Lackawanna County Court Records Search
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Lackawanna County, with its county seat in Scranton, Pennsylvania, operates a court system anchored by the Court of Common Pleas — the 45th Judicial District — along with ten Magisterial District Courts. The Court of Common Pleas exercises broad jurisdiction over civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law disputes, juvenile matters, and probate proceedings through its Orphans’ Court Division. Several county offices share responsibility for maintaining court records, including the Clerk of Judicial Records (which encompasses the former Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts functions), the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, and the Court Administrator’s Office. Together, these offices process roughly 17,500 cases annually across civil, criminal, and family divisions.
Pennsylvania court records can be searched through multiple channels, including in-person visits to clerk offices, mail-based requests, and electronic tools maintained at both the county and state level. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania offers free public access to docket sheets for all court levels. County-specific record portals are available through the Lackawanna County government website. At the statewide level, PennsylvaniaCourts.us may help users identify publicly available court case information and connect with individual county court resources.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lackawanna County?
Lackawanna County provides online, in-person, and mail-based methods for searching court case records. The approach depends on whether the case involves civil, criminal, family, or probate matters.
Online case searches:
- UJS Portal — The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal offers free access to Common Pleas and Magisterial District Court docket sheets. Users can search by docket number, participant name, or organization name to retrieve case summaries, filing dates, and docket entries for Lackawanna County cases.
- County Public Records page — The Lackawanna County Public Records page provides direct links to search civil, family, and criminal court records, as well as county assessment and deed records.
- Register of Wills / Orphans’ Court search — Probate records, marriage licenses, and Orphans’ Court filings can be searched through the Register of Wills online records search. Pop-ups must be enabled in the browser; for technical support, call Infocon at (814) 472-6146.
In-person searches:
All county court offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Key locations include:
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil & Family | 123 Wyoming Ave., 1st Floor, Scranton, PA 18503 | (570) 963-6723 ext. 7501 |
| Clerk of Judicial Records – Criminal Division | 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 | (570) 963-6759 ext. 7188 |
| Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court | 123 Wyoming Ave., Suite 521, Scranton, PA 18503 | (570) 963-6702 |
| Court Administrator’s Office | 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 | (570) 963-6773 |
Mail requests:
Written requests can be mailed to the appropriate office at the addresses above. Include the case number or party names, specify the records needed, and enclose applicable fees by check or money order. An archivist search for records predating 1996 costs $25.00 per name.
Are Court Records Public in Lackawanna County?
Court records in Lackawanna County are presumptively open to public inspection. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008) establishes that records in the custody of Commonwealth and local agencies are accessible unless a specific exemption applies. The Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System further governs how courts handle record requests, setting uniform statewide standards for what is available at the courthouse and what may be accessed remotely through web docket sheets.
Requests for case records are typically made orally to the appropriate custodian. The Clerk of Judicial Records, Register of Wills, and other custodians are required to respond promptly. If a request involves complex or voluminous material, a written submission may be required.
Records restricted from public access include:
- Adoption records (confidential by law; maintained by the Clerk of Orphans’ Court)
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency case records (42 Pa.C.S. § 6307)
- Sealed and expunged criminal records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Medical and psychological records filed under a Confidential Document Form
- Financial source documents (tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, pay stubs)
- Incapacity proceedings (20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5501–5555), except for dockets and final decrees
- Information sealed by court order or otherwise restricted by statute
Under the statewide Case Records Public Access Policy, parties must file a Confidential Information Form when documents contain Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver’s license numbers, state identification numbers, or minors’ names and dates of birth. Confidential Document and Confidential Information forms are available on the Lackawanna County website.
Remote access to family court and probate docket sheets through the UJS Portal is limited to party names, city/state/ZIP, case type, filing date, docket entries, and court orders — full underlying documents are accessible only at the courthouse.
Lackawanna County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lackawanna County are prosecuted before the Court of Common Pleas, with preliminary hearings conducted at the Central Court (Magisterial District Court 45-0-00) located in the courthouse at 200 N. Washington Avenue. The Criminal Division of the Clerk of Judicial Records maintains all criminal filings, including charges, bail documents, motions, sentencing records, and appeals.
Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records – Criminal Division
Address: 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6759 ext. 7188
Fax: (570) 963-6459
Email: partykaj@lackawannacounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
How to search criminal records:
- Online: Use the UJS Portal Case Search and select Criminal Court of Common Pleas or Magisterial District Court. Search by participant name, docket number, or offense tracking number.
- In person: Visit the Criminal Division at the courthouse and request a records search from the clerk. A valid ID may be required.
- By mail: Send a written request with the defendant’s name or case number and a check for the applicable fee to the Criminal Division address.
Statewide criminal background checks can be obtained through Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH). The fee is $22.00 per individual request; volunteer checks are free. As of April 22, 2026, online PATCH requests incur an additional 2% credit card transaction fee. For PATCH support, call (888) 783-7972.
Sheriff’s Office records:
The Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest warrants, incarceration records, and related law enforcement files. The office publishes an online active warrants list. Contact information:
Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office
200 N. Washington Ave., 1st Floor, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6719
Fax: (570) 963-6859
Tips: tips@lackawannacounty.org
Lackawanna County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Lackawanna County — including contract disputes, personal injury claims, real estate cases, appeals from Magisterial District Judges, and assessment appeals — is filed through the Civil Division of the Clerk of Judicial Records. This division maintains liens, judgments, and civil and equity files, processing approximately 8,000 cases annually.
Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division
Address: 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6723 ext. 7501
Fax: (570) 963-6387
Email: parryst@lackawannacounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
How to access civil records:
- Online: Search civil docket sheets on the UJS Portal by case number or party name. The county Public Records page also links to civil and family court record search tools.
- In person: Visit the Civil Division at the Government Center. Copies cost $0.55 per page.
Selected civil filing fees (effective January 1, 2026):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of civil action (at law or equity) | $227.00 |
| Writ of summons | $227.00 |
| Confession of judgment | $227.00 |
| Appeal from assessment/zoning | $227.00 |
| Name change petition | $123.00 |
| Petition for minor’s compromise | $123.00 |
| License/registration/inspection appeal | $123.00 |
| Appeal from arbitration | $721.50 |
| Appeal from Magisterial District Judge | $221.00 |
| Appeal to Superior/Commonwealth Court | $90.25 (to higher court) + $98.50 (to Clerk) |
| Foreign judgment | $54.50 |
| Lis pendens | $41.00 |
| Default/non pros/demurrer judgment | $22.50 |
| Writ of execution / possession / seizure | $40.00 each |
| Certified copy | $0.55/page |
| Exemplified record | $33.50 |
| Reinstate/reissue any action | $19.50 |
| Archivist search (pre-1996, per name) | $25.00 |
The Clerk’s office provides 29 downloadable civil court forms, including the Statewide Civil Cover Sheet, In Forma Pauperis application, Writ of Summons, Certificate for Judgment Note, Praecipe for Writ of Execution, and Subpoena to Attend and Testify.
Property and land records are maintained by the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 218, Scranton, PA 18503. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (recording hours until 3:45 p.m.). Phone: (570) 963-6775 ext. 7650. A county property search tool allows users to look up parcels by owner name, parcel ID, or street address.
Lackawanna County Family Court Records
The Family Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles divorce, child custody, Protection from Abuse (PFA), and related domestic relations matters. Established in 2008, the division processes approximately 4,500 cases per year. The division also provides record keeping for Juvenile Probation and Children and Youth Services. All family court filings go through the Clerk of Judicial Records.
Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records – Family Court Division
Address: 123 Wyoming Ave., 1st Floor, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6723
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Selected family court filing fees (effective January 1, 2026):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce (one count) | $259.00 |
| Each additional count | $45.00 |
| Custody count in divorce action | $10.00 |
| Custody petition | $236.50 |
| Petition to modify custody | $40.00 |
| PFA (by consent, no hearing) | $262.00 |
| PFA (hearing on the merits) | $392.00 |
| Retake maiden name (one certified copy) | $22.50 |
| Discontinue/withdraw divorce | $11.00 |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $11.00 |
| Reinstate/reissue any action | $19.50 |
The Clerk’s office time-stamps filings, collects fees, certifies court seals, issues copies of divorce decrees, and communicates legally mandated information.
Marriage licenses:
Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court at the Marriage License Bureau. The Bureau maintains marriage records dating back to October 1885. Applicants must appear in person after completing an online application, and both parties must be present. The marriage license fee is $32.50 (cash, check, or money order) or $34.50 (credit card). A divorce decree or death certificate for any prior spouse is required. An Application for Marriage License Search form is available for genealogy-related record requests at $25.00 per search.
Birth and death records:
The Register of Wills office holds limited birth records (1893–1905, Lackawanna County excluding Scranton) and death records (1893–1905, Lackawanna County excluding Scranton) for genealogical purposes. To request these records, download the Application for Birth/Death Records, enclose a $25.00 check payable to the Register of Wills/Orphans Court and a self-addressed envelope, and mail to:
Register of Wills
Lackawanna County Government Center
123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 521
Scranton, PA 18503
For certified copies of Pennsylvania birth or death certificates, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Certificates cost $20.00 each and may be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a Vital Records branch office.
Lackawanna County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Lackawanna County are handled by the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Register of Wills is responsible for probating wills, appointing personal representatives under Pennsylvania intestacy laws, and collecting inheritance taxes. The office also serves as Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, maintaining dockets and files for guardianships, trusts, adoptions, formal estate accountings, and any other matters that come before the Orphans’ Court.
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Address: Lackawanna County Government Center, 123 Wyoming Ave., Suite 521, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 963-6702
Fax: (570) 963-6377
Email: kovaleskif@lackawannacounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Probates are handled by appointment only. Payment is accepted by cash, check, credit, or debit card. The Orphans’ Court has a no-refund policy.
How to search probate records:
- Online: Use the Register of Wills, Orphans’ Court and Marriage License Bureau records search. Pop-ups must be enabled.
- In person: Visit the 5th floor of the Government Center during office hours. All wills and estate files from 1878 to the present, as well as guardianship, trust, and miscellaneous documents from 1878, are located on site and are open to the public (adoption records excepted).
- By mail: Download the Application for Genealogy Search: Wills/Estates, enclose a $25.00 check, and mail to the Register of Wills address above with a self-addressed envelope.
The Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court Fee Schedule is available for download. The office also provides an extensive library of forms, including the Probate Packet (with instructions, Petition for Grant of Letters, Oath of Personal Representative, Estate Information Sheet, and witness oaths), guardianship forms (checklists, cover sheets, expert reports, inventories, and guardianship review hearing petitions), accounting forms, and adoption documents. Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court forms published by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts are also accepted. The Lackawanna County Orphans’ Court Rules and the statewide Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules govern all filing procedures. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue inheritance tax forms are also linked from the Register of Wills page for estates that owe inheritance tax.