PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Child Custody
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on rights relating to custody and visitation of children.
Custody - Myths & Facts
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on the true facts regarding child custody law.
Custody Resources from PASafeLaw.org
Resources from PASafeLaw.org intended to assist with understanding the process of obtaining and protecting your right to legal custody and/or physical custody of minor children.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2021)
Planning for Custody and Care of Children: an Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This guide is designed to provide important basic information about child custody to immigrant families.
Planning for Custody: An Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This resource from Philadelphia Legal Assistance includes important information about child custody, parent and child separation, the Department of Human Services, Options for Detained or Deported Parents, and International Travel and Relocation. It also includes important forms including: revocation of medical consent authorization for minors, medical consent for minors, and temporary guardian/custody of minors.
Tips and Techniques for Effective Co-Parenting (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law section is designed to to help parents and attorneys develop better outcomes for parents and their children as parents work through the process of learning how to share parenting responsibilities and decisions after separating.
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.
Carbon Court Self-Service - Child Custody
Information and forms relating to child custody proceedings in Carbon County.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Crawford County: Self-Help Custody Video (Court Video)
Video from the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County explaining procedures in place in Crawford County for obtaining custody or visitation arrangements with your child.
Dauphin County Self Help Center
Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center where forms and instructions are available.
Elk and Cameron Counties Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District serving Elk and Cameron Counties.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Huntingdon County: Forms
Forms for use in the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas.
Indiana County: Forms and Documents
Forms and information regarding proceedings in the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas.
Juniata County: Forms and Applications
Forms and applications for use in Juniata County.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
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: 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.
Montgomery County: Custody Mediation Orientation Program
Information on the Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program. An orientation session is an initial meeting between parties, and a mediator to educate the parties concerning the mediation process so that an informed choice can be made about continued participation in that process.
Northumberland County Court Forms
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
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: Complaint for 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 Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order with Instructions. A Petition for Reconsideration may be filed within 30 days of the date of a custody order if you believe that an error was made or that something very important was not considered. In filing a Petition for Reconsideration you are asking the same judge who heard the case to review his/her decision. Your petition must state the reasons why you believe the Court should make a different decision.
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: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Exceptions to Recommendation of Custody Master
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
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: Motion for Home Investigation
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Mental Health Assessment
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Protracted Custody Hearing
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Philadelphia County: 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 Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Expedited 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: Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Relocate With Child
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Snyder County: Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in 17th Judicial District - Snyder County.
Union County: UC Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in Union County.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Information and forms regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Washington County: Custody Resources
Information and forms on representing yourself in a custody action in Washington County.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.
Filling out an Affidavit of Service (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to complete and file an Affidavit of Service in a custody proceeding after servicing legal papers on the opposing party in your case. The video covers situations where a person is personally served by giving them a copy of the papers and when the service is done by mail. 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 File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Child Custody
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on rights relating to custody and visitation of children.
Custody - Myths & Facts
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on the true facts regarding child custody law.
Inside Custody Court: Factors Relevant to Custody Decisions (Video)
This video produced by Penn Law School with the assistance of Philadelphia Legal Assistance, provides an introduction to the factors relevant to custody decisions in Pennsylvania.
Preparing for a Custody Hearing - Pennsylvania (Video)
This video explains what happens at a child custody hearing, describes the "best interest of the child" standard, and gives you tips on how to obtain the custody order you want. The video is part of Philadelphia Legal Assistance's "Make Your Case" video series.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2021)
Planning for Custody and Care of Children: an Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This guide is designed to provide important basic information about child custody to immigrant families.
Filling out an Affidavit of Service (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to complete and file an Affidavit of Service in a custody proceeding after servicing legal papers on the opposing party in your case. The video covers situations where a person is personally served by giving them a copy of the papers and when the service is done by mail. 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 File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Planning for Custody: An Informational Guide for Immigrant Families
This resource from Philadelphia Legal Assistance includes important information about child custody, parent and child separation, the Department of Human Services, Options for Detained or Deported Parents, and International Travel and Relocation. It also includes important forms including: revocation of medical consent authorization for minors, medical consent for minors, and temporary guardian/custody of minors.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Staying in Foster Care Past Age 18
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project about how and when individuals over 18 years of age can remain in or re-enter foster care, and why you might want to do so.
Teen Parents in Care
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information for teen parents in care, who are young mothers and fathers who are placed by the Department of Human Services in foster care, a mother/baby placement, or other placement.
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
Tips and Techniques for Effective Co-Parenting (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law section is designed to to help parents and attorneys develop better outcomes for parents and their children as parents work through the process of learning how to share parenting responsibilities and decisions after separating.
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.
Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Costs to record, or “file” documents such as the complaint, vary from the type of document, or pleading, to the county in which you begin your case. Some court filing costs may be in the hundreds of dollars. If you cannot afford to pay these fees to the court, you will need to complete this form, In Forma Pauperis, a Latin term, referring to someone who cannot pay.
Custody Resources from PASafeLaw.org
Resources from PASafeLaw.org intended to assist with understanding the process of obtaining and protecting your right to legal custody and/or physical custody of minor children.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams 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.
Armstrong County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Armstrong County.
Beaver County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Beaver County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Blair County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Blair County.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.
Cambria County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Cambria County.
Carbon Court Self-Service - Child Custody
Information and forms relating to child custody proceedings in Carbon County.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information 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.
Chester County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Chester County.
Child Custody in Allegheny County
Information from the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on how custody cases move through the system and what steps you need to follow.
Clearfield County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Clearfield County.
Clinton County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Clinton County.
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Crawford County: Self-Help Custody Video (Court Video)
Video from the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County explaining procedures in place in Crawford County for obtaining custody or visitation arrangements with your child.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Dauphin County Self Help Center
Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center where forms and instructions are available.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Elk and Cameron Counties Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District serving Elk and Cameron Counties.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Information and forms regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Huntingdon County: Forms
Forms for use in the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas.
Indiana County: Forms and Documents
Forms and information regarding proceedings in the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas.
Juniata County: Forms and Applications
Forms and applications for use in Juniata County.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section
Information on the services provided by the Domestic Relations Section.
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: 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.
Montgomery County: Custody Mediation Orientation Program
Information on the Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program. An orientation session is an initial meeting between parties, and a mediator to educate the parties concerning the mediation process so that an informed choice can be made about continued participation in that process.
Northumberland County Court Forms
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry 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: Complaint for 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 Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order with Instructions. A Petition for Reconsideration may be filed within 30 days of the date of a custody order if you believe that an error was made or that something very important was not considered. In filing a Petition for Reconsideration you are asking the same judge who heard the case to review his/her decision. Your petition must state the reasons why you believe the Court should make a different decision.
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: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Exceptions to Recommendation of Custody Master
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
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: Motion for Home Investigation
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Mental Health Assessment
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Protracted Custody Hearing
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Philadelphia County: 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 Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Expedited 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: Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Relocate With Child
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill county.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly 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. 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.
Snyder County: Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in 17th Judicial District - Snyder County.
Union County: UC Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in Union County.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Information and forms regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Washington County: Custody Resources
Information and forms on representing yourself in a custody action in Washington County.
Washington County: Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County
Information on the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.