Lancaster County Court Records Search
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Lancaster County, located in southeastern Pennsylvania with the county seat in Lancaster, maintains an extensive judicial system that processes thousands of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year. The county’s court structure consists of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas — which includes Criminal, Civil, Family, and Orphans’ Court divisions — along with nineteen Magisterial District Courts spread across the county. Several county offices serve as custodians of court-generated records, including the Clerk of Courts, the Prothonotary, and the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.
Residents and members of the public searching for Pennsylvania court records can access case information through multiple channels, including official clerk offices, online case-search portals, and public access terminals at court facilities. The statewide Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal hosts docket sheets for all three court levels. Additionally, PennsylvaniaCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case information across the Commonwealth.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lancaster County?
Lancaster County offers several methods for locating court case records, depending on the type of case and the office that maintains those records.
Online searches:
- Visit the UJS Portal Case Search and select the court level (Common Pleas or Magisterial District Court). Search by docket number, participant name, or case caption to retrieve docket sheets for criminal and civil matters.
- For civil cases filed with the Prothonotary, use the Lancaster CountySuite Courts portal, which allows searches by name or case number.
- For probate and estate matters, the Register of Wills provides a dedicated Probate Records search and a Marriage License Search portal.
In-person requests:
Visitors may inspect case records at the following offices within the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
| Office | Location | Phone | Records Maintained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts | 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17608 | (717) 299-8275 | Criminal and juvenile case records |
| Prothonotary | 50 N. Duke St., P.O. Box 83480, Lancaster, PA 17608 | (717) 299-8282 | Civil complaints, divorce, custody, PFA, judgments, liens |
| Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court | 50 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17602 | (717) 295-5994 | Probate, estates, adoptions, guardianships, marriage licenses |
Mail requests:
Written requests for copies of court records can be mailed to the appropriate office at the courthouse address. Include the case number or party names, specify the documents needed, and enclose the applicable fees by check or money order. Photocopies are generally $0.25 per page at the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary, and $1.00 per page at the Register of Wills.
Are Court Records Public in Lancaster County?
Court records in Lancaster County are presumptively open to public inspection. Pennsylvania law provides multiple legal foundations for public access. The Right-to-Know Law establishes that records held by Commonwealth and local agencies are accessible unless specifically exempted by statute, judicial order, or privilege. Separately, Article I, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution affirms the right of open courts.
The Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System governs how the public may inspect, copy, and obtain court records across all Pennsylvania courts. Under this policy, oral requests to the custodian are typically sufficient for routine access. For complex or voluminous requests, a custodian may require a written submission.
Records restricted from public access include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency case records (42 Pa.C.S. § 6307)
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Medical and psychological records filed under a Confidential Document Form
- Financial source documents such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and bank statements
- Sealed and expunged records
- Information protected by attorney-client privilege
- Victim and witness identifying information in criminal cases (restricted from remote access)
- Marital property inventories, income and expense statements, and pre-trial statements in family cases (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.33)
- Incapacity proceeding records (20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5501–5555), except for dockets and final decrees
Confidential information that must be filed separately on a Confidential Information Form includes Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, driver’s license numbers, state identification numbers, and minors’ names and dates of birth.
Remote access through the UJS Portal docket sheets for family court actions and probate matters is limited to docket entries, party names, city/state/ZIP, case type, filing date, and court orders — full documents are available only at the courthouse.
Lancaster County Criminal Court Records
The Clerk of Courts is the chief filing office for criminal matters in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. This office records, maintains, and processes all criminal and juvenile filings, including warrants, summary convictions, expungements, and name changes. The Clerk also assesses court-imposed fines and costs.
Lancaster County Clerk of Courts
Address: 50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
Phone: (717) 299-8275
Fax: (717) 295-3563
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Searching for criminal case records:
- Online: Use the UJS Portal to search Common Pleas criminal docket sheets by docket number or participant name. Magisterial District Court docket sheets for summary offenses, preliminary hearings, and DUI cases are also available through the same portal.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office and make an oral request. A photo ID may be required. Copies cost $0.25 per page.
