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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. As of January 2, 2005, individuals were no longer able to enter into common law marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, those common law marriages properly entered into before this date remain valid. A common law marriage, although not formalized through a structured ceremony and marriage license, is considered a valid marriage provided it met the requirements set forth by Pennsylvania law, and provided that the requirements were met prior to January 2, 2005.
Definitions of Child Abuse & Neglect
Resources from the Child Welfare Information Gateway about child maltreatment, including definitions, signs and symptoms, statistics and prevalence, types of child abuse and neglect, risk and protective factors, the impact on individuals and society, and child fatalities.
Emancipation
Emancipation Chapter of the Family Law Handbook published by North Penn Legal Services. Emancipation is the legal process by which minors can attain adult status under law before reaching the age normally considered adulthood. An emancipated minor is released from parental control, but an emancipated minor is never given the right to vote, drink alcoholic beverages or enjoy other privileges given by law to adults. (2021)
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 fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
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. (November 2018)
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. (June 2023)
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 or Neglect! - 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.
Definitions of Child Abuse & Neglect
Resources from the Child Welfare Information Gateway about child maltreatment, including definitions, signs and symptoms, statistics and prevalence, types of child abuse and neglect, risk and protective factors, the impact on individuals and society, and child fatalities.
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. (2016)
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. As of January 2, 2005, individuals were no longer able to enter into common law marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, those common law marriages properly entered into before this date remain valid. A common law marriage, although not formalized through a structured ceremony and marriage license, is considered a valid marriage provided it met the requirements set forth by Pennsylvania law, and provided that the requirements were met prior to January 2, 2005.
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. (May 2023)
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Erie County: Name Change Procedure
Information on Name Change procedures in Erie County. This includes links to self-help guides from the Erie County Court of Common Pleas on the procedure to change the name of both adults and minors. (March 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. (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 - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
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 fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
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.
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 fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
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
Emancipation Chapter of the Family Law Handbook published by North Penn Legal Services. Emancipation is the legal process by which minors can attain adult status under law before reaching the age normally considered adulthood. An emancipated minor is released from parental control, but an emancipated minor is never given the right to vote, drink alcoholic beverages or enjoy other privileges given by law to adults. (2021)
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. (November 2018)
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.
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. As of January 2, 2005, individuals were no longer able to enter into common law marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, those common law marriages properly entered into before this date remain valid. A common law marriage, although not formalized through a structured ceremony and marriage license, is considered a valid marriage provided it met the requirements set forth by Pennsylvania law, and provided that the requirements were met prior to January 2, 2005.
Grandparent Rights
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on grandparent rights concerning custody and visitation from the Erie County Bar Association. (June 2023)
Separation of Married Individuals
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the legal issues involved when married people begin to live separately. (May 2023)
Call to Report Child Abuse or Neglect! - 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.
Definitions of Child Abuse & Neglect
Resources from the Child Welfare Information Gateway about child maltreatment, including definitions, signs and symptoms, statistics and prevalence, types of child abuse and neglect, risk and protective factors, the impact on individuals and society, and child fatalities.
Erie County: Name Change Procedure
Information on Name Change procedures in Erie County. This includes links to self-help guides from the Erie County Court of Common Pleas on the procedure to change the name of both adults and minors. (March 2023)
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. (2016)
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 fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
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 - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory information from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
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.
Erie County: Name Change Procedure
Information on Name Change procedures in Erie County. This includes links to self-help guides from the Erie County Court of Common Pleas on the procedure to change the name of both adults and minors. (March 2023)
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
Franklin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Franklin County.
Greene County Domestic Relations
Information on support/domestic relations procedures in Greene County.
Juniata County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Juniata County.
Lebanon County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Lebanon 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.
Luzerne County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Luzerne County.
Lycoming County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Lycoming County.
McKean County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in McKean County.
Mercer County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Mercer County.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Monroe County: Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a court office that helps parents apply for child support services, establish paternity and support orders, and enforce support orders. Child support is money a noncustodial parent pays to a custodial parent to help provide food, clothing and other necessary items for their child. Child support may include medical support, payment of uncovered medical bills and contributions to child care costs. The DRS can also help if the noncustodial parent lives in another Pennsylvania county, a different state, or another country.
Montgomery County Domestic Relations
The Montgomery County Domestic Relations Office establishes paternity and determines and enforces child and spousal support orders in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, statutes, and rules of civil procedure.
Northampton County Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section is responsible for the establishment of Support Orders on behalf of children and spouses, establishment of paternity, location of absent obligors, and the enforcement of monetary Orders for Support and medical support. The Domestic Relations Section also establishes and enforces Orders for Alimony Pendente Lite and enforces alimony Orders.
Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill county.
Warren County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Warren County. The Domestic Relations Office handles matters pertaining to child and spousal support.
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. The Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania is the County IV-D Agency responsible for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child and spousal support obligations. The Domestic Relations Section does not deal with divorce, custody, visitation, or any other family law-related matter.
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.