TBA and Pro Bono help the KelleysFollowing their daughter’s death, Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were faced with the challenges of caring for their three grandchildren. They were frustrated because no one had yet been awarded permanent custody of the children, making it difficult for them to meet some of their basic needs. Without a court order granting them custody of the children, the grandparents were not recognized as legal guardians and were prohibited from enrolling them in school. The Kelley’s needed to file for custody, but were bewildered by the legal forms and procedures they were required to complete.

At the recommendation of the juvenile court, the Kelley’s attended the monthly Toledo Bar Association (TBA) Pro Se Clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys. During the clinic, the attorneys made a presentation on completion of court documents and supervised the Kelley’s as they filed the necessary forms to petition for custody and to enroll their grandchildren in school. Both the grandparents and grandchildren were pleased with the assistance they received through the Pro Se Clinic that allowed them to begin their new life as a family.