Lebanon County Court Records Search
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Lebanon County sits in south-central Pennsylvania, with the city of Lebanon serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system is anchored by the Court of Common Pleas of the 38th Judicial District, supplemented by several magisterial district courts that handle minor offenses, traffic violations, and small civil disputes. Two principal elected offices manage case filings: the Clerk of Courts, who is custodian of all criminal and juvenile records, and the Prothonotary, who oversees civil, family, protection from abuse, judgment, and lien matters. A third office — the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court — handles marriage licenses, probate, estates, adoptions, and guardianships.
Those seeking court records in Pennsylvania can explore several paths, including visiting a clerk’s office in person, using county-level online portals, or searching statewide through the Unified Judicial System’s digital tools. PennsylvaniaCourts.us can also help users identify publicly available case information across the commonwealth’s courts. In Lebanon County, the Prothonotary’s Office operates a dedicated civil case search portal, while criminal and appellate docket sheets are accessible through the statewide UJS system — both at no charge.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lebanon County?
The approach for locating a case in Lebanon County depends on the type of case and the level of detail needed. Below is a breakdown of the available methods.
Online Searches
Lebanon County provides two free online tools for case lookups:
- Prothonotary’s Civil Case Search Portal — The CountySuite Public Case Search allows users to look up civil, family, and judgment cases by case number, participant name, reference number, or date of death. Results include docket entries, party information, case status, and scheduled events.
- UJS Web Portal — The Unified Judicial System Case Search covers criminal cases, magisterial district court filings, and appellate docket sheets. Searches can be performed by participant name, docket number, or case citation. Criminal docket sheets are available at no charge.
In-Person Requests
All three custodial offices are located in or near the Lebanon County Municipal Building at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. Visitors may view case files and request copies during business hours:
Clerk of Courts
Address: Room 102, Municipal Building, 400 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042-6794
Phone: (717) 228-4419
Fax: (717) 228-4467
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Prothonotary’s Office
Address: 400 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: (717) 228-4418
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Address: Room 105, Municipal Building, 400 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042-6794
Phone: (717) 228-4415
Fax: (717) 228-4460
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Prothonotary’s Office now accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) with a convenience fee of $1.00 on charges up to $33.00, and 3% on charges over $33.00. The Register of Wills currently accepts only cash and checks.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be directed to the appropriate office at the addresses above. Include the case party’s full name, case number (if known), the type of document requested, and a check or money order for the applicable copy fees.
Magisterial District Courts
Lebanon County’s magisterial district judges handle preliminary hearings, traffic citations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil claims up to $12,000. Records from these courts can be obtained in person during regular hours (typically Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or searched online via the UJS portal. The magisterial districts and their locations are:
| District | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 52-1-01 | 502 State Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042 | (717) 279-0300 |
| 52-2-01 | 502 State Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042 | (717) 279-0400 |
| 52-3-01 | 728 E. Walnut Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 | (717) 272-3084 |
| 52-3-03 | 1720 State Route 72 North, Lebanon, PA 17046 | (717) 273-0024 |
| 52-3-04 | 138 W. Walnut Street, P.O. Box 2012, Cleona, PA 17042 | (717) 273-0885 |
| 52-3-05 | 325 S. Railroad Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 | (717) 838-8151 |
Are Court Records Public in Lebanon County?
Pennsylvania law provides broad public access to court records. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes a general right to inspect and copy government records, and the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System (effective January 1, 2022) specifically governs access to case records held by Pennsylvania’s trial and appellate courts.
Under these provisions, any member of the public may inspect and copy court records without providing a reason for the request. The Prothonotary’s Office permits viewing of any file that has not been impounded by the court. The Clerk of Courts similarly makes all criminal records available unless the law specifically precludes disclosure.
Records Accessible to the Public
Publicly available information in Lebanon County court records typically includes case captions and numbers, filing dates, party and attorney names, docket entries, hearing schedules, charges (in criminal cases), dispositions, sentencing details, and judgment amounts.
Confidential and Restricted Records
The Public Access Policy identifies specific categories of information that must be shielded from public view:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Financial account numbers and source documents
- State Identification (SID) numbers
- Medical and psychological records
- Minors’ educational records
- Minors’ names and dates of birth (except for minors charged as defendants in criminal cases)
- Children and Youth Services records
- Abuse victims’ addresses and contact information
- Income and expense statements filed in domestic cases
- Marital property inventories and pre-trial statements
- Agreements between parties in family matters
Records that have been sealed, expunged, or impounded by court order are also withheld from public access. Adoption records filed since 1954 in Lebanon County are under seal and require a court order to open.
