Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

What can I do when I have no funds for an attorney

I have been served with divorce papers. I am unemployed and about to be evicted from my apt. I have applied for ss disability. I have no funds to pay for an attorney. I do not know how I can respond to the divorce complaint w/o an attorney. I filed for spousal support myself. Although Master ruled for me, the judge ruled against me. My husband has the funds to support me temporarily until I am back on my feet. Additionally, spouse abandoned the marriage of 26 years of his own free will. Judge also had the doctors reports stating I am unable to be gainfully employed at this time. Judge knew all above info and no one knows why he ruled against me. What does one do when they have no funds to answer a divorce complaint. There are no pro bono attorneys in the county I live in. On the complaint at the end it says to immediately take these papers to an attorney if you cannot afford an attorney contact legal aid which I did. They do not do family law, or divorce. I do not know where to turn and feel my rights in this divorce should be protected. Any help appreciated.


Asked on 3/10/05, 9:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: What can I do when I have no funds for an attorney

If you called the number on the complaint that is the lawyer referral service. It is not legal aid, and is run by the county Bar association for local attorneys. You need to contact Legal Aid of Southeastern Pa at 1-877-429-5994, Monday thru Thursday, 9am to 1pm to have a telephone intake done. They may refer you to a county office for further assistance. According to their web page they do handle divorce cases. Their website is http://www.lasp.org/ShowPage.cfm?PageID=12

If you are in need of further assistance you can contact me directly.

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Answered on 3/10/05, 10:25 pm


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