Self Help Forms and Information
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Self Help or Pro Se Forms in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
County-specific forms, in alphabetical order, appear after some general use forms. To view only forms for your county, set your location using the link at the top of the page.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Laurel Legal Services explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings.
Criminal Record and Abuse History in Custody Actions with Instructions
Beginning in September 2013 any person filing a complaint for custody, or any petition for modification for custody must also file a verification regarding any criminal or abuse history of the petitioner and anyone living in the petitioner’s household. This form, completed and filed following the included instructions, may be used to satisfy this requirement. [PDF]
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Lackawanna County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Lackawanna County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Luzerne County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Luzerne County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Lycoming County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Lycoming County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation
McKean County: Self-Help Custody Video and Forms (Video)
Northwestern Legal Services presents this video overview of how to file for custody or modify a custody order in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Monroe County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Monroe County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Potter County: Self-Help Custody Video and Forms (Video)
Northwestern Legal Services presents a video overview of how to file for custody or modify a custody order in northwestern Pennsylvania. A link is also provided to a Custody Information packet from the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Laurel Legal Services explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings.
Philadelphia: Child Custody in Philadelphia
Information on how custody proceedings are conducted in Philadelphia county.
Montgomery County: How To File a Custody Complaint in Montgomery County, PA (Video)
A short, step-by-step instructional video on "How to File a Custody Complaint in Montgomery County, PA. This video was produced by the 38th Judicial District Court of Common Pleas in cooperation with Montgomery Bar Association.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Petition for Emergency Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Divorce): Divorce in Philadelphia County
Informational pamphlet from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on divorce proceedings in Philadelphia county. [PDF]
Philadelphia County: Family Law Forms - Philadelphia Bar Association
Here you will find links to printable documents relating to various areas of Family Law. These forms and instructions were prepared under the sponsorship of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County (Support): Child Support in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on filing for child support in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County (Support): Complaint for Support
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Support): Exceptions to Recommendation of Support Master
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Support): Petition to Modify Existing Support Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Custody Proceedings - Representing Yourself: Forms and Information from the Pennsylvania Courts
Free online information is available from the Pennsylvania Courts website to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who want to file their own family law cases in courts across the state. Standardized court forms for child custody proceedings may be obtained on this page of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s website. Included are forms for both parents and third parties, including grandparents.
Divorce Proceedings - Representing Yourself: Forms and Information from the Pennsylvania Courts
Free online information is available from the Pennsylvania Courts website to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who want to file their own family law cases in courts across the state. Standardized court forms for divorce proceedings may be obtained on this page of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s website.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
Clarion County: Court Forms
Information and Forms for Self Represented Litigants in Clarion County.
Carbon County: Forms Download Center
Forms from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.
Centre County: Domestic Relations Section
The Domestic Relations Section is a Court-appointed office of Centre County Government under the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. The office serves as the Court's child support enforcement agency.
Clarion County: Court Forms
Information and Forms for Self Represented Litigants in Clarion County.
Crawford County - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory video from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Franklin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Franklin County.
Fulton County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Fulton County.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Laurel Legal Services explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings.
Greene County Domestic Relations
Information on support/domestic relations procedures in Greene County.
Huntingdon County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Huntingdon County.
Huntingdon County: Forms
Forms for use in the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas.
Indiana County Government - Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Indiana County.
Jefferson County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Jefferson County.
Juniata County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Juniata County.
Lackawanna County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Lackawanna County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Lackawanna County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Lackawanna County.
Lancaster County - Office of Domestic Relations
Information on the Support process in Lancaster county.
Lawrence County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Lawrence County.
Lawrence County: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Coordinator/Lawyer Referral
The PFA Coordinator/Lawyer Referral is part of the Court Administration and is responsible for the processing of all Protection From Abuse Petitions, and is also the referral service for lawyers in Lawrence County.
Lebanon County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Lebanon County.
Lehigh County Custody Office
Information on the Child Custody Office which processes cases regarding custody, partial custody or visitation of children.
Lehigh County: Divorce - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
This informational section is for reference and research purposes only. This section explains the basic forms needed for a plaintiff to file a simple Mutual Consent No Fault Divorce or a simple No Fault Divorce when parties have been separated for two years.
Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section
Information on the services provided by the Domestic Relations Section.
Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section
Information on the services provided by the Domestic Relations Section.
Lehigh County: Lehigh County Online Self Help Center
This site provides answers to some commonly asked questions concerning legal procedures in Pennsylvania. The forms provided here are specific to Lehigh County.
