Pennsylvania Pro Se Help: Free Court Self-Help Centers and Legal Aid by County
If you are handling a divorce, custody, support or protective order case in Pennsylvania on your own, start with the free help that already exists. This page lists, for each of the 67 counties, the court's self-help program and the free legal aid office that serves it, with phone numbers and websites.
Statewide: Representing Yourself. Statewide guides and forms for people handling their own case, including custody, divorce, and protection orders.
Adams County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Abbottstown, Arendtsville, Bendersville, Biglerville, Bonneauville, Carroll Valley, East Berlin, Fairfield, Gettysburg, Littlestown, McSherrystown, and New Oxford.
Allegheny County: court help from Client Service Center, phone (412) 350-5600. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services Association, phone (866) 761-6572. Covers Aspinwall, Avalon, Baldwin, Bell Acres, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Bethel Park, Blawnox, Brackenridge, Braddock, and Braddock Hills.
Armstrong County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Apollo, Applewold, Atwood, Dayton, Elderton, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Freeport, Kittanning, Leechburg, Manorville, and North Apollo.
Beaver County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services Association, phone (866) 761-6572. Covers Aliquippa, Ambridge, Baden, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Big Beaver, Bridgewater, Conway, Darlington, East Rochester, Eastvale, and Economy.
Bedford County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Bedford, Coaldale, Everett, Hopewell, Hyndman, Manns Choice, New Paris, Pleasantville, Rainsburg, Saxton, Schellsburg, and St. Clairsville.
Berks County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Adamstown, Bally, Bechtelsville, Bernville, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Centerport, Fleetwood, Hamburg, Kenhorst, Kutztown, and Laureldale.
Blair County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Altoona, Bellwood, Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, Martinsburg, Newry, Roaring Spring, Tunnelhill, Tyrone, and Williamsburg.
Bradford County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Alba, Athens, Burlington, Canton, LeRaysville, Monroe, New Albany, Rome, Sayre, South Waverly, Sylvania, and Towanda.
Bucks County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, phone (877) 429-5994. Covers Bristol, Chalfont, Doylestown, Dublin, Hulmeville, Ivyland, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Morrisville, New Britain, New Hope, and Newtown.
Butler County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services Association, phone (866) 761-6572. Covers Bruin, Butler, Callery, Cherry Valley, Chicora, Connoquenessing, East Butler, Eau Claire, Evans City, Fairview, Harmony, and Harrisville.
Cambria County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Ashville, Brownstown, Carrolltown, Cassandra, Chest Springs, Cresson, Daisytown, Dale, East Conemaugh, Ebensburg, Ehrenfeld, and Ferndale.
Cameron County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Driftwood and Emporium.
Carbon County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Beaver Meadows, Bowmanstown, East Side, Jim Thorpe, Lansford, Lehighton, Nesquehoning, Palmerton, Parryville, Summit Hill, Weatherly, and Weissport.
Centre County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Howard, Milesburg, Millheim, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Snow Shoe, State College, and Unionville.
Chester County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, phone (877) 429-5994. Covers Atglen, Avondale, Coatesville, Downingtown, Elverson, Honey Brook, Kennett Square, Malvern, Modena, Oxford, Parkesburg, and Phoenixville.
Clarion County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Callensburg, Clarion, East Brady, Emlenton, Foxburg, Hawthorn, Knox, New Bethlehem, Rimersburg, Shippenville, Sligo, and St. Petersburg.
Clearfield County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Brisbin, Burnside, Chester Hill, Clearfield, Coalport, Curwensville, DuBois, Falls Creek, Glen Hope, Grampian, Houtzdale, and Irvona.
Clinton County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Avis, Beech Creek, Flemington, Lock Haven, Loganton, Mill Hall, Renovo, and South Renovo.
Columbia County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Ashland, Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Briar Creek, Catawissa, Centralia, Millville, Orangeville, and Stillwater.
Crawford County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Blooming Valley, Cambridge Springs, Centerville, Cochranton, Conneaut Lake, Conneautville, Hydetown, Linesville, Meadville, Saegertown, Spartansburg, and Springboro.
