Lawrence County Court Records Search
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Lawrence County is part of Pennsylvania’s 53rd Judicial District, with its county seat in New Castle. The Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas, housed in the Lawrence County Government Center, handles the full range of civil, criminal, and family law matters for the county’s approximately 86,000 residents. Multiple Magisterial District Courts and a Central Court also operate within the county, providing additional venues for preliminary hearings, minor offenses, and landlord-tenant disputes. Navigating this system effectively requires knowing which office holds the records you need and what procedures apply.
Pennsylvania offers several pathways for locating court records, including clerk offices, in-person public access terminals, and online databases. PennsylvaniaCourts.us may assist users in finding publicly accessible case information, locating individual county courts, and accessing statewide docket sheet searches. For Lawrence County specifically, records can be obtained from the Prothonotary’s Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Register of Wills, or through the statewide web portal maintained by the Unified Judicial System.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lawrence County?
Lawrence County court case records can be searched online, requested in person, or obtained through written mail requests. The method you choose depends on the type of case and the level of detail needed.
Online Docket Sheet Search
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal provides free public access to docket sheet information for cases filed across Pennsylvania. For Lawrence County, you can search criminal docket sheets from the Court of Common Pleas and from Magisterial District Courts. The portal’s case search function allows lookups by:
- Case number
- Participant name
- Organization name
- Offense tracking number
- Police incident or complaint number
- State ID number
Docket sheets retrieved through the portal include filing dates, docket entries, scheduled events, and dispositions. Note that remote access to certain case types — including family court and probate matters — is limited under the statewide Case Records Public Access Policy. Only docket information (party names, case type, docket entries, orders, and opinions) may be available online for those categories.
In-Person Requests
For full case file access, including documents not available remotely, visit the appropriate office at the Lawrence County Government Center:
| Office | Records Maintained | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Prothonotary | Civil cases, divorce, custody, PFA | (724) 656-2126 |
| Clerk of Courts | Criminal cases | (724) 656-2143 |
| Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court | Probate, wills, marriage records | (724) 656-1977 |
| Court Administration | General court inquiries | (724) 656-1930 |
All offices are located at:
Lawrence County Government Center
430 Court Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mail Requests
Written requests should include case details (party names, case number if known, case type), the requester’s contact information, applicable payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of copies. Send your request to the appropriate office at 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101.
Are Court Records Public in Lawrence County?
Pennsylvania maintains a strong presumption of public access to judicial records. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes a general right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. For court records specifically, the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System governs what the public may view and obtain.
Under this statewide policy, all case records are open to the public unless a specific exception applies. However, certain categories of information and documents carry restrictions.
Confidential Information (Section 7.0 of the Policy)
The following must be excluded from publicly accessible filings and instead submitted on a separate Confidential Information Form:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers (except the last four digits when the account is the subject of the case)
- Driver’s license numbers
- State Identification (SID) numbers
- Names and dates of birth of minors (except when a minor is charged as a criminal defendant)
- Abuse victim’s address, employer, and contact information in family court actions
Confidential Documents (Section 8.0 of the Policy)
Certain entire documents must be filed under a Confidential Document Form cover sheet and are not accessible to the public. These include:
- Financial source documents (tax returns, W-2s, wage stubs, bank statements, check registers, loan applications)
- Minors’ educational records
- Medical and psychological records
- Children and Youth Services records
- Marital property inventories and pre-trial statements
- Income and expense statements in support cases
- Agreements between parties under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3105
Records Excluded from Public Access at the Court Facility
Beyond these filing protections, the policy bars public access to records involving incapacity proceedings (except dockets and final decrees), birth record proceedings under 20 Pa.C.S. § 711(9), sealed records, and any records restricted by federal or state law. Juvenile records remain protected under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6307.
