Erie County Court Records Search
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Erie County occupies the northwest corner of Pennsylvania along the Lake Erie shoreline, with the city of Erie serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system centers on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, which holds general trial-court jurisdiction over criminal felonies, civil litigation, family law disputes, and orphans’ court proceedings. Below the Court of Common Pleas, thirteen magisterial district courts handle preliminary hearings, summary offenses, small civil claims, and landlord-tenant disputes across the county. Record-keeping responsibilities in Erie County are divided among several offices under the elected Clerk of Records, each managing a distinct category of court filings: the Clerk of Courts (criminal), the Prothonotary (civil), the Register of Wills (estates), the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court (adoptions and guardianships), and the Marriage Bureau. All of these offices are housed inside the Erie County Courthouse at 140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501.
Individuals seeking court records in Pennsylvania can use a combination of online portals, in-person visits, and written requests directed to the appropriate clerk’s office. The statewide Unified Judicial System maintains docket-search tools that cover courts in every county, and PennsylvaniaCourts.us can assist users in locating case information, court forms, and procedural resources. In Erie County, the Clerk of Records offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and accept walk-in record searches, telephone inquiries, and mail requests.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Erie County?
Erie County offers several pathways to locate a court case, depending on whether you need criminal, civil, or estate-related records.
Online Case Search — Statewide Portal
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) operates a free Case Search portal that provides public access to docket sheets for the Court of Common Pleas (criminal, civil, and family divisions), as well as for magisterial district courts. Users can search by:
- Participant name
- Case number (docket number)
- Organization name
- Offense tracking number
- Police incident or complaint number
The UJS portal displays docket entries, hearing dates, charges, case status, and the names of involved parties and attorneys. Document images are generally not available through this statewide system.
Online Case Search — Erie County CourtPro
In 2024 and 2025, Erie County transitioned its Prothonotary and Register of Wills records to a new case management system called CourtPro. The Prothonotary Public Access viewer allows searches for civil cases filed from 1992 to present, while the Register of Wills / Orphans’ Court viewer covers estate and orphans’ court records from 1994 to present. Users with a CourtPro account can access both viewers from a single login.
In-Person Searches
Visitors are welcome to search records independently at the courthouse. The relevant offices are:
| Office | Room | Phone | Records Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts | 103 | (814) 451-6221 | Criminal case files |
| Prothonotary | 120 | (814) 451-6250 | Civil case files, divorces, custody |
| Register of Wills | 122 | (814) 451-6260 | Estate and probate records |
| Clerk of Orphans’ Court | 122 | (814) 451-6260 | Adoptions, guardianships |
| Marriage Bureau | 123 | (814) 451-6264 | Marriage licenses and records |
All offices share the address: Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501.
If the Clerk of Records staff conducts a search on your behalf, a $20 search fee applies. Requesters may also submit written requests by mail or email to the relevant office.
Are Court Records Public in Erie County?
Pennsylvania provides two overlapping legal frameworks governing public access to court records.
Case Records Public Access Policy
The Unified Judicial System’s Case Records Public Access Policy establishes that court case records are presumptively open to the public. Any person may request access to case records without stating a reason. The policy applies to all courts within the Unified Judicial System, including the Erie County Court of Common Pleas and its magisterial district courts.
Right to Know Law
Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.) grants all legal residents of the United States the right to obtain and inspect public records held by government agencies. Court records fall within the scope of this law to the extent they are not otherwise governed by the UJS policy.
Records That Are Publicly Accessible
Under these authorities, the following types of records are generally available to members of the public:
- Criminal docket sheets and case filings
- Civil complaints, judgments, and liens
- Divorce records and custody docket information
- Probate filings, wills admitted to probate, and estate inventories
- Marriage records (from 1885 to present)
- Magisterial district court dockets
Records That Are Restricted
Certain categories are exempt from public access:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption records (impounded by law; available only by court order)
- Sealed and expunged records
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Child support financial details
- Records subject to active investigation
- Mental health and substance abuse records protected by state or federal law
- Grand jury materials
Copy Fees
Fees vary by office. The Prothonotary charges $0.25 per page for standard copies, $1.00 for a certified page (plus $0.25 per additional page), and $5.50 plus $0.25 per page for gold-seal certified copies. The Clerk of Courts charges $10.00 for a criminal record search. A staff-conducted search at any Clerk of Records division costs $20.00.
Erie County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Erie County are prosecuted before the Court of Common Pleas for felonies and serious misdemeanors, and in the magisterial district courts for summary offenses and preliminary hearings. The Clerk of Courts serves as the custodian of all criminal case records at the Court of Common Pleas level.
