Schuylkill County Court Records Search
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Schuylkill County lies in the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, with Pottsville as its county seat. The county’s judicial operations center on the Court of Common Pleas, which holds general trial jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and orphans’ court matters. Several Magisterial District Courts spread across the county handle preliminary hearings, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small civil claims. Different row offices serve as custodians of specific record types — the Clerk of Courts manages criminal filings, the Prothonotary maintains civil case records, and the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court oversees probate, marriage, and historic vital records.
Pennsylvania provides several avenues for locating court records. Clerk offices at the Schuylkill County Courthouse accept in-person and mail requests during regular business hours, and the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS) web portal offers free online access to docket sheets across all courts of common pleas and magisterial district courts statewide. Users can search by participant name, docket number, attorney, or filing date. For additional court-related resources throughout Pennsylvania, PennsylvaniaCourts.us may also assist in identifying publicly accessible case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Schuylkill County?
All major court offices in Schuylkill County are housed in the county courthouse at 401 North 2nd Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Below is a directory of the primary offices and courthouses.
Court of Common Pleas — Key Offices
| Office | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|
| Prothonotary (Civil Division) | (570) 628-1270 | (570) 628-1261 |
| Clerk of Courts (Criminal Division) | (570) 628-1140 / (570) 628-1135 | (570) 628-1143 |
| Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court | (570) 628-1377 | (570) 628-1384 |
| Recorder of Deeds | (570) 628-1480 | — |
| Sheriff’s Office | (570) 628-1440 | (570) 628-1014 |
General office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Magisterial District Courts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| MDJ 21-2-01 | 619 West Oak Street, Frackville, PA 17931 | (570) 874-1704 |
| MDJ 21-3-01 | 301 Second Street, P.O. Box 13, Port Carbon, PA 17965 | (570) 628-5351 |
| MDJ 21-3-03 | 209 N. Warren Street, P.O. Box 189, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 | (570) 366-0244 |
| MDJ 21-3-04 | 19 N. Pine Street, P.O. Box 25, Tremont, PA 17981 | (570) 695-3128 |
| MDJ 21-3-05 | 33 S. Main Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976 | (570) 462-2680 |
| MDJ 21-3-06 | 320 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 | (570) 668-3535 |
| MDJ 21-3-07 | 200 E. Arch Centre Street, #125, Pottsville, PA 17901 | (570) 622-9181 |
Online Search Options
- UJS Portal: Visit the UJS Case Search page. Select a search method (participant name, docket number, attorney name, or calendar event). Enter the required details and choose Schuylkill County. Results display docket sheets with charges, dispositions, hearing dates, and case status.
- Prothonotary Civil Case Search: The Schuylkill County Prothonotary operates a civil case search portal where users can look up civil matters by participant name, case number, reference number, or participant address.
In-Person and Mail Requests
Walk-in visitors should bring a valid photo ID and any known case details (party names, case number, or approximate filing dates). For mail requests, draft a letter specifying the record needed, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and send payment by money order or certified check to the appropriate office. The Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary each have their own fee schedules.
Are Court Records Public in Schuylkill County?
Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) classifies court records as public records and requires judicial agencies to provide access. Section 303 of the RTKL establishes the general right to inspect and copy records maintained by the courts, subject to certain exemptions.
Records Available to the Public
- Criminal docket sheets, charges, and dispositions
- Civil complaints, motions, orders, and judgments
- Divorce and custody docket entries
- Probate filings and estate records once an estate is opened
- Marriage license records
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
Records Exempt from Public Access
The RTKL and the AOPC Public Access Policy restrict access to information that could jeopardize safety or privacy. Exempt categories include:
- Social Security numbers, personal financial information, and driver’s license numbers
- Home addresses of judges and law enforcement officers
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Medical, psychiatric, and psychological records
- Records related to intelligence, homeland security, or ongoing criminal investigations
- Agency employee records classified as confidential
- Information whose release could endanger a public facility or infrastructure
The Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, further governs the dissemination of criminal history information and limits who may access sealed or expunged records.
Schuylkill County Criminal Court Records
The Clerk of Courts is the custodian of all records for the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This office receives and maintains case files for felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, certifies and distributes court orders, and manages the collection of fines, costs, and restitution.
Searching Criminal Records
- Online: The UJS Case Search allows users to look up criminal docket sheets statewide. Select “Participant Name” or “Docket Number”, specify Schuylkill County, and enter the defendant’s information. Results include charges, hearing dates, bail information, and dispositions.
- In Person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the courthouse during business hours. Provide a name or case number. Copies cost $0.25 per page; certified copies cost $8.00 per page. The full public access fee schedule is published by the Clerk’s office.
- By Mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Courts, 401 North 2nd Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Include case party details, the specific records sought, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Payments to the Clerk of Courts may be made by check, money order, or online through the UJS portal payment system.
Criminal Background Checks
For a statewide criminal history check, individuals may use the Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. The fee is $22.00, payable by credit or debit card online. PATCH returns results showing whether the applicant has a criminal record in Pennsylvania. As of April 2026, online requests incur an additional 2% credit card processing fee.
Expungement
The Clerk of Courts provides expungement forms for individuals seeking to have eligible records sealed or destroyed. A current copy of the petitioner’s Pennsylvania State Police criminal record must accompany the petition. Consult an attorney or the Clerk’s office regarding eligibility requirements and filing procedures.
Sheriff’s Office
The Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office is located at 401 North Second Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 (phone: (570) 628-1440). The Sheriff’s Office handles warrant service, prisoner transport, and courthouse security. Arrest-related inquiries should be directed to the arresting law enforcement agency or the Clerk of Courts for court disposition records.