Remote Access Restrictions
Even when records are available at the courthouse, remote access through online portals is further limited. Family court and probate case records are not remotely accessible to the public beyond basic docket information, court orders, and opinions. Criminal case records available online exclude the identities of jurors, witnesses (other than experts), and victims. Transcripts lodged of record and In Forma Pauperis petitions are also restricted from remote access.
Lawrence County maintains its own Right to Know Policy governing requests directed at court-appointed departments and personnel.
Lawrence County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lawrence County — including felonies and misdemeanors — are prosecuted in the Court of Common Pleas and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Preliminary hearings and summary offenses are handled at the Magisterial District Court level.
Clerk of Courts
Jodi Esoldo serves as Lawrence County’s Clerk of Courts. The office processes criminal filings, maintains case files, and handles record requests.
Lawrence County Clerk of Courts
Address: 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-2143
Fax: (724) 656-1988
Criminal docket sheets can be searched online at no cost through the UJS Web Portal. In-person requests at the Clerk of Courts allow access to full case files.
Magisterial District Courts
Preliminary arraignments, bail hearings, and summary offenses are processed at four Magisterial District Courts in Lawrence County:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| MDJ 53-1-01 | 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101 | (724) 652-8555 |
| MDJ 53-3-01 | 607 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117 | (724) 752-1185 |
| MDJ 53-3-02 | 4834 State Route 18, New Castle, PA 16102 | (724) 667-8010 |
| MDJ 53-3-04 | 3470 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105 | (724) 652-9615 |
The Lawrence County Central Court, located at 202 Milton Street, New Castle, PA 16101, Phone: (724) 656-2290, handles after-hours arraignments and preliminary hearings.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For formal criminal background reports beyond court docket information, the Pennsylvania State Police operates the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. An electronic check returns a “Record” or “No Record” response. More detailed reports require submitting specific forms by mail:
- Form SP4-164 — Standard criminal record check: $22
- Form SP4-170 — Individual personal review: $20
- Form SP4-164A — Volunteer check: Free
- Notarization of report: additional $5
Mail completed forms with a money order to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository – RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, located at 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101, Phone: (724) 652-5121, handles warrant service and maintains jail-related records. Current inmate information is available through the Sheriff’s Office inmate roster.
Lawrence County Civil Court Records
Civil case files in Lawrence County are maintained by the Prothonotary’s Office, which serves as the keeper of all civil papers for the Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary’s jurisdiction covers accident cases, contract disputes, land appeals, protection from abuse filings, judgments, executions, mechanics liens, eminent domain actions, and other civil lawsuits.
Lawrence County Prothonotary
Address: 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-2126
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
How to Search and Obtain Civil Records
- Online: Use the UJS Web Portal to search available civil docket sheets by party name or case number.
- In person: Visit the Prothonotary’s Office during business hours to view and copy civil case files.
- By mail: Send a written request with case details, your contact information, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Prothonotary at 430 Court Street.
Selected Filing and Copy Fees (2026 Fee Schedule)
The Prothonotary has published a current fee schedule. A $5.00 automation fee applies to initial filings. Selected fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of action at law or equity | $185.50 |
| Divorce complaint | $187.00 |
| Custody complaint | $198.20 |
| Protection from abuse (PFA) filing | $153.25 |
| Appeal from District Justice | $186.35 |
| Petition for name change | $195.50 |
| Copies per page | $0.60 |
| Certified divorce decree | $10.00 |
| Judgment filing | $47.00 |
| Confession of judgment | $43.00 |
| Subpoena | $4.00 |
The court also publishes local Rules of Civil Procedure that supplement the statewide rules and govern case management within the 53rd Judicial District.
Small Claims and Minor Civil Matters
Civil claims below the jurisdictional threshold of the Court of Common Pleas are heard at the Magisterial District Court level. These include landlord-tenant disputes and small monetary claims. Filings and docket sheets from MDJ proceedings can be searched through the UJS Portal.
