Resources for Families
If you are navigating a family court case in Lancaster County involving domestic violence, child abuse, or an unsafe custody arrangement, these resources may help.
Your Legal Rights Under Kayden's Law
- Pennsylvania's Kayden's Law (Act 8 of 2024) requires courts to hold a separate evidentiary hearing before awarding custody if there is a history of abuse.
- Courts must provide you with a written copy of the custody factors within 30 days of filing.
- If a modification petition is filed, Kayden's Law applies regardless of when your original case was filed.
Local Resources
YWCA Lancaster
Domestic violence services, emergency shelter, and support for survivors.
Phone: 717-392-7277
Website: ywcalancaster.org
Lancaster Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
Free legal help for domestic violence survivors navigating custody and protection issues.
Phone: 717-291-5826
Website: caplanc.org/dvlc
MidPenn Legal Services
Low-income family law assistance including custody, support, and protection from abuse.
Phone: 717-299-9491
Website: midpennlegal.org
Lancaster County Bar Association Referral
Attorney referral service for families seeking private legal representation.
Phone: 717-393-0737
Website: lancasterbar.com
Filing a Judicial Conduct Complaint
- Anyone can file a complaint against a judge — free, no attorney required.
- The Judicial Conduct Board investigates ethical violations by Pennsylvania judges.
- You can submit online or by mail at judicialconductboardofpa.org or call (717) 234-7911.
Complaint language template
On [DATE], Judge [NAME] issued a custody order in Case No. [X] in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. Despite [SPECIFIC EVIDENCE — e.g., a Protection From Abuse order / police incident reports / a licensed mental health professional's clinical evaluation] being entered into the record prior to the order, the written order contains no explanation of how this safety evidence was considered, as required by 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328(a) as amended by Act 8 of 2024 (Kayden's Law), effective August 15, 2024, and further amended by Act 11 of 2025, effective August 29, 2025.
If You Are In Danger Now
The National DV Hotline offers call, text, and chat support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first.