Erie County Family Court Filing Guide

How and where to file family court papers in Erie County, Pennsylvania: the clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers in Erie County, Pennsylvania?

Family court matters arising in Erie County are filed with the clerk of court for the Erie county in Pennsylvania. Begin at the Erie County court website to confirm the division that handles family cases, the courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Erie county family case online?

Pennsylvania uses PACFile plus county e-filing systems for electronic court filings. Availability for self-represented filers can vary by court and case type, so confirm with the Erie county clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file in Erie County?

Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$350 by county. Exact Erie county amounts are set by the clerk and change over time, so verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Pennsylvania courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many county clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.