Family Court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia sits in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, so family court is handled at the county level. How and where to file family court papers from Philadelphia: the right 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 if I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia sits in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Family court matters for Philadelphia residents are filed with the clerk of court for the Philadelphia county. Start with the Philadelphia county court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Philadelphia family court case online?

Pennsylvania uses PACFile plus county e-filing systems for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in Philadelphia can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the 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 for divorce or custody in Philadelphia?

Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$350 by county. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule 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 near Philadelphia?

Yes. Pennsylvania maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many 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.

Which county court covers Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is served by the Philadelphia county court in Pennsylvania. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for Philadelphia residents are heard in that court's family division.