Cumberland County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Camp Hill, Carlisle, Lemoyne, Mechanicsburg, Mount Holly Springs, New Cumberland, Newburg, Newville, Shippensburg, Shiremanstown, and Wormleysburg.
Dauphin County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Berrysburg, Dauphin, Elizabethville, Gratz, Halifax, Harrisburg, Highspire, Hummelstown, Lykens, Middletown, Millersburg, and Paxtang.
Delaware County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, phone (877) 429-5994. Covers Aldan, Brookhaven, Chester, Chester Heights, Clifton Heights, Collingdale, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Eddystone, Folcroft, and Glenolden.
Elk County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Johnsonburg, Ridgway, and St. Marys.
Erie County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Albion, Corry, Cranesville, Edinboro, Elgin, Erie, Girard, Lake City, McKean, Mill Village, North East, and Platea.
Fayette County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Belle Vernon, Brownsville, Connellsville, Dawson, Dunbar, Everson, Fairchance, Fayette City, Markleysburg, Masontown, Newell, and Ohiopyle.
Forest County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Tionesta.
Franklin County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Mont Alto, Orrstown, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro.
Fulton County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers McConnellsburg and Valley-Hi.
Greene County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Carmichaels, Clarksville, Greensboro, Jefferson, Rices Landing, and Waynesburg.
Huntingdon County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Alexandria, Birmingham, Broad Top City, Cassville, Coalmont, Dudley, Huntingdon, Mapleton, Marklesburg, Mill Creek, Mount Union, and Orbisonia.
Indiana County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Armagh, Blairsville, Cherry Tree, Clymer, Creekside, Ernest, Glen Campbell, Homer City, Indiana, Marion Center, Plumville, and Saltsburg.
Jefferson County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Big Run, Brockway, Brookville, Corsica, Falls Creek, Punxsutawney, Reynoldsville, Summerville, Sykesville, Timblin, and Worthville.
Juniata County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Mifflin, Mifflintown, Port Royal, and Thompsontown.
Lackawanna County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Archbald, Blakely, Carbondale, Clarks Green, Clarks Summit, Dalton, Dickson City, Dunmore, Jermyn, Jessup, Mayfield, and Moosic.
Lancaster County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Adamstown, Akron, Christiana, Columbia, Denver, East Petersburg, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Lancaster, Lititz, Manheim, and Marietta.
Lawrence County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Neighborhood Legal Services Association, phone (866) 761-6572. Covers Bessemer, Ellport, Ellwood City, Enon Valley, New Beaver, New Castle, New Wilmington, S.N.P.J., South New Castle, Volant, and Wampum.
Lebanon County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Cleona, Cornwall, Jonestown, Lebanon, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Palmyra, and Richland.
Lehigh County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Alburtis, Allentown, Bethlehem, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Coplay, Emmaus, Fountain Hill, Macungie, and Slatington.
Luzerne County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Ashley, Avoca, Bear Creek Village, Conyngham, Courtdale, Dallas, Dupont, Duryea, Edwardsville, Exeter, Forty Fort, and Freeland.
Lycoming County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Duboistown, Hughesville, Jersey Shore, Montgomery, Montoursville, Muncy, Picture Rocks, Salladasburg, South Williamsport, and Williamsport.
McKean County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Bradford, Eldred, Kane, Lewis Run, Mount Jewett, Port Allegany, and Smethport.
Mercer County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Clark, Farrell, Fredonia, Greenville, Grove City, Hermitage, Jackson Center, Jamestown, Mercer, New Lebanon, Sandy Lake, and Sharon.
Mifflin County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Burnham, Juniata Terrace, Kistler, Lewistown, McVeytown, and Newton Hamilton.
Monroe County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, and Stroudsburg.
Montgomery County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, phone (877) 429-5994. Covers Ambler, Bridgeport, Bryn Athyn, Collegeville, Conshohocken, East Greenville, Green Lane, Hatboro, Hatfield, Jenkintown, Lansdale, and Narberth.
Montour County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Danville and Washingtonville.
Northampton County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Bangor, Bath, Bethlehem, Chapman, East Bangor, Easton, Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, Nazareth, North Catasauqua, and Northampton.