- By mail: Address written requests to the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse address with the defendant’s name or case number and the applicable copying fees.
Magisterial District Courts handle summary offenses (disorderly conduct, harassment, underage drinking), preliminary hearings for felonies, traffic violations, DUI cases, and municipal ordinance violations. Lancaster County has nineteen Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county, from Lancaster city to Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Lititz, Quarryville, and surrounding communities.
Statewide criminal background checks are processed through Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH). The fee is $22 per individual request. Volunteer checks are free. As of April 22, 2026, online PATCH requests incur an additional 2% credit card transaction fee. A notarized copy of the criminal history record is available for an additional $5.
Sheriff’s Office records: The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest warrants, inmate information, and other law enforcement records. The office is located at 50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608, and can be reached at (717) 299-8200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lancaster County Civil Court Records
Civil filings in Lancaster County are maintained by the Prothonotary’s Office, which serves as the recording and filing arm for the civil side of the Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary handles complaints, judgments, liens, appeals, name change petitions, service filings, and miscellaneous civil motions.
Lancaster County Prothonotary
Address: 50 N. Duke St., P.O. Box 83480, Lancaster, PA 17608
Phone: (717) 299-8282
Fax: (717) 293-7210
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (filing hours 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
How to search civil records:
- Online: The CountySuite Courts search portal allows searches by participant name or case number for civil matters filed with the Prothonotary. The UJS Portal also provides Common Pleas civil docket sheets.
- In person: Visit the Prothonotary’s Office on the second floor of the courthouse.
Selected civil filing fees (effective January 2023):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of civil action (at law or equity) | $173.25 |
| Appeal from Magisterial District Judge | $168.00 |
| Appeal – Assessment or Zoning | $178.25 |
| Appeal to Superior or Commonwealth Court | $90.25 (plus Lancaster Prothonotary fee of $77.50) |
| Name change petition | $183.25 |
| Name change search certification | $24.50 |
| Lis pendens | $23.25 |
| Mechanics lien claim | $173.25 |
| Judgment filing (final judgment, decree) | $41.50 |
| Municipal/Commonwealth/Federal lien | $41.00 |
| Opening/striking/vacating a judgment | $154.25 |
| Writ of execution | $38.00 |
| Orders of court | $23.50 |
| Copies | $0.25/page |
| Certification (first page) | $7.00 |
Fees include the initial filing fee, JCS/ATJ surcharge, automation fee, and other applicable components. Up to six plaintiffs and defendants combined are included in the initial filing fee; each additional party costs $5.50. The complete Prothonotary Fee Bill is available for download.
Magisterial District Courts handle civil claims of $12,000 or less, including landlord-tenant disputes and small claims. Cases involving amounts above $12,000 proceed through the Court of Common Pleas Civil Division.
Property and land records are maintained by the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds at 150 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (recordings accepted until 4:30 p.m.). The Recorder of Deeds fee schedule lists base fees for deeds and mortgages ($71.25 for up to four pages), other recorded documents ($58.75–$59.75), miscellaneous documents such as powers of attorney ($18.50), and $2.00 per additional page. Copies are $0.25 per page and certifications are $10.00.
Lancaster County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Lancaster County are handled by the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Filings for divorce, custody, Protection from Abuse (PFA), and guardianship are processed through the Prothonotary’s Office, while marriage licenses and adoption-related filings go through the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.
Divorce and custody filings:
The Prothonotary accepts all divorce, custody, and PFA documentation. Selected family filing fees from the Prothonotary’s fee schedule include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce (§ 3301© or (d), no fault) | $226.25 |
| Each additional count (claim) | $69.25 |
| If count includes custody, add AOPC fee | $9.50 |
| Master’s fee (per half day; non-refundable) | $475.00 |
| Custody with conference | $262.75 |
| Custody with complaint only | $169.25 |
| Custody with stipulation | $192.75 |
| Custody modification/contempt with conference | $93.50 |
| Protection from Abuse (PFA) petition | $183.25 (costs determined by court) |
| PFA expungement petition | $39.00 |
| Divorce certification | $19.50 |
| Sealed divorce decree | $7.50 |
| Hearing surcharge (when applicable) | $100.00 |
Divorce decrees may be obtained by contacting the Prothonotary at (717) 299-8282 or by searching the civil court records online portal.