Lebanon County Criminal Court Records
The Clerk of Courts is the sole custodian of criminal case records in Lebanon County. This office maintains filings, docket entries, orders, and dispositions for all criminal matters heard in the Court of Common Pleas, as well as juvenile case records (which are subject to additional confidentiality protections).
How to Search Criminal Records
Criminal case docket sheets can be searched at no cost through the UJS Web Portal by selecting the appropriate search type and entering a name or docket number. This portal covers both Common Pleas criminal cases and summary matters from the magisterial district courts.
For in-person requests, visit the Clerk of Courts in Room 102 of the Municipal Building during regular hours. Staff will search by name or case number. Copies cost $0.50 per page and certifications are $15.00 per document, as listed in the Clerk of Courts fee schedule.
Key Criminal Record Fees (Effective January 1, 2025)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $15.00 |
| MDJ Summary Appeal (County) | $80.00 |
| Appeal to Higher Court (County) | $90.00 |
| Expungement (includes certification and copy) | $225.00 |
| Miscellaneous Filing | $35.00 |
| Subpoenas | $4.00 |
The Clerk’s office also provides information on the expungement procedure for those seeking to have eligible criminal records sealed or destroyed.
Criminal History Background Checks
Formal criminal history reports are obtained through the Pennsylvania State Police rather than the county clerk. The PATCH (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History) system allows online requests for $22.00, payable by credit card. A notarized copy costs an additional $5.00. Alternatively, requesters may complete form SP 4-164 and mail it with the required fee to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Arrest Records
Information about current inmates and recent bookings may be available through the Lebanon County Correctional Facility:
Lebanon County Correctional Facility
Address: 730 E. Walnut Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: (717) 274-5451
Fax: (717) 274-1338
In-person requesters may need to provide a valid photo ID and the arrestee’s name or booking date. Inspection of arrest records is free; copies are subject to a per-page fee.
Lebanon County Civil Court Records
The Prothonotary’s Office serves as the chief filing office for all civil matters in the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County. This includes general civil complaints, declaratory judgments, quiet title actions, arbitration matters, judgment and lien filings, landlord-tenant disputes at the Common Pleas level, and protection from abuse petitions.
Online Civil Case Search
The Prothonotary maintains a free Public Case Search Portal where users may look up civil case records by case number, participant name, or reference number. The system displays docket entries, case status, party information, and filing dates.
Civil Filing Fee Schedule (2025–2027)
The Prothonotary has published a civil fee schedule covering the current filing period. Selected fees include:
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Action (complaint, declaratory judgment, quiet title) | $206.75 |
| District Justice Appeal | $206.75 |
| Execution with garnishee | $50.00 |
| Execution without garnishee | $49.50 |
| Foreign Judgment | $34.25 |
| Judgment Note | $84.75 |
| Petition for Change of Name | $206.75 |
| Writ of Summons | $206.75 |
| Subpoena | $22.50 |
| Photocopies (uncertified) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $15.00 |
| Additional certified pages | $1.00 each |
Fee totals include the county filing fee, Pennsylvania Judicial Computer System (JCS/ATJ) fee, writ tax, and automation surcharge where applicable. The JCS fee increased to $41.25 effective with the 2025 Pennsylvania budget amendment.
Property Records
Real estate documents are filed with the Lebanon County Recorder of Deeds, located in the same municipal building complex. The office provides online access to its recorded document database through the Landex remote access system. In-person uncertified copies are $0.50 per page (8½×11"), and certified copies cost $1.50. The Property Viewer offers free parcel searches by address or map number.
Sheriff’s Office — Civil Process and Sales
The Lebanon County Sheriff’s Office handles civil process service, real estate sales, and personal property levies. The office is located at 400 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042-6794, and can be reached at (717) 228-4410. Civil process service fees begin at $175.00 for one defendant, with $75.00 for each additional defendant. Sheriff’s sales are conducted through RealAuction.com.
Lebanon County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, custody, equitable distribution, alimony, and protection from abuse — are filed with the Prothonotary’s Office. Certain post-filing proceedings, such as custody conciliation and support enforcement, may be administered through the Domestic Relations Office.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case information can be searched through the same Public Case Search Portal used for civil records. Users may enter a participant name, case number, or reference number. Viewing is free; copies cost $0.50 per page.
Confidentiality protections apply to many family filings. Income and expense statements, marital property inventories, pre-trial statements, and agreements between the parties are not available for public inspection under the statewide Public Access Policy.
