Find Armstrong County Family Court Records
Armstrong County family court records are maintained by the Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts at the courthouse in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas handles all family law matters for county residents, including child custody, child support, spousal support, Protection from Abuse orders, divorce proceedings, and adoptions. You can search Armstrong County family court records by visiting the courthouse in person during regular business hours or submitting a written mail request, and basic case information is also searchable through the statewide UJS Portal.
Armstrong County Quick Facts
Armstrong County Family Court System
The Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas handles all family court matters in the county. The courthouse is located at 500 E. Market Street in Kittanning, the county seat. Armstrong County operates as its own judicial district under the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System, which was established by 42 Pa.C.S. § 301. Family court cases filed in Armstrong County stay in this court system from initial filing through final order.
Family court matters in Armstrong County include divorce proceedings, child custody and visitation cases, child and spousal support orders, Protection from Abuse petitions, paternity actions, name change requests, adoption petitions, juvenile dependency cases, and guardianship matters. Each of these case types creates a distinct set of records that become part of the court's permanent files. Pennsylvania's Domestic Relations Code at Title 23 Pa.C.S. sets the legal standards that Armstrong County judges apply to these matters.
The Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts office in Armstrong County handles both civil family matters and criminal court records. This combined structure is common in smaller Pennsylvania counties. Staff can assist with filing new cases, finding existing records, and obtaining copies of court documents for Armstrong County family court matters.
The Pennsylvania Court Records portal for Armstrong County provides case search tools and links to official county resources for family court record requests.
Accessing Armstrong County Family Court Records
Armstrong County offers remote online access to court records through the INFOCON subscription service. This is not a free system. INFOCON charges a setup fee of $25, a usage rate of $1.10 per minute, and a minimum monthly charge of $25. This service is used primarily by attorneys, title search companies, and others who need frequent online access to Armstrong County court records. For occasional searches, the in-person option at the courthouse is more practical and less expensive.
In-person access is available at the courthouse during regular business hours. Visiting the Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts office at 500 E. Market Street in Kittanning is the most direct way to search Armstrong County family court records. Staff will look up cases by party name or docket number. You can review the file and request copies of any documents you need. Payment for copies is collected at the time of your visit.
Written requests by mail are also accepted. Send your request to the Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts at the courthouse address in Kittanning. Include the names of the parties, the approximate year the case was filed, the case number if available, and a description of the documents you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the estimated copy cost. Staff will contact you if the actual charges differ.
Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy governs what information courts may make available remotely. Even through INFOCON, only certain docket information is accessible online. Full documents generally require in-person or mail requests. This rule applies to all Pennsylvania counties, including Armstrong County.
Note: The statewide UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us may index some Armstrong County case information, but it is not a substitute for the county's own records system when full document access is needed.
The Armstrong County government website at co.armstrong.pa.us lists all county departments and provides contact information for the courthouse in Kittanning.
Types of Family Court Records in Armstrong County
Armstrong County family court records cover a wide range of domestic relations matters. Each case type generates its own set of documents that become part of the permanent court record. Understanding which type of record you need helps determine where to look and what to ask for when you contact the courthouse.
Custody and visitation records are among the most frequently requested family court records in Armstrong County. These files include the initial petition, any temporary orders, hearing transcripts or summaries, and the final custody order. If a custody order has been modified over time, there may be multiple docket entries and multiple orders on file for the same case. You can usually find all of these under a single docket number assigned when the case was first filed.
Child support and spousal support records document the court's support calculations, income information for both parties, support orders, and any enforcement actions. These records are maintained by the Domestic Relations Office, which works closely with the Prothonotary. If you need records related to support enforcement or payment history, you may need to contact both offices.
Protection from Abuse orders are filed in the civil family docket. PFA petitions, temporary emergency orders, and final orders all appear in this record. These documents are generally available to the public, though certain protective information about the petitioner may be withheld for safety reasons under Pennsylvania law.
The Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.101 confirms that court records are public documents in Pennsylvania. Most Armstrong County family court records are available to anyone who requests them, subject to the limited exceptions for juvenile records and sealed adoptions.
Note: Armstrong County Orphans' Court handles adoptions and guardianship matters separately from the civil family docket. Contact the courthouse to confirm which division handles the specific record type you are looking for.
Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts
The Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. This office handles new case filings, maintains the official docket for each case, and provides copies of documents to the public. It is located at 500 E. Market Street in Kittanning, PA 16201.
When visiting in person, bring a photo ID and the names of the parties involved in the case you are looking for. If you have a docket number, bring that as well. Staff will search the index and pull the file for your review. You can request copies of any documents in the public record. Fees for copies are set by the court and are generally modest on a per-page basis.
The Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts page on the county website provides current contact information, including phone numbers and office hours. Check the website before visiting to confirm hours and any special procedures that may be in place. For questions about specific record types or request procedures, a phone call ahead of time can save you time at the courthouse.
| Office |
Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts 500 E. Market Street Kittanning, PA 16201 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Remote Access | INFOCON subscription (setup $25, $1.10/min, $25/month minimum) |
| Website | co.armstrong.pa.us |
The Armstrong County Prothonotary-Clerk of Courts office page provides direct contact information and office hours for requesting family court records in Kittanning.
Legal Help for Armstrong County Family Court Matters
Armstrong County residents dealing with family court cases have several options for legal help. Free or low-cost legal assistance is available for those who meet income guidelines.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to qualifying residents of Armstrong County. They handle family law matters including custody, support, and Protection from Abuse cases. Visit palegalaid.net to find the nearest office and apply for assistance. The application process is straightforward, and eligibility is based on household income and the nature of your legal problem.
The Temple Law guide to Pennsylvania family court records at guides.temple.edu is a free online resource that explains the structure of family court records across Pennsylvania. This guide is particularly helpful for anyone who is unfamiliar with how Pennsylvania courts maintain and provide access to family court records. The Pennsylvania Courts website at pacourts.us also has forms and instructions for self-represented litigants in Armstrong County.
Nearby Counties
Armstrong County is in western Pennsylvania, bordered by several other counties. Family court jurisdiction generally follows the residence of the parties. If you are not sure whether a case was filed in Armstrong County or a neighboring county, check the address listed on any court documents you have.