Lehigh County: Name Change - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas provides this informational section for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms and steps needed to legally change your name and/or the name(s) of your minor child(ren). A person must petition the court for a name change, and the court can then decide whether or not to grant it.
Lehigh County: Protection From Abuse Office
Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Protection From Abuse office in Lehigh County.
Luzerne County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Luzerne County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Luzerne County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Luzerne County.
Lycoming County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Lycoming County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation
Lycoming County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Lycoming County.
McKean County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in McKean County.
McKean County: Self-Help Custody Video and Forms (Video)
Northwestern Legal Services presents this video overview of how to file for custody or modify a custody order in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Mercer County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Mercer County.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms
Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.
Monroe County: Child Custody Video Workshop
This video workshop, focused on Monroe County, provides basic information about child custody and visitation and describes how custody disputes are handled through the courts or through negotiation or mediation.
Monroe County Custody Department
The Custody Department manages custody operations within the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This department provides court forms and assistance to individuals seeking court involvement in a custody dispute.
Monroe County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Monroe County.
Monroe County Family Law Information
Information on Family Law matters in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas.
Monroe County - Forms
Forms available for use in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas.
Montgomery County: Custody Mediation Orientation Program
Information on the Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program.
Montgomery County: Forms
Forms provided by the Montgomery County Court of County Pleas.
Montgomery County: How To File a Custody Complaint in Montgomery County, PA (Video)
A short, step-by-step instructional video on "How to File a Custody Complaint in Montgomery County, PA. This video was produced by the 38th Judicial District Court of Common Pleas in cooperation with Montgomery Bar Association.
Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County.
Montour County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Montour County.
Northampton County: Child Custody Self Help
Information on Child Custody Proceedings in Northampton County.
Northampton County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Northampton County.
Northampton County: Handbook for Self Represented Litigants
The purpose of this handbook is to provide self-represented litigants with a general idea of the legal process and to further provide some direction with regard to self-representation. It also provides information on websites designed to provide information, forms and other support to self represented litigants in Pennsylvania actions.
Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information
Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Laurel Legal Services explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings.
Perry County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Philadelphia: Child Custody in Philadelphia
Information on how custody proceedings are conducted in Philadelphia county.
Philadelphia County: Affidavit of Service
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms - Philadelphia Courts, First Judicial District
Forms that may be used in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
Philadelphia County (Custody): Complaint for Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Court Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Criminal Record and Abuse History Form
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in domestic relations proceedings, including Child and Spousal Support, Divorce, Child Custody, and Domestic Violence. taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Exceptions to Recommendation of Custody Master
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Motion for Home Investigation
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Motion for Mental Health Assessment (MHA)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Motion for Protracted Custody Hearing
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Petition for Contempt of Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Petition for Emergency Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Petition for Expedited Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Petition to Modify Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Rule to Show Cause
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Custody): Supervised Custody Rules and Regulations
Information from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia about how supervised custody taking place under the Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Divorce): Divorce in Philadelphia County
Informational pamphlet from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on divorce proceedings in Philadelphia county. [PDF]
Philadelphia County (Divorce): Philadelphia Self-Help No-Fault Divorce Manual
This manual has been prepared for pro se litigants seeking a no-fault divorce in Philadelphia County who cannot afford a lawyer. A "pro se" litigant is a person who files a legal action in the court system without the help of a lawyer. The manual was prepared by Leslie Engle, Esquire, Gloria Gilman, Esquire, and the Women's Law Project, with assistance from the Jenkins Law Library.
Philadelphia County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Family Law Forms - Philadelphia Bar Association
Here you will find links to printable documents relating to various areas of Family Law. These forms and instructions were prepared under the sponsorship of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Extension of Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (PFA): Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County (Support): Child Support in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on filing for child support in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County (Support): Complaint for Support
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Support): Exceptions to Recommendation of Support Master
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County (Support): Petition to Modify Existing Support Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in Support proceeding taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Pike County: Pro Se Forms
Pro Se forms for use by unrepresented parties in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Potter County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Potter County.
Potter County: Self-Help Custody Video and Forms (Video)
Northwestern Legal Services presents a video overview of how to file for custody or modify a custody order in northwestern Pennsylvania. A link is also provided to a Custody Information packet from the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Schuylkill County: Prothonotary Forms
Forms for use in the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Courts-Westmoreland County: Family Court Forms
Family Court Forms for use in the Westmoreland County Courts.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill county.
Schuylkill County: Prothonotary Forms
Forms for use in the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Laurel Legal Services explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings.