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Lawyers & Resources.
Find legal help in Pennsylvania — legal aid, bar referrals, court self-help, and DV resources.
PALawHELP.org (Free)
PALawHELP.org is your online guide to legal information and services in Pennsylvania. Arranged by legal topic (child & family, housing, employment, etc.) and by county.
- Website: palawhelp.org
- Apply for legal aid online: click "Apply for Legal Aid" on homepage
PA Legal Aid Network (PLAN)
PLAN is a statewide consortium of legal aid programs providing civil legal assistance to low-income individuals:
- Website: palegalaid.net
- 8 regional programs + 6 specialized programs
- Serves every county in Pennsylvania
Legal Aid Organizations
- Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP): 877-429-5994 — Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties
- Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS): Western PA — nlsa.us
- Community Legal Services (CLS): Philadelphia — clsphila.org
PBA Lawyer Referral Service
The PA Bar Association (PBA) Lawyer Referral Service refers you to a local attorney for a $30 / 30-minute consultation:
Board Certification (None in PA)
Pennsylvania does NOT have formal board certification for family law. When choosing a lawyer, look for:
- AAML membership — American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- PBA Family Law Section membership
- Years of custody experience in your county
- Familiarity with Kayden's Law and HB 378 factors
Lawyer Costs in PA
- Hourly rate: $200-$500/hour (Philadelphia higher, rural lower)
- Retainer: $2,000-$10,000 for contested custody; $1,000-$3,000 for uncontested
- Flat fee: Some offer flat-fee uncontested divorces ($1,500-$3,000)
- Mediator: $150-$400/hour, typically 2-4 sessions
Domestic Violence Resources
- PCADV Hotline: 1-888-235-3425 (24/7 statewide)
- National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- PCADV Local Programs: pcadv.org/find-help (county-by-county)
Child Support Enforcement
The PA DHS Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) handles enforcement:
- PA SCDU processes all payments (Harrisburg)
- Enforcement: wage attachment, tax intercept, license suspension, contempt
- Modification: file Petition to Modify with Domestic Relations Section
- Online: PA Child Support Program
Parenting Class
County-dependent. Allegheny requires "Generations Program" (4-hour online class). Online: Course For Parents (~$25-$50). Check your county's local rules.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Dad Court Help is not a law firm. We are not attorneys. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify with a Pennsylvania family law attorney or the PA Courts website.
We are not attorneys. Dad Court Help provides educational resources and templates, not legal advice. Consult a qualified Pennsylvania family law attorney for your specific situation.