Representing Yourself
The judicial system of Pennsylvania embraces the idea that access to the Courts is a fundamental right of all Pennsylvanians.
Through its long history, the judicial system in Pennsylvania has been, and continues to be, committed to dispensing justice for all Pennsylvanians. Some litigants, for any number of reasons, may find it necessary to represent themselves pro se before the Court.
Nothing on these pages should be construed as legal advice, and should not be cited as legal authority.
If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees
Fees to file documents, such as a complaint or petition, can vary by the type of document and the county in which you file the document. You can find the amount of a fee from the Prothonotary or Office of Judicial Records in your county courthouse where you intend to file the document. If you cannot afford to pay the fee, you can complete the Application to Waive Fees and Costs found on the Forms For the Public page on this site to ask the court to waive the filing fee. You will need to complete the application and take it to the Prothonotary or Office of Judicial Records in your county courthouse. Instructions are posted with the form. The court may ask for more information, require that you appear in person for a hearing, or decide your application based on the information you provide on the form.
Self-represented litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following statewide and local Rules of Court.
For your protection, be sure to verify you have met all up-to-date requirements by contacting your local county court administration.
All litigants must handle confidential information and documents as required by the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
Confidential information is defined as: social security numbers; financial account numbers, except an active financial account number may be identified by the last four digits when the financial account is the subject of the case and cannot otherwise be identified; driver’s license numbers; state identification (SID) numbers; minors’ names and dates of birth except when a minor is charged as a defendant in a criminal matter (see 42 Pa.C.S. § 6535); and abuse victim’s address and other contact information, including employer’s name, address and work schedule, in family court actions as defined by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1931(a), except for victim’s name.
Confidential documents are defined as: financial source documents; minors’ educational records; medical and psychological records; children and youth services’ records; marital property inventory and pre-trial statements as provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.33; income and expense statements as provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c); and agreements between the parties as used in 23 Pa.C.S. § 3105.
Please note, the italicized terms are explicitly defined in Section 1.0 of the Policy.
For more information about how to handle confidential information and documents in a specific court, please visit http://www.pacourts.us/public-records/public-records-policies.
The website also contains informational videos, posters, and handouts that may be helpful to you.
Custody
Before you initiate a custody action, make sure you know the appropriate county court to begin the action. Visit the child custody page.
Divorce
For divorce proceedings, please visit the Divorce page.
Protection from Abuse
Contact your county court administrator for information on how to proceed with a PFA. Visit the PFA forms page.
Child Support
To file a claim for child support you will need to contact your county domestic relations office. More information is available from the Department of Public Welfare. Visit the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement website.