Custody and Support Assistance Clinic (CASAC)


Operated by students of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and supervised by PLA's Family Law Unit, the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic (CASAC) assists low income Philadelphians with child custody, and domestic violence legal issues.  Student advocates work one-on-one with clients to prepare legal documents and provide advice for court appearances.

See also

CASAC on the University of Pennsylvania Law School web site

Practice Areas: Relocation   Child Custody   Protection From Abuse

Intake Procedure:

Same as the Family Law Unit.

Eligibility Requirements:

Same as the Family Law Unit.

Funded By: Legal Services Corporation

Articles

Penn Law video about the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic

PLA's Custody and Support Assistance Clinic is featured in this video produced by the University of Pennsylvania Law School (read transcript).


Self-help Materials

Child Custody Exchanges and Filings During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Planning for Custody and Care of Children: an Informational Guide for Immigrant Families

This guide is intended to give basic information under Pennsylvania law about custody of children and how to plan for and or deal with a change in circumstances due to a parent’s sudden or expected absence or inability to care for her/his children.  Available in Spanish.

Family Law Resource List
Notice of Relocation
Resources at the Philadelphia Family Court Help Center

The Family Court Help Center is a room in the Philadelphia Family Court where people with family court cases can receive free legal information from knowledgable volunteers.

This guide explains the services available at the Help Center.

Family Law for Teen Parents

A 54-page guide and an on-line quiz for teen parents about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to paternity, child custody, child support, protection from abuse, and emancipation.

Technology Safety Tips
Representing Yourself in Custody Court: One Parent’s Experiences
Getting a Protection From Abuse Order
Preparing for a Custody Hearing
Factors Relevant to Custody Decisions

This 20-minute video discusses the factors that Family Court considers when making decisions in custody cases. Produced by the University of Pennsylvania Law School with assistance from attorneys at PLA.

The Best Interests of the Child

This guide contains a list of the sixteen factors that make up the "best interests of the child" standard under Pennsylvania law.

Criminal Convictions and Child Custody

This guide contains a list of the types of criminal convictions that the court must consider when making a decision about child custody.

Court Forms Available From the First Judicial District
Domestic Violence and Welfare Support Requirements
Custody Mediation Program, Philadelphia Family Court
Child Custody in Philadelphia County
Safety Planning Tips

This brochure provides suggestions on staying safe if you are in or have left an abusive relationship.

Information about Protection From Abuse in Philadelphia

These brochures provide basic information about how to obtain a Protection From Abuse order in Philadelphia.

Family law self-help resources from Women's Law Project
Family law resources from PALawHelp.org