Marriage licenses:
The Register of Wills issues marriage licenses through the Orphans’ Court division. Applicants can begin the process using the online marriage license application and must appear in person for an oral interview at the courthouse (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.; no appointments). Both parties must be present with government-issued photo ID and must be at least 18 years of age. The marriage license fee is $75.00 (payable by cash, certified check, money order, or credit/debit card with a $0.95 convenience fee; no personal checks). Licenses become valid three days after the oral examination and remain effective for 60 days anywhere in Pennsylvania. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.00 each and may be requested by mail from:
Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court
50 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
A downloadable Certified Marriage Record Request form is available. Include payment payable to the Clerk of Orphans’ Court and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Birth and death certificates:
Lancaster County birth and death records are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Certificates cost $20.00 each regardless of quantity. Requests can be made online at mycertificates.health.pa.gov (an additional $10 online service fee applies), in person at a Vital Records branch office, or by mail using the appropriate application form from the Department of Health birth certificates page or death certificates page. Mail requests should be sent to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Phone: (724) 656-3100
Lancaster County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate administration in Lancaster County falls under the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Register of Wills’ Office and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court manage all probate filings, inheritance tax collection, and estate-related record keeping. The Orphans’ Court also accepts filings for adjudications of incapacity, adoptions, guardianships, and terminations of parental rights.
Register of Wills / Clerk of the Orphans’ Court
Address: 50 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 295-5994 (probate); (717) 299-8242 (Orphans’ Court)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
How to search probate records:
- Online: Use the Probate Records Search to search by party name, case number, Social Security number, or filing category (decedent estate, incapacitated person, minor, adoption, or miscellaneous).
- In person: Visit the second floor of the courthouse during business hours.
Probate filing fees (effective January 1, 2026):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate – estate $0–$25,000 | $100.00 |
| Probate – estate $25,000.01–$50,000 | $175.00 |
| Probate – estate $50,000.01–$100,000 | $250.00 |
| Each additional $100,000 (or fraction) | $150.00 |
| Recording of will | $3.00/page beyond the first |
| Recording of codicil | $25.00 |
| Bond or bond waiver (non-resident) | $25.00 |
| Letters D.B.N. or D.B.N.C.T.A. | $35.00 each |
| JCS/ATJ surcharge | $41.25 |
| Revoke and reissue of letters | $75.00 |
| Short certificate | $10.00 |
| Certification and seal | $25.00 |
| Certified copy of letters, will, or other record | $20.00 |
| Photocopies | $1.00/page |
| Returned check fee | $35.00 |
Orphans’ Court specific fees (effective January 1, 2026):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adoption – intent to adopt | $30.00 |
| Adoption – petition for hearing and decree | $182.00 |
| Involuntary termination of parental rights | $182.00 |
| Guardian of minor appointment | $132.00 |
| Incapacity guardianship petition, citation, decree, certificate | $207.00 |
| Account filing – estate $0–$10,000 | $100.00 |
| Account filing – estate $10,000.01–$25,000 | $150.00 |
| Account filing – estate $25,000.01–$50,000 | $200.00 |
| Account filing – estate $50,000.01–$100,000 | $250.00 |
| Each additional $100,000 in total debits | $150.00 |
| Small estate affidavit (PEF Code § 3102) | $157.00 |
| Trust instrument filing and recording | $142.00 |
| Partition (one purpart) | $75.00 |
| Appeal to Superior or Supreme Court | $150.00 |
Orphans’ Court forms are mandated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and may be obtained from the Unified Judicial System Orphans’ Court forms page. The Register of Wills office does not provide blank forms. Both the 2026 Register of Wills Bill of Costs and the 2026 Orphans’ Court Bill of Costs are available as downloadable PDFs.