Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Pennsylvania. Know your rights and find help.
Provides free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents in housing, family, employment, and public benefits matters.
Visit Website →Offers free legal help to low-income residents in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.
Visit Website →Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in the Pittsburgh area covering housing, family, and consumer matters.
Visit Website →One of the nation's largest civil legal aid programs, serving low-income Philadelphians in housing, employment, public benefits, and consumer protection.
Visit Website →Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in 18 counties across central Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Defends civil liberties through litigation and advocacy on criminal justice reform, immigrants' rights, and reproductive freedom.
Visit Website →The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the court of last resort with seven justices. The Superior Court handles most appeals, while the Commonwealth Court handles cases involving state and local government. Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in each county. Magisterial District Courts handle minor cases. Philadelphia has a separate Municipal Court.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has seven justices and sits primarily in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. The Superior Court handles most civil and criminal appeals with 15 judges across districts in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. The Commonwealth Court handles cases involving state and local government. Courts of Common Pleas serve as trial courts in each of the 67 counties. Philadelphia has a separate Municipal Court handling misdemeanors and small civil claims.
Governs rental relationships under 68 P.S. 250.101, covering security deposits (limited to two months' first year, one month after), eviction procedures, and lease terms.
Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, and disability.
Consumer protection statute under 73 P.S. 201-1 prohibiting unfair or deceptive business practices with private right of action and treble damages.
Provides medical benefits and wage-loss compensation to employees injured during the course of employment, with specific provisions for occupational diseases.
Provides for Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders giving victims exclusive possession of shared residences, temporary custody, and other protective measures under 23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61.
Landmark law automatically sealing certain criminal records after individuals complete their sentences and remain crime-free for a specified period.
Protects employees of public bodies from retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, abuse, or corruption in good faith.
24/7 confidential support for domestic violence victims
1-800-799-7233
Statewide DV hotline connecting to local programs
1-800-932-4632
Community Legal Services housing emergency line
215-940-3900
Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support
988
Expanded state-funded program providing grants and loans to homeowners and landlords for essential repairs, supporting housing stability.
Pennsylvania continues implementing changes to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction, ensuring more youth are tried in juvenile rather than adult court.
Increased eligibility thresholds and rebate amounts for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, benefiting seniors and people with disabilities.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 4 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Typical filing fee: $50-$100 (claims up to $12,000 in Magisterial District Court)
Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.
Typical filing fee: $250-$400
Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.
Typical filing fee: $200-$350
Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.
Free civil legal services for low-income Philadelphia residents in housing, family, and consumer matters.
Visit Website →Free legal help for low-income residents in 18 central Pennsylvania counties.
Visit Website →Free civil legal services for low-income residents in 11 southwestern Pennsylvania counties.
Visit Website →The highest court in Pennsylvania with seven justices, sitting primarily in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Handles appeals of statewide importance.
Visit Court Website →The primary intermediate appellate court handling most civil and criminal appeals with 15 judges across Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh.
Visit Court Website →Handles appeals involving state and local government, regulatory agencies, and eminent domain matters.
Visit Court Website →General jurisdiction trial courts in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Access your county court, case search, and filing information.
Find Your Local Court →Landlord & Tenant Act. Governs residential rental relationships including security deposits (limited to 2 months first year, 1 month thereafter), notice requirements, and eviction procedures.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, and disability.
Unfair Trade Practices & Consumer Protection Law. Broad consumer protection statute prohibiting deceptive business conduct with private right of action and treble damages for intentional violations.
Protection From Abuse Act. Authorizes PFA orders for domestic violence victims including exclusive possession of shared residence, temporary custody, firearms surrender, and no-contact provisions.
Clean Slate Law. Automatically seals certain criminal records after completion of sentence and a crime-free period, removing barriers to employment and housing.
Statewide portal connecting low-income Pennsylvanians to free legal aid, court forms, self-help tools, and legal information organized by topic and county.
Visit Website →One of the nation's largest civil legal aid programs, serving low-income Philadelphians in housing, employment, public benefits, and consumer protection.
Visit Website →Provides free legal services to incarcerated individuals, people in institutions, and those re-entering the community on civil rights and conditions issues.
Visit Website →The PA AG's Bureau of Consumer Protection investigates consumer complaints about deceptive business practices, scams, price gouging, and identity theft. The bureau mediates disputes and can take legal action against businesses.
Phone: (800) 441-2555
Online Complaints: File at attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/
Visit AG Consumer Protection →The PHRC enforces the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, investigating complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. It is a HUD-certified agency and work-shares with the EEOC for employment discrimination charges.
Phone: (717) 787-4410
Filing Deadline: 180 days from the discriminatory act
Visit PHRC Website →