Family Court Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
The Prothonotary’s family fee schedule lists the following costs:
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce (single count) | $216.75 |
| Divorce with 1 additional count (e.g., equitable distribution) | $307.50 |
| Divorce with 2 additional counts | $398.25 |
| Divorce with 3 additional counts | $489.00 |
| Each additional count beyond 3 | $90.75 |
| Custody Stipulation | $176.00 |
| Custody + Conciliator | $417.25 |
| Conciliator Fee (modification) | $200.00 |
| Retake of Prior Name (divorced in Lebanon County) | $31.00 |
| Retake of Prior Name (foreign decree) | $92.25 |
| Appointment of Divorce Hearing Officer | $300.00 |
Counts for Alimony Pendente Lite are no longer accepted with the initial divorce complaint; they must be filed separately through the Domestic Relations Office.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court in Room 105 of the Municipal Building. An appointment is required — call (717) 228-4415 to schedule. Virtual appointments remain available for applicants who cannot visit the courthouse due to illness, disability, or hardship.
Key marriage license details:
- Fee: $80.00 (cash, check, or money order; non-refundable)
- Waiting period: 3 days from application to issuance; valid for 60 days after issuance
- Waiver of waiting period: $25.00 (free for active military)
- Requirements: Both applicants must appear together with photo ID and Social Security numbers; divorced applicants must present a certified final decree; applicants must be 18 or older
- Certified copy of marriage record: $10.00
Marriage records from 1885 to the present are on file in the Register of Wills office and can be viewed on the courthouse computer at no cost.
Birth and Death Records
The Register of Wills holds Lebanon County birth certificates from 1893 to 1906 only. Copies are $0.50 per page (8½×11") or $1.00 per page (8½×14"). For birth records after 1906 and all death records, contact the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records in New Castle. Certified birth or death certificates cost $20.00, with an additional $10.00 processing fee for online orders. Applications for birth certificates and death certificates can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a Vital Records public office.
Lebanon County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Lebanon County rests with the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, operating from Room 105 of the Municipal Building. This office handles the probate of wills, issuance of letters testamentary and letters of administration, estate accounting, guardianship petitions, adoptions, and the collection of Pennsylvania inheritance tax for Lebanon County decedents.
Searching Probate Records
Estate and Orphans’ Court records from 1962 to the present can be viewed on the courthouse computer at no charge. Records dating back to 1813 are available on file in paper form. Orphans’ Court records from 1976 forward are also accessible by computer. For older records, staff will consult the office’s physical indexes.
A records search costs $10.00 per name, and a certification that no record is on file costs $15.00. Uncertified copies are $0.50 per page (8½×11") or $1.00 per page (8½×14").
Probate Filing Fees
The Register of Wills publishes a detailed fee schedule covering all estate and Orphans’ Court filings. Letters testamentary and administration fees are based on the total value of the estate:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Litigation / life insurance purposes only | $40.00 |
| Not over $5,000 | $50.00 |
| $5,001–$10,000 | $75.00 |
| $10,001–$20,000 | $100.00 |
| $20,001–$30,000 | $125.00 |
| $30,001–$50,000 | $150.00 |
| $50,001–$75,000 | $200.00 |
| $75,001–$100,000 | $250.00 |
| Each additional $100,000 or fraction | $100.00 |
Additional charges apply for the Pennsylvania Judicial Computer System fee ($41.25, per the 2025 increase) and the automation fee ($19.75). If the estate value increases during administration, the difference in filing fees is collected when inheritance tax papers are filed.
Other Probate-Related Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit (includes 1 certified copy) | $50.00 + JCS/automation fees |
| First and Final Account — first page and advertising | $400.00 |
| Each additional account page | $5.00 |
| Guardian Petition and Citation (includes 1 certified decree) | $55.00 + JCS/automation fees |
| Guardian’s Bond | $30.00 |
| Guardian’s Inventory (electronically filed) | $20.00 |
| Guardian’s Inventory (over-the-counter) | $30.00 |
| Adoption Petition (includes certified copy of decree) | $65.00 |
| Short Certificate | $5.00 |
| Certification | $15.00 |
Accounts must be filed by the first Friday of the month. The NISI date falls on the first Monday of the following month, with the absolute confirmation 20 days later. Objections may only be filed after the NISI date.
Forms for estates, guardianships, adoptions, and other Orphans’ Court matters are available through the Unified Judicial System’s public forms page and from the Register of Wills office directly. Individuals with questions about the probate process in Lebanon County may contact the Register of Wills at (717) 228-4415.