This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Family Issues for Seniors in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Child Custody
Consumer Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association on Child Custody offering information on the law relating to child custody and the procedure in child custody proceedings. Rev. 1/13 [PDF]
Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program aims to alleviate the stresses associated with caregiving by focusing on the well-being of the caregiver, providing access to respite care, addressing the need for formal and informal supports, and providing financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies.
Cover Sheet for Interstate Enforcement of a Protection Order from Aging Safely
Aging Safely has created this free program that can create a cover sheet for your protection order when traveling outside your area of residence. When you put the cover sheet on top of your protection order, it makes it easier for the courts and police in other states to enforce your order.
Chester County: Uncontested Divorce Procedure and Forms
Information on the procedure to file and obtain an uncontested divorce in Chester County.
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.
How to Complete a Custody Complaint Form - For Grandparents and Third Parties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services. provides line-by-line instructions on how to complete a Custody Complaint form 2 (for grandparents and third parties) that is available from the PA Courts "Representing Yourself" website. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to Complete a Custody Complaint Form - For Grandparents and Third Parties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services. provides line-by-line instructions on how to complete a Custody Complaint form 2 (for grandparents and third parties) that is available from the PA Courts "Representing Yourself" website. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Overview of Grandparents' Rights in Family Court (Video)
Jennifer Pierce, Managing Attorney for Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, provides a brief overview of grandparent’s rights in family court. This video is part of a KinCare Video series presented by the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. (2020)
Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on what is a Power of Attorney (POA), guidelines when selecting an agent, what happens if I become mentally unable to make my own decisions, when does it go into effect, when does it end, and the process involved in setting up a POA. (10/2018)
Child Custody
Consumer Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association on Child Custody offering information on the law relating to child custody and the procedure in child custody proceedings. Rev. 1/13 [PDF]
Collaborative Law
Consumer legal information brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association on Collaborative Law, a dispute resolution process that is an alternative to litigation. Each party hires a collaboratively trained lawyer, and both you and your respective lawyers all meet together to work things out face-to-face. Revised 1/13 [PDF]
Erie County: How to Get a Custody Order in Erie County
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about the steps involved in getting a custody order in Erie County. (June 2023)
Grandparent Rights
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on grandparent rights concerning custody and visitation from the Erie County Bar Association. (June 2023)
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door for aging services in your community. Your AAA is staffed with skilled workers who can provide information about services and also help in getting access to those services. Pennsylvania has 52 Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 67 counties.
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 a 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. This video provides an overview of the new requirements. Follow the link to view the entire series of videos.
Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program aims to alleviate the stresses associated with caregiving by focusing on the well-being of the caregiver, providing access to respite care, addressing the need for formal and informal supports, and providing financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies.
Pennsylvania KinConnector
PA KinConnector provides guidance, advice, and support for grandparents raising grandchildren and other relative and non-relative Kinship Caregivers. Kinship care is the full-time care, nurturing and protection of children by relatives or any adult who has a “kinship” bond with the children. These caregivers may include grandparents, aunts or uncles, siblings of the children requiring care, cousins or non-blood “relatives,” such as a teacher, coach or family friend.
The Caregiver Support Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging about the Caregiver Support Program. The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program helps people who take care of others. It offers resources and assistance to support caregivers and help them maintain a healthy, ongoing relationship with the person they are caring for. Included here are Resources for Caregivers of Adults and Resources for Caregivers of Children.
Allegheny County Court Family Division - Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas offers answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in the area of Custody; Dependency & Related Services; Divorce; Juvenile Delinquency and Probation; Paternity; Protection From Abuse (PFA); and Support.
Chester County: Uncontested Divorce Procedure and Forms
Information on the procedure to file and obtain an uncontested divorce in Chester County.
Erie County: How to Get a Custody Order in Erie County
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about the steps involved in getting a custody order in Erie County. (June 2023)