Philadelphia County Divorce Records
Philadelphia County family court records are maintained by the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, the most populous county in Pennsylvania with over 1.6 million residents. The Philadelphia Family Court at 34 S. 11th Street handles divorce, custody, support, protection from abuse, and adoption cases for the entire county. You can search Philadelphia County family court records through the statewide UJS Portal for case docket information, or contact the Prothonotary's office directly to obtain copies of filed documents and certified records.
Philadelphia County Quick Facts
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
The Prothonotary maintains all divorce records in Philadelphia County. This office handles case filings, stores court files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. Staff can help you find both old and recent cases. The Family Court is located at 1501 Arch Street in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Family Court serves the entire county from one location. Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, so the court serves all residents within its borders. All divorce cases for residents of Philadelphia County are filed here. The Prothonotary can search divorce records and provide copies for you. Call ahead to confirm hours and what you need to bring when visiting Philadelphia County.
| Court |
Philadelphia Family Court Court of Common Pleas 1501 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 Phone: (215) 686-4000 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.phila.gov |
How to Search Philadelphia County Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Philadelphia County online or in person. The method you choose depends on what you need. Online searches work well for basic case details. In-person visits let you review the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in Philadelphia County.
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal provides access to court records across all counties, including Philadelphia County. You can search by party name or case number to find divorce cases. The system is free to search for basic case information. For copies of actual documents, contact the Prothonotary or visit the courthouse. Go to ujsportal.pacourts.us to begin your search for Philadelphia County divorce records.
To search divorce records in Philadelphia County, you need the following:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you have it
You can also search in person at the Prothonotary office in Philadelphia County. Go to 1501 Arch Street in Philadelphia. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID with you. The Prothonotary can search by name or case number. Older records may take more time to locate. You can also submit a public records request for records at the Philadelphia County Prothonotary office.
Philadelphia County Divorce Fees
Philadelphia County follows the Pennsylvania fee schedule for divorce cases and records. The cost to file a new complaint in divorce is approximately $335 in Philadelphia County. Fees can change, so call the Prothonotary to confirm current rates before you file in Philadelphia County.
The main fees for divorce in Philadelphia County are:
- File a complaint in divorce: ~$335.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
- Service of process fee: varies
Service fees also apply when you file for divorce in Philadelphia County. You must serve the other spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Philadelphia County Sheriff for service, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Copy fees depend on the number of pages, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. If you have low income, you may apply for a fee waiver by filing a petition to proceed in forma pauperis with the court in Philadelphia County.
Divorce Filing Process in Philadelphia County
Filing for divorce in Philadelphia County follows the process set by Pennsylvania law. Each step creates records that become part of your case file. The Prothonotary keeps all these documents at the courthouse. You can get copies of any paper in your case file once it is filed in Philadelphia County.
First, you file a complaint in divorce with the Prothonotary in Philadelphia County. You pay the approximately $335 filing fee at this time. The Prothonotary assigns you a case number. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104, at least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for six months before filing. If you live in Philadelphia County, you file here.
Next, you serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Philadelphia County Sheriff, a private process server, or other methods allowed under Pennsylvania law. Proof of service goes in the court file. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301, Pennsylvania offers no-fault divorce by mutual consent after a 90-day waiting period, or based on irretrievable breakdown after a one-year separation. Fault grounds are also available under Pennsylvania law. For uncontested cases where both sides agree on all terms, the divorce can be finalized after the 90-day mutual consent period. The divorce decree ends the marriage and becomes part of the public record in Philadelphia County.
Note: Claims for property division and spousal support should be addressed in the complaint or response in Philadelphia County. Pennsylvania follows equitable distribution of marital property under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502, and courts handle all related issues within the same divorce case.
What Philadelphia County Divorce Records Contain
Divorce records in Philadelphia County include many types of documents. The complaint in divorce is the first document filed. It states the grounds for divorce under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301 and what the plaintiff seeks. The answer is filed by the other spouse. A settlement agreement or marital property agreement shows what the parties agreed to on property, children, and support. All of these are part of the court record in Philadelphia County.
The divorce decree is the main document most people need from Philadelphia County. This is the court order that dissolves the marriage. Certified copies of the decree are often needed for legal matters like changing your name or selling property. You can get certified copies from the Prothonotary in Philadelphia County.
A divorce record in Philadelphia County typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date of marriage and separation
- Grounds for divorce
- Date the complaint was filed
- Date the decree was entered
- Name restoration if requested
Philadelphia County divorce records are generally public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101. Anyone can request to view them. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some details about children or finances may be sealed or redacted in public copies, but most of the file is accessible to the public in Philadelphia County.
Divorce Certificates in Philadelphia County
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates as an alternative to court records in Philadelphia County. A certificate is a shorter document that confirms a divorce took place. It shows the names, date, and county but not the full terms of any settlement. Many people need a certificate for purposes like changing their name or getting remarried in Philadelphia County.
You can get a divorce certificate by ordering online through the PA Department of Health, by mailing a request to the Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or by submitting a request through VitalChek. The fee is $20 per certified copy. The office has records for divorces from 1906 to the present day in Pennsylvania.
For the full divorce decree with all the terms, go to the Prothonotary in Philadelphia County. Most legal matters require the decree, not just a certificate.
Legal Help for Divorce in Philadelphia County
Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Philadelphia County. Some provide free legal assistance to people who qualify based on income. Others offer a first consultation at a reduced rate. These resources can help you understand divorce law, fill out forms, or find a lawyer in Philadelphia County.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid serves Philadelphia County through their local offices. They provide free legal help to people with low income. Visit palegalaid.net to find help with divorce in Philadelphia County. The Philadelphia Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (215) 238-6333. They can match you with a family law attorney who handles divorce cases in Philadelphia County. You can also reach the Pennsylvania Bar Association lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375.
The Pennsylvania Courts at courts.phila.gov has court forms and information you need to file for divorce in Philadelphia County, along with instructions for self-represented litigants. The Philadelphia Family Court also has a self-help center that can assist with form selection and filing procedures.
Related Records in Philadelphia County
Other offices in Philadelphia County keep records that may connect to divorce cases. The Philadelphia County Clerk handles marriage licenses and certificates. You may need a marriage record to prove the marriage before the divorce. The County also handles property records including deeds that often change hands after a divorce in Philadelphia County. Visit phila.gov for more on these records.
The Philadelphia County court also deals with matters that involve children in divorce cases. This includes child support enforcement, custody modifications, and protection from abuse orders. For child support questions in Philadelphia County, contact the Pennsylvania Child Support Program at 1-877-727-7238. The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas handles estate matters that may intersect with divorce proceedings in Philadelphia County.
Cities in Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County is a consolidated city-county. All divorce cases are filed at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The Family Court serves the entire county from one location.
Philadelphia is the only municipality in Philadelphia County, as it is a consolidated city-county. All divorce cases are filed at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas.
Nearby Counties
Philadelphia County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. If you are not sure which county handles your divorce case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction over your case.