Clinton County Family Court Records
Clinton County family court records are maintained by the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts at the Clinton County Courthouse in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas handles all family law matters for county residents, including custody, child support, Protection from Abuse orders, divorce, and adoption proceedings. You can search Clinton County family court records in person at the Lock Haven courthouse or by submitting a written mail request to the Prothonotary, and basic case information is also available through the statewide UJS Portal.
Clinton County Quick Facts
Clinton County Family Court System
Clinton County is part of the 26th Judicial District, which it shares with Lycoming County. The Court of Common Pleas handles all family court matters for Clinton County residents at the courthouse in Lock Haven. The court's jurisdiction is established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 301 as part of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. All family court filings for Clinton County are processed at 230 E. Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745.
Family court cases in Clinton County cover the full range of domestic relations matters. Child custody and visitation disputes are a significant part of the docket. Child support and spousal support cases are handled through the Domestic Relations Section. Protection from Abuse petitions are heard on an expedited basis, with emergency temporary orders available when needed. Divorce proceedings, paternity actions, and name change petitions are also filed here.
Clinton County has a combined Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office, with Krista L. Ulrich serving in this dual role. This means that both civil family court records and criminal records are managed through the same office. The Orphans' Court, which handles adoption, guardianship, and related matters, is located separately at 2 Piper Way, #239, Lock Haven, PA 17745, with a phone number of (570) 893-4020.
The Clinton County Law Library on the second floor of the courthouse has public access computers available for court record searches. This is a useful option for residents who want to search records without subscribing to INFOCON or traveling to a different location.
Clinton County Family Court Records Access
Clinton County uses the INFOCON system for remote docket access. The INFOCON setup fee is $25, with a usage charge of $1.10 per minute and a $25 monthly minimum. This subscription service provides access to case dockets, including party names, docket entries, filing dates, and court orders for Clinton County family court cases. Contact the Clinton County Prothonotary for INFOCON setup information.
The statewide UJS Portal is free and provides basic case information for Clinton County. Search by party name or docket number to locate a case. The UJS Portal shows docket entries, case type, and basic party information. It is a no-cost option for initial searches before committing to an INFOCON subscription.
Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, remote access is limited to basic docket information. Full documents require in-person access or a mail request. Copy fees at the Clinton County Courthouse are $0.50 per page for case records. Mail requests typically receive a response within 5 business days.
In-person access is available at 230 E. Water Street, Lock Haven, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Wednesdays when the office closes at 12:30 PM. The Clinton County Law Library on the second floor of the courthouse provides public access computers for those who want to search records on-site without a subscription. Additional information about Clinton County court records is available through pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us/clinton.
Note: The office closes at 12:30 PM on Wednesdays. Plan your in-person visit on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday to ensure full service hours are available.
Types of Family Court Records in Clinton County
Clinton County family court records include documents from a wide range of proceedings. Each case type has specific filing requirements and produces its own set of documents. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office maintains most of these records.
Custody and visitation records are a major component of the Clinton County family court docket. A custody file can include the original petition, custody evaluation reports, parenting plan proposals, mediation records, and all court orders. These cases are assigned a docket number and remain open as long as modification petitions are being filed. The same docket number follows the case for its entire history, making it easier to track changes over time.
Child support and spousal support records are maintained through the Domestic Relations Section. Support orders, modification filings, and enforcement records are all part of this docket. The court also maintains records of PFA proceedings, which include the original petition, any temporary orders, hearing records, and the final disposition. These documents are part of the public record unless sealed by a judge.
- Custody and visitation orders
- Child and spousal support orders
- Protection from Abuse petitions and orders
- Divorce proceedings and decrees
- Adoption and guardianship records
- Paternity actions
- Name change petitions
Clinton County has specific filing fees for family court matters. The custody filing fee is $153.25. Filing a complaint in divorce costs $154.75. Each additional count filed with the divorce complaint costs $26.00. Certified copies are $5.50 each. Document retrieval costs $15.00, and an exemplified record is $19.00. These fees are set by the county and may change, so confirm current amounts with the Prothonotary before filing.
Clinton County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
Krista L. Ulrich serves as both Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts for Clinton County. This combined office maintains all civil family court records and criminal records for the county. The office handles record requests, copy orders, and provides information about court procedures for Clinton County family court matters.
The main office is located at 230 E. Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with early closing at 12:30 PM on Wednesdays. The Orphans' Court for adoption and guardianship matters is at a separate address: 2 Piper Way, #239, Lock Haven, PA 17745, phone (570) 893-4020. Visit the Prothonotary's page on the county website for current contact details.
The Orphans' Court page at clintoncountypa.gov has information specific to adoption and guardianship proceedings. The Temple Law Library guide at guides.temple.edu provides a helpful overview of how to access Pennsylvania family court records across the state's 67 counties.
| Office |
Clinton County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Krista L. Ulrich 230 E. Water Street Lock Haven, PA 17745 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Wednesday until 12:30 PM) |
| Orphans' Court | 2 Piper Way, #239, Lock Haven, PA 17745 | (570) 893-4020 |
| Records Access | INFOCON ($25 setup, $1.10/min, $25/mo min). Copy fee $0.50/page. Response time 5 business days. |
| Online Search | UJS Portal Case Search (free) |
Pennsylvania court records resources provide guidance on locating Clinton County family court case information and docket entries by name or case number.
Legal Help for Clinton County Family Court Cases
Legal representation can make a significant difference in family court outcomes. Clinton County residents facing custody disputes, support modifications, PFA matters, or divorce proceedings should consider seeking legal advice. Several resources are available for residents who need help navigating the court system.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents throughout the state, including Clinton County. Visit palegalaid.net to find the office serving your area and to apply for assistance. Legal aid organizations handle custody, support, PFA, and related matters. Even if you earn too much to qualify for free representation, the intake process may connect you with reduced-cost options.
The Pennsylvania Courts website at pacourts.us offers self-help resources and official court forms. The forms portal at pacourts.us/forms has the standard forms used in all Pennsylvania family court proceedings, including those in Clinton County. Using correct, current forms avoids unnecessary delays in your case. The Clinton County Law Library on the second floor of the courthouse is also open to the public and may have self-help legal resources on-site.
Note: The Clinton County Law Library has public access computers available for court record searches and legal research, making it a practical resource for self-represented parties.
Nearby Counties
Clinton County is in north-central Pennsylvania. Several neighboring counties also have Courts of Common Pleas with their own family court dockets. Family court jurisdiction generally follows the residence of the filing party.