Schuylkill County Civil Court Records
The Prothonotary serves as the filing office for the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This office creates, maintains, and certifies records related to civil trials, arbitration hearings, argument court proceedings, judgments, name changes, landlord-tenant disputes, and certain custody and divorce filings.
How to Search Civil Records
- Prothonotary Online Portal: Use the county’s civil case search to look up cases by participant name, case number, date of death, reference number, or participant address. Filter results by case category and date range.
- UJS Portal: The statewide case search includes civil docket sheets from Schuylkill County’s Court of Common Pleas. Search by participant name or docket number.
- In Person: Visit the Prothonotary’s office on the first floor of the courthouse during business hours. Staff can assist with locating case files but cannot provide legal advice.
- By Mail: Submit a written request with case details and payment to the Prothonotary at the courthouse address.
Prothonotary Copy Fees
Based on the published fee schedule:
- Copies by litigant: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $8.00 per document
Fees for specific filings (custody, divorce, name change, etc.) are detailed in the full schedule posted on the Prothonotary’s website.
Small Claims and Magisterial District Court Cases
Civil claims of $12,000 or less, landlord-tenant matters, and traffic violations are handled by the Magisterial District Courts listed above. These docket sheets are also searchable through the UJS portal.
Property Records
The Recorder of Deeds maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, agreements, and land surveys. The office does not accept personal checks — only certified bank checks, law firm checks, money orders, and cash are accepted.
- Online search: The US Land Records portal provides access to Schuylkill County land records. Select Pennsylvania and Schuylkill County, then search by name, document type, volume, or date. Printing requires a credit card.
- Mail copies: Provide an exact book and page number. Documents under 40 pages cost $8.50 uncertified or $10.00 certified. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate postage. A $3.00 rejection/return fee applies to documents returned for errors.
- Recorder’s Office address: 401 N. 2nd Street, Pottsville, PA 17901-2528. Phone: (570) 628-1481 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Schuylkill County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Schuylkill County — including divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, adoption, paternity, and guardianship — are adjudicated by the Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary maintains the filings and docket records for divorce, custody, and related civil-side family cases.
Searching Family Court Records
The Prothonotary’s civil case search portal covers family law filings. Select the appropriate case category from the dropdown menu to filter results. The UJS portal also indexes family division docket sheets by participant name or docket number. In-person requests follow standard Prothonotary procedures, with copies at $0.25 per page and certified copies at $8.00.
Adoption records, juvenile proceedings, and certain PFA filings are confidential under Pennsylvania law and are not available through public search tools. Access to these records generally requires a court order or demonstrated legal authority.
Marriage Records
The Register of Wills issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records dating from 1885 to the present.
- Marriage license fee: $60.00 cash or $66.00 credit card
- Application process: Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID. If previously divorced, a copy of the final divorce decree is required; if widowed, the date of death is needed. A three-day waiting period applies, but applicants must apply at least four days in advance. The license is valid anywhere in Pennsylvania, though the record is maintained in Schuylkill County.
- Online application: Applicants may begin the process through the Online Services portal, then call the office at (570) 628-1378 to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the license.
- Certified copy of a marriage license: $10.00 cash or $16.00 credit card. Mail requests should include both parties’ names at the time of the license application, the date of marriage, and a business-sized self-addressed stamped envelope. The Register of Wills does not accept personal checks.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary. Search for divorce filings through the civil case search portal or visit the Prothonotary’s office with the case number or the names of the parties involved.
Birth and Death Records
The Register of Wills holds birth and death records from 1893 to 1905. Records after 1905 are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Certified copies of birth and death certificates cost $20.00 each. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at any Division of Vital Records office (locations in Harrisburg, Scranton, Erie, New Castle, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia)
- By mail to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Include a completed application, a copy of valid photo ID, and a check or money order for $20.00.
- By phone: (866) 712-8238
Schuylkill County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Schuylkill County are handled by the Register of Wills, who also serves as the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. This office oversees the filing and administration of estates, probate of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, guardianship proceedings, trust accountings, and related petitions.
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Address: 401 N. 2nd Street, Pottsville, PA 17901-2520
Phone: (570) 628-1377
Fax: (570) 628-1384
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (appointments recommended)
The office maintains probate records from 1888 to the present. A $5.00 research fee per person applies to genealogical searches.
How to Request Probate Records
- In Person: Visit the Register of Wills during office hours. Complete the request form, provide case party information, and pay applicable fees. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can offer general information about the probate process and direct requesters to appropriate resources.
- By Mail: Send a written request with party names, case dates or numbers, a valid form of identification, and payment (check or money order — personal checks are not accepted) to the Register of Wills at the courthouse address.
Probate Fees
The Register of Wills publishes a detailed fee schedule covering filing fees for petitions for grant of letters, estate administration, audit accounts, and other orphans’ court proceedings. As of November 2017, the JCS (Judicial Computer System) fee surcharge is $40.25. Specific filing costs vary by petition type; contact the office for a current breakdown.
Probate Forms
Necessary forms — including the Petition for Grant of Letters, Estate Information Sheet, Certification of Notice, Oath of Witness forms, Administrator’s and Executor’s Notices, Status Reports, and the First and Final Checklist — are available at the office or through the Register of Wills forms page. Additional state forms for Orphans’ Court and Register of Wills matters are maintained by the Unified Judicial System.
Wills are not filed with the Register of Wills until the testator has passed away and only if an estate is formally opened. Until then, wills remain private documents. Once admitted to probate, a will becomes part of the public case file.