Finding Legal Help
Although each community varies, available resources may include governmental agencies, social service agencies, faith-based organizations and other entities that are designed to provide assistance to people in need. Following is a list of resources that may be able to help you. If you are over 55, you may want to begin with calling your local Area on Aging at 1-800-753-8827.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network connects individuals and families who meet income requirements to local Legal Aid programs that can assist them with legal matters.
Contact:
WEB: www.palegalaid.net
Phone: 1-800–322-7572
Satewide Adoption Network (SWAN)
Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, SWAN offers a network of resources and/or information for families and children going through the adoption, custody and guardianship process. With regard to kinship families, they offer a variety of post-permanency services such as support groups and referrals to local family centers.
Contact:
WEB: www.adoptpakids.org
Phone: 1-800-585-7926
Email: swanhelpline@diakon-swan.org
Grandfamilies.Org
Grandfamilies.org is a national legal resource that provides information to grandparents as they navigate the legal aspect of caregiving.
Their website offers a searchable database of laws and pending legislation of importance to grandfamilies, as well as resource guides to guardianship, custody, foster care, financial assistance and contact information for local bar associations.
Contact:
WEB: www.grandfamilies.org
PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Pennsylvania Bar Association provides lawyer referrals and information on local Bar Associations.
Contact:
WEB: www.pabar.org/site/For-the-Public/Find-a-Lawyer
Phone: 1-800-932-0311
PA Law Help
PA LAW HELP provides free information on a variety of civil legal issues including adoption, guardianship and custody. You can find information about legal proceedings and use the website’s interactive tool (LawHelp Interactive) to fill out necessary forms and documents.
Contact:
WEB: www.palawhelp.org
Email: palawhelp@palegalaid.net