If you are considering bankruptcy in Pennsylvania but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/PA for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Pennsylvania.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/PA to find the legal aid office nearest you in Pennsylvania. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Free legal services in Philadelphia including consumer debt and bankruptcy.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
One of the largest legal aid organizations in the country. Consumer debt unit handles bankruptcy matters.
Neighborhood Legal Services Association (Pittsburgh)
Free legal services in western Pennsylvania.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Serves the Philadelphia suburbs.
MidPenn Legal Services
Serves central Pennsylvania.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Clinics
Legal clinics in Philadelphia.
Temple University Beasley School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Philadelphia.
University of Pittsburgh School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Pittsburgh.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Pennsylvania
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Pennsylvania. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for Pennsylvania. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/PA -- Find free legal help in Pennsylvania
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge