Search Clearfield County Family Court Records
Clearfield County family court records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office at the Clearfield County Courthouse in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas handles all domestic relations matters, including custody, child support, spousal support, divorce, Protection from Abuse orders, and adoptions. You can search Clearfield County family court records online through the county's public portal or through the statewide UJS Portal, with coverage going back to the early 2000s. In-person and mail requests are also accepted at the courthouse.
Clearfield County Quick Facts
Clearfield County Family Court System
The Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas serves all residents of this central Pennsylvania county. The court's jurisdiction covers the full range of family law matters, established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 301 as part of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. The courthouse in the town of Clearfield is where all family court filings are processed and maintained.
Clearfield County family court proceedings include custody and visitation disputes, child support cases, spousal support matters, and Protection from Abuse petitions. Divorce filings are handled by the Prothonotary under Pennsylvania's Domestic Relations Code at Title 23 Pa.C.S. Paternity actions, name change petitions, and termination of parental rights proceedings are also part of the family court docket here.
The court's Orphans' Court division handles adoption petitions, guardianship proceedings, and related matters. Adoption records are sealed under Pennsylvania law and are not available to the general public. Guardianship records are generally public. The Clerk of Courts manages juvenile delinquency matters separately from the family court docket maintained by the Prothonotary's Office.
Clearfield County has a relatively straightforward court structure for a central Pennsylvania county. The Prothonotary's Office is the main point of contact for most family court record requests. Free online access sets Clearfield apart from many neighboring counties that require paid subscriptions.
Clearfield County Family Court Records Access
Clearfield County offers free online access to court dockets, which is a notable advantage for researchers and residents alike. Coverage goes back to the early 2000s for most case types. You can search Clearfield County family court records through the Clearfield County Prothonotary's online portal or through the statewide UJS Portal.
The statewide UJS Portal case search at ujsportal.pacourts.us is free and covers Clearfield County. Search by party name or docket number to find basic case information. This system shows docket entries, filing dates, case type, and party names. It does not always include full document images, but it is a reliable starting point for any search.
Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81 defines the boundaries of remote access even for counties with free online systems. Party names, docket numbers, case type, court orders, and filing dates are available remotely. Certain sensitive documents, particularly those involving minor children, may require an in-person visit to the Clearfield County Courthouse for full access.
In-person access at 230 E. Market Street in Clearfield is available during regular business hours. The Prothonotary's Office staff can pull case files, provide copies, and assist with records requests. Mail requests are also accepted. The general county website at clearfieldco.org provides contact information for all court offices.
Note: Even with free online access, some older records predating the digital system may only be available in paper form at the courthouse. Call the Prothonotary's Office to confirm whether older records you need have been digitized.
Types of Family Court Records in Clearfield County
Clearfield County family court records span many types of proceedings. The Prothonotary's Office is the primary custodian for civil and family civil matters. Each case type generates distinct documentation that may be needed for legal, personal, or research purposes.
Custody and visitation records are among the most frequently searched family court documents in Clearfield County. A custody case file can contain the initial complaint, custody evaluation reports, guardian ad litem filings, parenting plans, mediation outcomes, and all court orders. These files can grow substantially over time as parties return for modifications. The free online system makes it relatively easy to check the status of a custody case in Clearfield County without visiting the courthouse.
Child support records are filed through the Domestic Relations Section. These records include the original support order, modification petitions, compliance records, and enforcement actions. Spousal support and alimony pendente lite orders are also maintained here. Protection from Abuse records, including the petition, temporary order, and final order, are part of the Prothonotary's public docket. These are available through the free online system where the case appears.
- Custody and visitation orders
- Child support and spousal support orders
- Protection from Abuse petitions and orders
- Divorce proceedings and decrees
- Adoption and guardianship records
- Paternity actions
- Name change petitions
Divorce records in Clearfield County are part of the civil docket maintained by the Prothonotary. These records include the complaint in divorce, any counter-filings, marital settlement agreements, and the final decree. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, most divorce records are public. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Prothonotary for a fee. The free online system shows docket entries but certified copies require an in-person or mail request.
Clearfield County Prothonotary Office
Brian K. Spencer serves as Prothonotary for Clearfield County. The Prothonotary's Office maintains all civil and family court records in Clearfield County, including custody, support, divorce, PFA, and name change matters. This office administers the free online access system and handles in-person and mail requests for copies.
The Clearfield County Courthouse is located at 230 E. Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830. The Prothonotary's Office is in this building and is open to the public during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with record searches, copy requests, and questions about online access. The Prothonotary's page on the county website has current contact information and office hours.
The county's general website at clearfieldco.org provides an overview of all county departments. Additional case information may also be found through pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us/clearfield, which aggregates publicly available data. The Temple Law Library guide at guides.temple.edu explains the broader landscape of Pennsylvania court record access by county.
| Office |
Clearfield County Prothonotary Brian K. Spencer, Prothonotary 230 E. Market Street Clearfield, PA 16830 |
|---|---|
| Records Access | Free online access. Coverage back to the 2000s. In-person and mail requests also accepted. |
| Online Search | UJS Portal Case Search (free, statewide) |
| Website | clearfieldco.org/departments/prothonotary |
The Clearfield County government website is the starting point for locating the Prothonotary's Office and accessing family court record search tools.
The Clearfield County Prothonotary's page provides direct access to online records and contact information for the office at 230 E. Market Street.
Third-party court record resources provide an additional way to find Clearfield County family court case information using publicly available data.
Legal Help for Clearfield County Family Court Matters
Finding the right legal help for a family court matter in Clearfield County can make a significant difference in how the case goes. Whether you are dealing with a custody dispute, a support modification, or a PFA petition, legal guidance is valuable. Several organizations serve Clearfield County residents.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Visit palegalaid.net to find the office that serves Clearfield County and to apply. Legal aid handles custody, support, PFA, and other family court matters. Eligibility is based on income. Even if you do not qualify for full representation, staff may be able to provide advice or referrals.
The Pennsylvania Courts website at pacourts.us has court forms and self-help information for people handling their own family law matters. The forms at pacourts.us/forms are the official versions accepted by all Pennsylvania courts, including Clearfield County. Using current forms avoids procedural delays. The UJS Portal also provides a case search tool and access to basic court information.
Note: Clearfield County's free online access to family court dockets makes it easier to track a case's progress without an attorney. However, legal advice from a licensed attorney is still recommended for any contested family court matter.
Nearby Counties
Clearfield County is in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by several counties each with their own family court systems. If you need records from a neighboring county, contact that county's Prothonotary directly or use the statewide UJS Portal to search.