LibGuides: Self-Help: Elder Law: Free Legal Help & More

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

SeniorLAW Center
PA SeniorLAW HelpLine: 1-877-727-7529 (1-877-PA SR LAW)
Intake: Mon. - Thurs., 10am - 12pm
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For older Pennsylvanians (60+ years). Provides representation primarily in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Provides legal advice, information, and referrals throughout PA. | Housing | Tangled Title | Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation | Family & Kinship Care | Advanced Life Planning (Wills, etc.) | Consumer Protection | & more
Community Legal Services
215-981-3700
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Provides advice and representation for certain issues related to Medicaid and Medicaid estate recovery, Medicare, Personal Care Homes (PCH), eligibility for Long Term Services and Supports at home, nursing home issues, guardianship defense, property taxes, and more.

Drexel Thomas R. Kline School of Law: Estate Planning Clinics (2024-2025)
215-571-4797. Estate Planning Clinics provided by law school students. Click link above for dates & more info.

Legal Clinic for the Disabled
215-587-3158 (Option 2)
Intake: Mon., Tues, Thurs., 9am - 5pm
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Provides free legal services to low-income people with disabilities or who are deaf or hard of hearing in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. LCD advises and represents clients with disabilities in most areas of civil law including simple wills, living wills, and power of attorney. LCD also has "a number of volunteer attorneys who represent clients in real estate, estate administration and divorce (property settlement) matters."

Also see Jenkins' Self-Help: Free Legal Aid and/or Self-Help: Find a Lawyer guides.

SeniorLAW Center
PA SeniorLAW HelpLine: 1-877-727-7529 (1-877-PA SR LAW)
Intake: Mon. - Thurs., 10am - 12pm
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For older Pennsylvanians (60+ years). Provides representation primarily in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Provides legal advice, information, and referrals throughout PA. | Housing | Tangled Title | Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation | Family & Kinship Care | Advanced Life Planning (Wills, etc.) | Consumer Protection | & more
PA Department of Aging: Older Pennsylvanians Legal Assistance Program
717-783-1550
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Free legal services for Pennsylvania residents age 60 and older, including matters related to abuse, age discrimination, guardianship defense, healthcare, housing, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
Legal Clinic for the Disabled
215-587-3158 (Option 2)
Intake: Mon., Tues, Thurs., 9am - 5pm
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Provides free legal services to low-income people with disabilities or who are deaf or hard of hearing in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. LCD advises and represents clients with disabilities in most areas of civil law including simple wills, living wills, and power of attorney. LCD also has "a number of volunteer attorneys who represent clients in real estate, estate administration and divorce (property settlement) matters."
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
Search for Legal Aid Providers across PA
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The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) is a network of different legal aid programs that provide civil legal assistance to low-income individuals across the state. Find a PLAN program/organization by name or by county on the "Legal Aid Providers" page.

Also see Jenkins' Self-Help: Free Legal Aid and/or Self-Help: Find a Lawyer guides.

Phila. Elder Justice & Civil Resource Center

"The Elder Justice & Civil Resource Center (the “Center”) is a court-operated resource center located in City Hall. The Center provides assistance for all Philadelphians in civil court matters, with a focus on serving individuals 60 and older and self represented litigants. Managed by the First Judicial District Office of Judicial Records, Civil Division..."

Location: Room 278, City Hall, Philadelphia

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Assistance Provided:

Provides information on court processes and procedures
Refers seniors and self-represented litigants to legal service providers
Connects individuals with volunteer attorney and law student programs (by appointment only and subject to availability)
Guides beginners through Civil and Orphans’ Court e-filing systems
Assists newly appointed guardians with annual and inventory report filing
Shares forms and information

Service & Support Organizations

CARIE: Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly
CARIE LINE: 215-545-5728
Mon. - Fri., 9am - 5pm
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" The CARIE LINE is a free telephone and online, one-on-one service that assists older adults and their caregivers identify and access needed services and supports. CARIE LINE Advocates offer options counseling, information, advocacy and education to help elders and caregivers identify and access resources on any issue an elder may be facing..." The PAVE (Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elderly) program offers court accompaniment, assistance with preparing Victim Impact Statements, and more for older crime victims.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040
For hearing impaired: 215-765-9041
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Aims "to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities and to assist them in achieving their maximum level of health, independence and productivity."