INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE REPRESENTING THEMSELVES IN LEGAL MATTERS (PRO SE)
Pro Se (pronounced Pro Say) is a Latin term meaning "on behalf of one's self." The phrase refers to a person who is not a lawyer but chooses to represent himself in court.
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.
Representing yourself in Court is difficult and a challenging process. It is strongly suggested that you consult an attorney.
ATTORNEY CONNECTION
This is the public service Lawyer Referral and Information program of the York County Bar Association. They will refer you to an attorney who will meet with you about your case for an initial consultation fee of $50. Even if you decide to handle the case yourself, it is in your best interests to first meet with an attorney who can help you decide how best to present your case.
137 East Market St.
York, PA 17401
Phone 717-854-8755
www.yorkbar.org/attorneyconnection
MID PENN LEGAL SERVICES
This is a nonprofit organization which provides low income people with representation in civil matters which constitute emergencies, such as loss of income, shelter, and medical care. In addition, this office has PA Legal Aid Network pamphlets which contain information on many legal situations such as divorce, custody, child support and foreclosure.
29 N. Queen St.
York, PA 17403
Phone 717-848-3605
YORK COUNTY COURT SELF HELP CENTER AND LAW LIBRARY
York County Court Self-Help Center is a resource for individuals who are representing themselves in civil litigation. The Center provides assistance and information on legal procedure and issues. The Center also houses the law library and has several volumes of books, as well as public access to computers for online legal research. This library is open to the public and has information on state, federal, and local laws. You may use the library during regular business hours. Please keep in mind that the library staff is not permitted to give legal advice.
York County Judicial Center, 4th Floor
45 N. George St.
York, PA 17401
courtselfhelp@old.yorkcountypa.gov
PA LAW HELP
This website provides information on the court policy and procedure and includes forms and instructions.
The Prothonotary staff are not attorneys. They are not permitted to give legal advice or tell you how to process your case.
We can:
provide you with forms and instructions that have been approved by the Court.
answer some basic questions about court deadlines and how they are determined.
provide you with information from your case file.
We cannot:
tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
tell you what words to use in your papers or what to say in court.
interpret court documents or tell you what you should do.