public Defender

Public Defender

The Cuyahoga County Public Defender provides legal representation in contempt and paternity proceedings for parties who are indigent.

A party must request the assistance of a public defender at the first hearing scheduled on the case. A party will be asked to complete a Financial Disclosure/Affidavit of Indigency at that time to determine if the party qualifies for the services of the public defender.

There is a $25.00 fee, which must be paid to the Clerk of Courts within seven days of submitting the application.