Pennsylvania Family Court Records
Pennsylvania family court records are public documents filed at the Court of Common Pleas in each of the state's 67 counties. These records cover custody disputes, divorce proceedings, child and spousal support, protection from abuse orders, adoption cases, and name change petitions. The Prothonotary in each county maintains the official case files. You can search family court records in Pennsylvania online through the Unified Judicial System Portal or in person at the courthouse where the case was filed.
Pennsylvania Family Court Quick Facts
What Pennsylvania Family Court Records Include
Family court records in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of domestic legal matters. Each case type generates its own set of filings that become part of the public court record. The Court of Common Pleas in each county handles all family court matters, and the Prothonotary keeps those files. Most Pennsylvania family court records are open to the public under the Right-to-Know Law, Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes governs the substantive rules for all domestic relations matters in the Commonwealth.
The main types of family court proceedings in Pennsylvania include:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Protection from abuse orders
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Name change petitions
- Paternity actions
Each case file may contain complaints, answers, motions, court orders, and decrees. Judges sign orders that then enter the public record. Some details, like Social Security numbers and information about minors, are redacted from public copies under state confidentiality rules. The full case file stays at the Prothonotary office in the county where the case was filed.
The Pennsylvania courts page at pacourts.us describes family court jurisdiction in detail. The site explains that each county's Court of Common Pleas has authority over all family law matters within that county's boundaries.
Title 23 sets the rules for marriage, divorce, custody, support, adoption, and protection from abuse throughout Pennsylvania. Courts apply these rules consistently across all 67 counties.
Where Family Court Records Are Kept in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania family court records are held at two levels. The Prothonotary at each county's Court of Common Pleas keeps the full case files. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 301, gives each county court jurisdiction over family matters within its borders. You must go to the county where the case was originally filed to get certified copies or review the complete file.
Online docket information is available through the UJS Portal for most cases. The level of online access varies by county. Some counties like Allegheny and Berks provide free public access to family court dockets going back decades. Others require an INFOCON subscription or allow only in-person searching. The Temple University Law Library publishes a county-by-county guide at guides.temple.edu that shows which counties offer free access and which require subscriptions.
The Pennsylvania Courts website at pacourts.us links to each of the 67 county courts and provides guidance on locating case records statewide. The individual county courts directory lists contact information for every Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania.
Note: Documents filed in family court cases cannot be downloaded from the UJS Portal. You must contact the Prothonotary in the county where the case was filed to get copies of actual documents.
How to Search Pennsylvania Family Court Records
The Unified Judicial System Portal is the main tool for searching family court records in Pennsylvania online. The portal is free to use and covers case dockets from all 67 counties. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Docket sheets show the filing date, the case type, the parties, and a list of actions taken in the case. Go to ujsportal.pacourts.us to begin your search.
The UJS Portal serves as the central web portal for Pennsylvania court information. It gives public access to appellate court dockets, Common Pleas court dockets, and Magisterial District Court records. The portal also includes court calendars and a PAePay option for paying court costs. No registration is needed to search family court records online through the public docket option.
To search for a family court case in Pennsylvania, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of one party to the case
- The court case number
- The county where the case was filed
- The approximate year the case was filed
In-person searching is available at every Prothonotary office in Pennsylvania. Staff can search by name or case number. Bring a valid photo ID. Call ahead to confirm hours, as most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Mail requests are accepted at many courthouses, though response times vary by county.
The case search at ujsportal.pacourts.us/CaseSearch provides public docket sheets for Pennsylvania's appellate courts, criminal courts, magisterial district courts, and the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Family court case dockets appear when searched by party name and county. The system notes that recent filings may not appear immediately in the online system.
Pennsylvania Family Court Case Docket Information
A docket sheet is a summary of everything that has happened in a court case. For Pennsylvania family court records, the docket shows the names of the parties, the filing date, the case type, and every action taken by the court. This includes hearings scheduled, motions filed, and orders entered. The docket does not contain the full text of documents, but it tells you what was filed and when.
The Case Information Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us explains the different types of docket access available. Public docket sheets show case information accessible to anyone. The portal also notes that docket information should not be used as a substitute for official court documents in Pennsylvania.
Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, the public access policy for court records limits what remote access is available for family court cases. Dockets are available remotely. Documents themselves are not. A remote docket for a Pennsylvania family court case shows the party names, city and ZIP code of addresses, counsel of record, docket number, docket entries, court orders, the filing date, and the case type. That is what you get through the UJS Portal for family court records in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Laws Governing Family Court
Pennsylvania family court operates under a detailed set of statutes. The primary body of law is Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, known as the Domestic Relations Code. This title covers marriage, divorce, custody, support, adoption, and protection from abuse. It sets out the rules courts must follow when deciding family court cases throughout Pennsylvania.
The judicial structure itself is set by 42 Pa.C.S. § 301. This statute establishes the unified judicial system and defines which courts have jurisdiction over what types of cases. Courts of Common Pleas have general jurisdiction over family matters in Pennsylvania. Each of the 67 counties has its own Court of Common Pleas, and all family court cases are filed there.
The Pennsylvania courts operate under rules set by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Local county rules may add specific procedures on top of state rules. When filing a family court case in Pennsylvania, you must follow both the statewide rules in Title 23 and the local rules for the county where you file.
Public Access to Family Court Records in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania family court records are generally open to the public. The Right-to-Know Law gives anyone the right to request government records, including court filings. You do not need to be a party to a case to view or request copies of family court records in Pennsylvania. The Prothonotary in each county processes these requests.
There are limits on what information appears in public copies of family court records. Under the Case Records Public Access Policy at 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, certain information is kept confidential. This includes Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, driver license numbers, and the names and birth dates of minor children. Victims' addresses in protection from abuse cases are also protected in Pennsylvania.
The public access policy also limits remote access to family court records in Pennsylvania. Under Section 10.0 of 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, full case documents in family court actions are not remotely accessible to the public. Only dockets, court orders, and opinions are available through online systems. To see the actual documents in a family court case, you must visit the Prothonotary in the county where the case was filed or submit a written request.
Copy fees at Pennsylvania courts may not exceed $0.25 per page under the public access policy. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The exact fee schedule varies by county, so call the Prothonotary before your visit to confirm current rates.
Note: Courts may seal specific records in family court cases. A judge must find good cause to seal. Sealed records are not publicly accessible in Pennsylvania.
Court Forms for Pennsylvania Family Court Cases
The Unified Judicial System provides official forms for all types of family court cases in Pennsylvania. These forms are available at no cost through the Pennsylvania Courts website. Forms are grouped by case type, making it easier to find what you need for your specific situation. The forms are accepted at every county court in Pennsylvania.
The forms portal at pacourts.us/forms includes forms for civil complaints, private criminal complaints, and family law matters. There is a dedicated section for self-represented litigants in family law cases. Many forms are also available in Spanish. Each form comes with instructions to help you complete it correctly for the Pennsylvania court where you file.
Some counties also provide their own local forms in addition to the statewide forms. If a county has required local forms, the Prothonotary office can tell you which ones you need. Always use the most current version of any form when filing a family court case in Pennsylvania.
Legal Help for Family Court Cases in Pennsylvania
Several organizations across Pennsylvania provide legal assistance for family court matters. Pennsylvania Legal Aid offers free civil legal services to people who meet income guidelines. Their offices cover family court cases including custody, protection from abuse, and support. Visit palegalaid.net to find the office serving your county in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association runs a statewide lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375. This service connects callers with licensed attorneys who handle family court cases. Local bar associations in counties across Pennsylvania also offer referral services. An initial consultation is often available at a reduced fee. Getting legal advice early in a family court case can help you understand your rights under Pennsylvania law.
The Pennsylvania Courts website provides a self-help section for people who represent themselves. You can find step-by-step guides, required forms, and court instructions there. The Family Court Self-Help Centers available at some county courthouses provide in-person help with forms and filing procedures. These centers do not provide legal advice, but they can explain the process for filing family court cases in Pennsylvania.
Search Family Court Records by Pennsylvania County
Each county in Pennsylvania has its own Court of Common Pleas that maintains family court records. Select a county below to find court contact details, access options, and local resources for family court records in that area.
Family Court Records in Major Pennsylvania Cities
Residents of major cities file family court cases at their county courthouse. Select a city below to find family court record resources and contact information in that area.