Northumberland County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Herndon, Kulpmont, Marion Heights, McEwensville, Milton, Mount Carmel, Northumberland, Riverside, Shamokin, Snydertown, Sunbury, and Turbotville.
Perry County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Blain, Bloomfield, Duncannon, Landisburg, Liverpool, Marysville, Millerstown, New Buffalo, and Newport.
Philadelphia County: court help from Family Court Help Center, phone (215) 686-3805. Free legal aid from Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center, phone (215) 981-3800. Covers Philadelphia.
Pike County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Matamoras and Milford.
Potter County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Austin, Coudersport, Galeton, Oswayo, Shinglehouse, and Ulysses.
Schuylkill County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Ashland, Auburn, Coaldale, Cressona, Deer Lake, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Landingville, Mahanoy City, and McAdoo.
Snyder County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Beavertown, Freeburg, McClure, Middleburg, Selinsgrove, and Shamokin Dam.
Somerset County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Addison, Benson, Berlin, Boswell, Callimont, Casselman, Central City, Confluence, Garrett, Hooversville, Indian Lake, and Jennerstown.
Sullivan County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Dushore, Eagles Mere, Forksville, and Laporte.
Susquehanna County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Forest City, Friendsville, Great Bend, Hallstead, Hop Bottom, Lanesboro, Little Meadows, Montrose, New Milford, Oakland, Susquehanna Depot, and Thompson.
Tioga County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Blossburg, Elkland, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, Liberty, Mansfield, Roseville, Tioga, Wellsboro, and Westfield.
Union County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Hartleton, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, and New Berlin.
Venango County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Barkeyville, Clintonville, Cooperstown, Emlenton, Franklin, Oil City, Pleasantville, Polk, Rouseville, Sugarcreek, and Utica.
Warren County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Northwestern Legal Services, phone (814) 452-6957, email info@nwls.org. Covers Bear Lake, Clarendon, Sugar Grove, Tidioute, Warren, and Youngsville.
Washington County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Allenport, Beallsville, Bentleyville, Burgettstown, California, Canonsburg, Centerville, Charleroi, Claysville, Coal Center, Cokeburg, and Deemston.
Wayne County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Bethany, Hawley, Honesdale, Prompton, Starrucca, and Waymart.
Westmoreland County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from Summit Legal Aid, phone (800) 846-0871, email info@summitlegal.org. Covers Adamsburg, Arnold, Arona, Avonmore, Bolivar, Delmont, Derry, Donegal, East Vandergrift, Export, Greensburg, and Hunker.
Wyoming County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from North Penn Legal Services, phone (877) 953-4250. Covers Factoryville, Laceyville, Meshoppen, Nicholson, and Tunkhannock.
York County: court help from Representing Yourself. Free legal aid from MidPenn Legal Services, phone (800) 326-9177. Covers Cross Roads, Dallastown, Delta, Dillsburg, Dover, East Prospect, Fawn Grove, Felton, Franklintown, Glen Rock, Goldsboro, and Hallam.
Where can I get free help with a family court case in Pennsylvania without a lawyer? Start with Representing Yourself, run by Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts). 2 of 67 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact North Penn Legal Services, MidPenn Legal Services, Summit Legal Aid, Northwestern Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center if you qualify by income.
Does every Pennsylvania county have its own self-help center? No. 2 of 67 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by Representing Yourself, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Who gives free legal aid in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is served by 7 federally funded legal aid offices: North Penn Legal Services, MidPenn Legal Services, Summit Legal Aid, Northwestern Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center? It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid? A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call? Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free help with a family court case in Pennsylvania without a lawyer?
Start with Representing Yourself, run by Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts). 2 of 67 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact North Penn Legal Services, MidPenn Legal Services, Summit Legal Aid, Northwestern Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center if you qualify by income.
Does every Pennsylvania county have its own self-help center?
No. 2 of 67 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by Representing Yourself, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Who gives free legal aid in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is served by 7 federally funded legal aid offices: North Penn Legal Services, MidPenn Legal Services, Summit Legal Aid, Northwestern Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center?
It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid?
A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.