Luzerne County Low Bono/Pro Bono Family Law Custody Program
Luzerne County has adopted a low bono/pro bono program that may be able to provide you with FREE LIMITED LEGAL SERVICES relating to your custody matter. Again, representation is for a LIMITED custody matter. Before you can apply for the program, you must complete an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) and receive a signed Order.
Once you do this, the President Judge’s staff will hand you an informational flyer with a link to where to apply.
Remember this program is for a LIMITED custody matter only.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
In addition to Luzerne County Pro Bono, the following organizations also provide free legal assistance to low income people in Luzerne County:
CRIMINAL CASES: Luzerne County Pro Bono does not handle criminal cases. Instead, you may qualify for representation with the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office located at Penn Place Building, 20 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. The telephone number is (570)825-1754. The application for the Public Defender’s Office can be found here in (English) and (Spanish) and for juvenile cases.
CIVIL CASES: North Penn Legal Services (also called “North Penn”): For those who qualify, North Penn provides free lawyers for many different types of civil cases. You can apply online here or call their toll free number (877)953-4250. Additionally, North Penn has two locations in Luzerne County: Pittston Office, 33 N. Main St., Suite 200, Pittston, PA 18640-1949. The phone number is (570)299-4100. This covers Luzerne, Lackawanna, Sullivan and Wyoming Counties. The Hazleton Office is located at 101 W. Broad St., Suite 713, Hazleton, PA 18201-6303. The phone number is (570)455-9512 and covers Luzerne and Carbon counties.
Victims Resource Center: (570)823-0765
Mental Health Justice Project (a project of The Advocacy Alliance): (877)315-6855
Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging (Senior Citizens Only): (570)822-1158
Senior Law Helpline: (877)727-7529
Domestic Violence Service Center: (570)823-7312 or toll free at 1-800-424-5600
OTHER RESOURCES: Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Office at PaLawHelp.org.