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]
Child Custody
This link will direct you to information on child custody proceedings. It was prepared by Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid, who merged into a single program with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023, and are now Summit Legal Aid
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
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.
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. 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.
Child Custody
This link will direct you to information on child custody proceedings. It was prepared by Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid, who merged into a single program with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023, and are now Summit Legal Aid
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.
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. 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.
Grandparent Rights
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on grandparent rights concerning custody and visitation from the Erie County Bar Association. (February 2019)
Understanding When Grandparents and Others Can Seek Custody
Informational brochure from the PA Bar Association describing when grandparents and other third parties may seek custody or a child. (August 2018)
Collaborative Law
Consumer legal information brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association on Collaborative Law, a dispute resolution process that is an alternative to litigation. Rev. 1/13 [PDF]
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]
A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [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
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
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.
A Caregiver's Guide to Selecting an Adults Day Services Center
An 12-page guide from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to help persons in need of adult day services. [PDF]
Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program
Describes the financial assistance and other benefits and services available through the Family Caregiver Support Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Resource for Caregivers of Children
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging about resources for grandparents and older relative caregivers of children and assistance that may be available to help.
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging will put you into contact with the programs and services you need. Use this finder to locate the specific Area Agency on Aging that covers your county.
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.
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
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.