Loans, Contracts & Warranties
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Loan, Contract & Warranty issues.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Getting or Cosigning for Credit
Information on obtaining credit from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
Avoiding Predatory Lending Practices (Video)
Three-part video series from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA. Avoiding Predatory Lending Practices in Pennsylvania, with Dave Pesch, Housing Counseling Programs Manager at St. Martin's Center in Erie, PA and Maggie Schuetz, Staff Attorney with Community Justice Project, Pittsburgh, PA. Recorded February 14, 2008.
Creditor Lawsuits Handbook
This Handbook from North Penn Legal Services is for people dealing with creditor lawsuits, including information on such suits and common defenses.
Home Improvements
Information from MidPenn Legal Services providing information when deciding whether to make home repairs.
Protect Yourself From Con Artists
Information from Northwestern Legal Services regarding how to protect yourself from con artists and things to be aware of to avoid being victimized by them.
A Guide to Credit Card Court in Blair County
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on the procedures followed in the special “credit card court” established in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
Have You Bought a Lemon? New Car Buyer's Rights
Information from Northwestern Legal Services outlining the consumer's rights when buying or leasing a car.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Co-Signing for Loans and Purchases
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the dangers of co-signing on a loan or purchase.
Home Improvement Contracts
Information from the Erie County Bar Association to help you when you enter into a home improvement contract.
Arbitration and Mediation
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
Starting a Lawsuit
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about filing a lawsuit. (February 2018)
The Home Repair Contract
A Senior Citizen's Guide to Home Repair from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia). [PDF]
Loan Smarts
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offering some advice that every applicant for a loan should consider before entering into any kind of loan agreement.
Your Right to Rescind
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General concerning the circumstances where you have a right to rescind or cancel certain types of contracts.
Loans & Credit - Know Your Options Before You Sign.
Informational brochure on different types of loans and credit arrangements that are available so that you can make the right choice when entering into an agreement. [PDF]
Money Matters - Dealing With Debt
If you are behind in paying your bills, you can expect to hear from a debt collector. This website from the Federal Trade Commission explains your rights and options when dealing with a debt collector or money problems.
What are my rights as a consumer when I join a health club?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on your rights and responsibilities when joining a health club.
Consumer Information from the Federal Trade Commission
This section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights.
FHA Reverse Mortgages (HECMs) for Seniors
Information about the FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. The HECM is FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity.
Manufactured Housing and Standards - Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about standards for manufactured housing (mobile home) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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.
Tools to help when you can’t pay your bills
The Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit has resources to help you evaluate your current finances and make decisions about your budget.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.