PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Common Law Marriage
Information on common law marriage from the Erie County Bar Association.
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)
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was up-to-date as of its release in June 2020. However, because laws affecting trans people are constantly changing, the information contained in this Handbook may not reflect the current legal situation where you live. You can click on the links below to access the different sections online. You can also access the entire handbook by clicking here You can also review Resources and Definitions, which lists additional helpful resources and definitions for the terms used in this Handbook. If you have a question about your specific legal situation, you should contact NCLR’s legal helpline by phone at (415) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257. You can also contact the helpline by e-mail at info@nclrights.org.
Changing Your Name in Pennsylvania
This Classroom provides resources from a variety of sources regarding Changing Your Name in Pennsylvania
Emancipation of Minors
General informational on issues surrounding emancipation from Northwestern Legal Services, including school attendance and residency, medical consent, parental liability, public assistance benefits and support for minors. A Continuous Residence and Support Oath affidavit is available in PDF Format. See the explanation on use of this form in the text of this article.
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)
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 Kinship Foster Care (Video)
This video has been produced by the Pennsylvania Courts to help potential kinship providers learn about and understand kinship foster care, navigate the dependency court system and take the necessary steps to become a kinship parent. (2015)
Call to Report Child Abuse!!! - ChildLine and Abuse Registry
Reporting Child Abuse - Call 800-932-0313 The ChildLine and Abuse Registry Intake Unit is available 24 hours to receive reports of suspected child abuse. Each call is answered by a trained intake specialist who will interview the caller to determine the most appropriate course of action.
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)
Parent’s Guide to Understanding the Pennsylvania Dependency Process (Video)
This is a comprehensive video from the Pennsylvania Courts for parents whose children have been removed from their care or are under supervision of dependency court. The goals of the video are to help parents learn what to expect in the courtroom, how to prepare for court, how to work with their caseworkers and attorney, what rights they’re entitled to and good questions to ask.
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 Parent Rights When DHS Investigates
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project proving information to teen parents who might be under investigation by the Department of Human Services concerning allegations of child abuse or neglect.
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.
Understanding Kinship Foster Care (Video)
This video has been produced by the Pennsylvania Courts to help potential kinship providers learn about and understand kinship foster care, navigate the dependency court system and take the necessary steps to become a kinship parent. (2015)
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)
Common Law Marriage
Information on common law marriage from the Erie County Bar Association.
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)
Separation of Married Individuals
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the legal issues involved when married people begin to live separately. (Feb 2019)
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
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. (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.
Lehigh County: Name Change - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
This informational section is 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.
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.
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was up-to-date as of its release in June 2020. However, because laws affecting trans people are constantly changing, the information contained in this Handbook may not reflect the current legal situation where you live. You can click on the links below to access the different sections online. You can also access the entire handbook by clicking here You can also review Resources and Definitions, which lists additional helpful resources and definitions for the terms used in this Handbook. If you have a question about your specific legal situation, you should contact NCLR’s legal helpline by phone at (415) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257. You can also contact the helpline by e-mail at info@nclrights.org.
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.
Reproductive Health
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project on issues relating to reproductive health including birth control, disease prevention and contraception; pregnancy and teen parenting; counseling; adoption; and abortion.
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was up-to-date as of its release in June 2020. However, because laws affecting trans people are constantly changing, the information contained in this Handbook may not reflect the current legal situation where you live. You can click on the links below to access the different sections online. You can also access the entire handbook by clicking here You can also review Resources and Definitions, which lists additional helpful resources and definitions for the terms used in this Handbook. If you have a question about your specific legal situation, you should contact NCLR’s legal helpline by phone at (415) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257. You can also contact the helpline by e-mail at info@nclrights.org.
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)
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. (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.
Emancipation of Minors
General informational on issues surrounding emancipation from Northwestern Legal Services, including school attendance and residency, medical consent, parental liability, public assistance benefits and support for minors. A Continuous Residence and Support Oath affidavit is available in PDF Format. See the explanation on use of this form in the text of this article.
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)
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. (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.
Reproductive Health
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project on issues relating to reproductive health including birth control, disease prevention and contraception; pregnancy and teen parenting; counseling; adoption; and abortion.
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 Parent Rights When DHS Investigates
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project proving information to teen parents who might be under investigation by the Department of Human Services concerning allegations of child abuse or neglect.
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)
Common Law Marriage
Information on common law marriage from the Erie County Bar Association.
Grandparent Rights
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on grandparent rights concerning custody and visitation from the Erie County Bar Association. (February 2019)
Separation of Married Individuals
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the legal issues involved when married people begin to live separately. (Feb 2019)
Call to Report Child Abuse!!! - ChildLine and Abuse Registry
Reporting Child Abuse - Call 800-932-0313 The ChildLine and Abuse Registry Intake Unit is available 24 hours to receive reports of suspected child abuse. Each call is answered by a trained intake specialist who will interview the caller to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Parent’s Guide to Understanding the Pennsylvania Dependency Process (Video)
This is a comprehensive video from the Pennsylvania Courts for parents whose children have been removed from their care or are under supervision of dependency court. The goals of the video are to help parents learn what to expect in the courtroom, how to prepare for court, how to work with their caseworkers and attorney, what rights they’re entitled to and good questions to ask.
Understanding Kinship Foster Care (Video)
This video has been produced by the Pennsylvania Courts to help potential kinship providers learn about and understand kinship foster care, navigate the dependency court system and take the necessary steps to become a kinship parent. (2015)
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was up-to-date as of its release in June 2020. However, because laws affecting trans people are constantly changing, the information contained in this Handbook may not reflect the current legal situation where you live. You can click on the links below to access the different sections online. You can also access the entire handbook by clicking here You can also review Resources and Definitions, which lists additional helpful resources and definitions for the terms used in this Handbook. If you have a question about your specific legal situation, you should contact NCLR’s legal helpline by phone at (415) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257. You can also contact the helpline by e-mail at info@nclrights.org.
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 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.
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.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
Juniata County: Forms and Applications
Forms and applications for use in Juniata County.
Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section
Information on the services provided by the Domestic Relations Section.
Lehigh County: Name Change - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
This informational section is 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.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Northumberland County Court Forms
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
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: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill 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.