Lawrence County Family Court Records
Family Court is a division of the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary’s Office files and maintains records for divorce, custody, and protection from abuse cases. The Domestic Relations Section handles child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and paternity establishment.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary’s Office. Certified copies of a divorce decree cost $10.00, and mail requests also cost $10.00. Submit written requests with divorce case information and contact details to the Prothonotary at 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101, or call (724) 656-2126. The court provides a Divorce Packet containing the necessary forms and instructions for filing.
Custody Records
Custody complaints and modification petitions are filed with the Prothonotary. Lawrence County publishes several custody-related forms on its Court of Common Pleas page, including:
- Complaint for Custody Directions
- Complaint for Custody Form
- Petition for Modification of a Custody Order
- Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification Form
- Public Access Policy Confidential Form
Filing a custody complaint costs $198.20. Remote public access to family court case files is restricted under the statewide policy — only docket entries, court orders, and opinions are available online. Full file review requires an in-person visit to the Prothonotary’s Office.
Child Support
The Domestic Relations Section is located across Court Street from the main courthouse. To file for support, appear in person with a photo ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate and Social Security card of any child for whom support is sought. Child support services can also be initiated through the Pennsylvania Child Support website. For questions about Way-To-Go payment cards, contact (800) 304-1669.
Protection from Abuse (PFA)
PFA petitions are filed through the Prothonotary at a cost of $153.25. For PFA assistance and lawyer referral, Lawrence County maintains dedicated PFA Services or contact the Lawyer Referral line at (724) 656-1921.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Orphans’ Court. Office hours for marriage appointments are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A fee of $65.00 (cash) is required at the time of application. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.00 each. Submit a completed Marriage License Request Form with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Lawrence County Clerk of Orphans’ Court
430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-2440
Birth and Death Certificates
While not court records, birth and death certificates often arise in family law matters. The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains vital records from 1906 onward. Certified copies cost $20.00 each. The nearest public office for walk-in requests is located at 105 Nesbitt Road, New Castle, PA 16105. Mail requests should be sent with a completed Application for Birth Certificate or Application for Death Certificate, a copy of valid ID, and a check or money order to the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or call (866) 712-8238. For pre-1906 records, contact the Prothonotary or Orphans’ Court at 430 Court Street.
Lawrence County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Lawrence County fall under the jurisdiction of the Register of Wills, which oversees the probate of wills and the granting of letters testamentary and letters of administration. The Register of Wills also functions as an agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, collecting inheritance taxes on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Lawrence County Register of Wills
Address: 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-1977
Searching Probate Records
The Register of Wills provides an online index search where users can look up cases by name or case number using guest access or by registering for an account. This portal provides index-level information only; full document retrieval requires an in-person or mail request.
Required forms for probate filings are available at the office and through the Orphans’ Court Forms page maintained by the Unified Judicial System.
Fees for Probate Records
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name search / research | $5.00 per name |
| Copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $10.00 |
| Additional postage (mail requests) | Varies |
What Probate Records Include
Probate case files in Lawrence County may contain wills, petitions for letters, inventories, accountings, audits, distribution orders, and guardian and conservator reports. Estate administration records date back to the county’s formation in 1849.
Public Access Limitations
Under the statewide Case Records Public Access Policy, remote access to probate case records is restricted. Only docket information — including party names, case type, docket entries, court orders, and opinions — is available through online systems. Full file inspection, including wills, inventories, and other estate documents, requires a visit to the Register of Wills office or a written request. Records concerning incapacity proceedings under 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5501–5555 are not publicly accessible except for the docket and any final decree adjudicating incapacity.
Property Records
The Recorder of Deeds, which shares an office with the Register of Wills, maintains property transfer records dating to 1849. Records from approximately 1970 forward can be searched online through the Recorder of Deeds Online Services portal or the Real Property Search portal. In-office copies cost $0.50 per page, with certification at $5.00 plus $1.50 per certified page. Mail requests incur an additional $2.00 postage and handling fee. These property records are often relevant to probate matters involving real estate transfers and estate administration.