Clerk of Courts Office
Erie County Courthouse, Room 103
140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 451-6221
Fax: (814) 451-6492
Email: clerksrequests@eriecountypa.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What the Clerk of Courts Maintains
Criminal records held by this office include motions, pleadings, transcripts, sentencing orders, bail bond filings, and all other documents associated with criminal cases. The Clerk of Courts also maintains road dockets, liquor board matters, and certain miscellaneous civil dockets.
Searching Criminal Records
To look up a criminal case:
- Use the UJS Case Search portal to find docket sheets by defendant name or case number. This is the fastest method for checking charges, hearing dates, and case disposition.
- Visit the Clerk of Courts office in person or submit a request by mail or email. The search fee is $10.00 for an adult criminal record search.
- For summary offenses and preliminary hearings, check the UJS portal under the magisterial district court section, or contact the specific district court directly.
Pennsylvania Criminal History (PATCH)
Statewide criminal history background checks are available through the Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. A PATCH request costs $22.00 and can be submitted online. Alternatively, requesters can mail a completed SP 4-164 form to the State Police, with an additional $5.00 notarization fee if applicable. More information on criminal background check options is available on the Commonwealth’s website.
Expungement and Limited Access
The Clerk of Courts provides forms for individuals seeking to expunge or limit public access to criminal records, including petitions for ARD expungement, expungement under Pa.R.Crim.P. 490 and 790, and limited access petitions. Instructions and order forms are available on the Clerk of Courts web page.
Additional Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal record search | $10.00 |
| Bail bond filing | Bond amount + $16.50 filing fee |
| Summary appeal from magisterial district judge | $43.50 (non-refundable) |
| Direct appeal to Superior Court | $43.50 (Clerk of Courts) + $91.25 (Superior Court) |
Erie County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Erie County is handled by the civil division of the Court of Common Pleas, with the Prothonotary acting as the filing and records office. Smaller civil disputes and landlord-tenant cases originate in the magisterial district courts.
Prothonotary Office
Erie County Courthouse, Room 120
140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 451-6250
Fax: (814) 451-7400
Email: ProthonotaryRequests@eriecountypa.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Types of Civil Records Maintained
The Prothonotary processes and stores records for all civil cases, district judge appeals, judgments, government liens, mechanics’ lien waivers, satisfactions of judgments, Protection From Abuse petitions, and custody and divorce matters. Most recent records are available as scanned images; older records are stored in book form or on microfilm.
How to Search Civil Records
- Online: Use the Prothonotary Public Access viewer for Erie County civil records from 1992 to present, searchable by case number, party name, or parcel number. The UJS Case Search portal also displays civil docket sheets.
- Email: Send a written request to ProthonotaryRequests@eriecountypa.gov. Include the case number or full party names and approximate date range.
- In person: Visit Room 120 of the courthouse. Independent searching is permitted at no charge; staff-conducted searches cost $20.00.
Selected Prothonotary Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of action (civil complaint) | $144.75 |
| Custody complaint/petition | $155.25 |
| Divorce (includes $75 master fee fund) | $229.75 |
| Name change (plus $12 lien search per name) | $156.75 |
| Custody modification/contempt/special relief | $50.00 |
| District judge appeal | $144.50 |
| Standard copies per page | $0.25 |
| Certified copy ($1.00 certification + $0.25/page) | $1.25+ |
| Gold seal certified copy ($5.50 + $0.25/page) | $5.75+ |
| Search fee (genealogy or name changes) | $12.00 |
| Writ of execution (personal property or real estate) | $30.00 |
The Prothonotary offers electronic filing (e-filing), and user guides for creating an account and searching the viewer are available on the Prothonotary page. No filing fee is charged for Protection From Abuse petitions. Indigent parties may file a Petition for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis to request a fee waiver.
Erie County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas has jurisdiction over divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, Protection From Abuse orders, and other domestic matters. Record-keeping is split between the Prothonotary (which maintains divorce and custody filings) and the court’s Family Division administrative offices.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases are filed with and maintained by the Prothonotary. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is $229.75 (effective January 2026), which includes the $75.00 master fee fund contribution, automation fee, state tax, and JCS surcharge. Additional counts add $41.25 each, and adding custody as a count adds $51.75.
To obtain Erie County divorce records:
- Submit a completed Divorce Information Sheet to the Prothonotary in person or by email at ProthonotaryRequests@eriecountypa.gov. Oral requests are also accepted.
- Search the Prothonotary Public Access viewer by party name to locate docket information.
- Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System also provides statewide access to Common Pleas docket sheets for divorce cases.
Self-represented parties pursuing a divorce can find forms and step-by-step instructions on the UJS divorce proceedings page.
Child Custody
Custody complaints, modifications, contempt petitions, and special relief petitions are filed with the Prothonotary and then processed through the Office of Custody Conciliation. Erie County uses a mediation-based conciliation process to help parents develop shared custody arrangements before matters reach a judge. Custody forms — including the complaint for custody, modification petition, parenting plan, biographical information form, and relocation notice — are available on the Custodial Conciliation page. A new custody complaint costs $155.25; modifications and contempt motions on an existing case cost $50.00.
Protection From Abuse (PFA)
PFA petitions are filed with the Prothonotary at no charge. These records are maintained as part of the civil case files but may contain restricted information related to victim safety.
Marriage Records
Marriage records dating from 1885 to the present are maintained by the Clerk of Records’ Marriage Bureau in Room 123 of the courthouse. The Marriage Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and can be reached at (814) 451-6264 or registerofwills@eriecountypa.gov. Visitors may conduct a free independent search of marriage indexes at the courthouse. A staff-conducted marriage record search costs $20.00. To request a certified copy, submit a completed marriage license request form with the date of marriage, applicant names, and the correct fee by mail or in person.
Birth and Death Records
County-held birth and death records covering 1893 through 1905 are available through the Clerk of Records at Room 122, (814) 451-6264. These records become public after 105 years. For records from 1906 onward, contact the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. Certified birth and death certificates cost $20.00 and can be ordered online (with an additional $10.00 service fee), by mail using the Application for Birth Certificate or Application for Death Certificate, or in person at the Erie County Vital Records Office located at 1910 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508. Birth records from 1906 to present are restricted to the individual named on the record, parents, legal guardians, and other authorized persons.
Erie County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate administration in Erie County falls under the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Register of Wills handles will probate, estate openings, and inheritance tax filings, while the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court processes adoption, guardianship of incapacitated persons, court-related estate proceedings, and miscellaneous petitions.
Register of Wills Office
Erie County Courthouse, Room 122
140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 451-6260
Fax: (814) 451-7010
Email: registerofwills@eriecountypa.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public Access to Probate Records
All records in the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court are open to the public, with one critical exception: adoption records are impounded (sealed by the court) by law and can only be released by court order. Probate records dating back to 1823 are available for inspection. The Register of Wills / Orphans’ Court online viewer provides electronic access to records from 1994 to present through the CourtPro case management system.
Opening an Estate
Estate openings are by appointment only. Before the appointment, forward the following completed documents and the applicable filing fee to the Register of Wills, Room 122:
- Petition for Probate and Grant of Letters (RW 02 form)
- Estate Information Sheet (Rev-346, available from PA Department of Revenue)
- Certified copy of the death certificate (with raised seal)
- Original Last Will and Testament and codicils, if applicable
- Oath of Subscribing or Non-Subscribing Witnesses, as needed
After reviewing the documents, the office will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment for the executor or administrator to sign the petition and be sworn in. Appointments can be conducted in person or via videoconference (a working email address is required for video appointments).
Register of Wills Fee Schedule (Effective March 1, 2019)
Probate filing fees are based on the estimated gross value of the estate:
| Gross Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0–$25,000 | $50.00 |
| $25,001–$50,000 | $100.00 |
| $50,001–$100,000 | $150.00 |
| $100,001–$200,000 | $250.00 |
| $200,001–$300,000 | $300.00 |
| Each additional $100,000 or fraction | $50.00 |
If the actual gross probate value exceeds the initial estimate once the inheritance tax return and inventory are filed, an additional probate fee is charged. No refund is issued if the actual value turns out to be lower.
Other commonly used Register of Wills fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Short certificate | $5.00 |
| Certification of document | $1.00 (plus $0.25 per page) |
| Search fee | $20.00 |
| Photocopies | $0.25 per page |
| Photocopies by mail | $1.00 per page |
| Probate of will or codicil without letters | $25.00 |
| Small estate affidavit | $25.00 |
| Inventory filing | $15.00 |
| Inheritance tax return filing | $15.00 |
| Exemplification of record (issuance) | $30.00 |
| Renunciation (each) | $5.00 |
Guardianship of Incapacitated Persons
Petitions for guardianship of incapacitated persons are filed through the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. State-mandated forms — including the procedural checklist, guardian’s inventory, and annual reports of the guardian of the person and estate — are available on the Orphans’ Court page and through the PA Courts orphans’ court forms library. Petitions for guardianship of minors are no longer filed in Orphans’ Court; they must be filed as custody matters through the Family Division.
Adoption Searches
Individuals seeking information from sealed adoption records may file a Petition for Release of Identifying Information. Separate petition forms exist for birth parents and adoptees, and both are available on the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court web page along with a detailed information sheet regarding adoption searches.