Somerset County Court Records Search
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Somerset County is located in the southwestern highlands of Pennsylvania, with its county seat in the Borough of Somerset. The county’s court system operates under the 16th Judicial District and centers on the Court of Common Pleas, which exercises broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, and orphans’ court matters. Five Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary hearings, minor criminal offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims across the county. The Prothonotary’s Office serves as custodian of civil records, the Register of Wills handles estate administration and marriage licensing, and the Clerk of Orphans’ Court manages guardianship, adoption, and miscellaneous court filings. All of these offices are located in or near the Somerset County Courthouse in downtown Somerset.
For individuals seeking court case information in Pennsylvania, several official channels are available. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania maintains a statewide online docket sheet search covering Common Pleas, Magisterial District, and appellate courts. Public-access terminals at the courthouse allow in-person searches during business hours, and the Prothonotary and Register of Wills offices both accept walk-in and mail inquiries. Court records for Pennsylvania proceedings may also be located through PennsylvaniaCourts.us.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Somerset County?
Somerset County court records can be searched online, in person at the courthouse, or through written requests directed to the appropriate custodial office. The search method depends on whether the records involve civil, criminal, family, or orphans’ court matters.
Online Docket Sheet Search
The UJS Portal provides free public access to docket sheets for Pennsylvania’s Courts of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts, and appellate courts. Users can search by case number, participant name, organization name, offense tracking number, or police incident number. The portal displays docket entries, filing dates, case status, scheduled events, and party information. While basic docket data is available online, full case documents typically require a formal request or in-person visit.
The UJS also provides Common Pleas docket sheets through a separate interface.
In-Person Search
Individuals may visit the Somerset County Courthouse during business hours to review court files and obtain copies. The appropriate office depends on the record type:
- Civil records (lawsuits, divorce, custody, liens): Prothonotary’s Office
- Probate, estates, marriage, guardianship, adoptions: Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court
- Property records (deeds, mortgages): Recorder of Deeds
Somerset County Courthouse
Address: 111 East Union Street, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1473
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Mail Requests
Written requests can be sent to the appropriate office at the courthouse. Include the case number or parties’ full names, the type of record sought, and payment for any applicable fees. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the specific office (e.g., “Prothonotary” or “Clerk of Orphans’ Court”).
Third-Party Online Access
The Prothonotary’s Office also provides access to civil records through an Infocon County Access system, a third-party subscription service for remote record searches.
Are Court Records Public in Somerset County?
Pennsylvania’s Case Records Public Access Policy, adopted by the Unified Judicial System, governs public access to court records statewide. Under this policy, most court documents are available for public inspection and copying.
Records generally available to the public include:
- Civil complaints, motions, and judgments filed in the Court of Common Pleas
- Criminal docket sheets and case dispositions
- Divorce decrees and related filings (subject to redaction of sensitive data)
- Probate records, including wills, estate inventories, and accountings
- Marriage license applications and records (except Social Security numbers and voter declination forms)
- Property records filed with the Recorder of Deeds
- Magisterial District Court docket sheets
Records that are restricted or confidential include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption records, which are impounded by law and available only by court order
- Mental health proceedings
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Protection from Abuse case details, to the extent restricted by court order
- Personal identifiers including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers, which must be redacted under the Confidential Information Form requirements
Somerset County courts require filers to use public records forms to designate confidential information when filing documents. The Prothonotary’s Office links to the applicable local rule governing confidentiality protections.
Somerset County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Somerset County are prosecuted in the Court of Common Pleas for felonies and serious misdemeanors, and in the Magisterial District Courts for preliminary hearings, summary offenses, and minor criminal matters. The Prothonotary’s Office maintains criminal case filings for the Court of Common Pleas, while individual Magisterial District Courts retain their own records.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket sheets are publicly searchable through the UJS Portal. Search by defendant name, case number, or offense tracking number to view charges, hearing dates, bail information, and case disposition. Magisterial District Court docket sheets are available through the same portal.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks (PATCH)
The Pennsylvania State Police operates the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system for criminal background checks. PATCH searches cover records from all Pennsylvania courts. Fees are as follows:
- Individual background check: $22 (can be notarized for an additional $5)
- Volunteer check: Free
- Credit card processing surcharge: 2% per transaction (effective April 22, 2026)
Requests can be submitted online or by mail. Online results for records with no hits are returned immediately; requests that produce records require additional processing time.
Somerset County Sheriff’s Office
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office provides courthouse security, serves civil process, and handles warrant execution. For information about recent arrests or inmate status, contact the Sheriff’s Office or the local police department in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred.
Sheriff’s Office
Address: 111 East Union Street, Somerset, PA 15501
Magisterial District Courts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| District 16-3-01 | 200 Main Street, Boswell, PA 15531 | (814) 629-9775 |
| District 16-3-02 | 1510 Jefferson Avenue, Windber, PA 15963 | (814) 467-5113 |
| District 16-3-03 | 218 N. Kimberly Avenue, Suite 200, Somerset, PA 15501 | (814) 445-1535 |
| District 16-3-05 | 2924 New Centerville Road, Rockwood, PA 15557 | (814) 445-7442 |
| District 16-3-06 | 315 Grant Street, Meyersdale, PA 15552 | (814) 634-0614 |
Somerset County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Somerset County are adjudicated in the Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary’s Office serves as custodian of all civil records, including lawsuits, personal injury claims, medical malpractice actions, foreclosures, mechanics’ liens, judgment entries, and appeals from Magisterial District Courts.
Prothonotary’s Office
Address: 111 East Union Street, Suite 165, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1428
Fax: (814) 444-9270
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Email: custerj@somersetcountypa.gov
Obtaining Civil Records
Records can be inspected in person during business hours. Copies are available at $0.25 per page. Certified or exemplified copies carry additional fees. Online docket information is accessible through the UJS Portal, though full documents must be requested from the Prothonotary’s Office. Written requests may be mailed to the office with the case number, party names, and applicable payment.
Key Civil Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil complaint (summons, foreclosures, etc.) | $112.00 |
| Custody complaint (new civil, includes court-imposed fee) | $155.00 |
| Custody modification petition | $45.00 |
| Complaint in divorce (includes court-imposed fee) | $120.00 |
| Each divorce count / counterclaim count | $51.25 |
| Appeal from District Justice | $112.00 |
| Appeal to Commonwealth or Superior Court | $50.00 (plus $90.25 higher court fee) |
| Judgment / confession of judgment | $19.00 |
| Writ of execution / possession | $27.00 |
| Lis pendens (mechanics’ lien) | $21.00 |
| Federal tax lien | $19.00 |
| Photocopies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Miscellaneous in re: actions | $75.00 |
All fees are state and county fees that must be prepaid. For the complete fee schedule, see the Prothonotary’s fee bill effective January 1, 2026. Contact the office at (814) 445-1428 with questions about fees not listed.
Civil Forms and Resources
The Prothonotary’s Office provides civil forms and self-help resources for custody and divorce on the county website. Additional downloadable documents include the Request for Transcript or Copy form and a Petition to Waive All or a Portion of Transcript Costs.
Property Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps are filed with the Recorder of Deeds. The office also provides an online real estate search by property owner name.
Recorder of Deeds
Address: 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 400, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1547
Somerset County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Somerset County—including divorce, custody, equitable distribution, alimony, and protection from abuse—are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary’s Office maintains all family court records. Marriage records and certain vital records are handled by the Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court.
Divorce Records
Divorce complaints are filed with the Prothonotary. The filing fee for a complaint in divorce is $120 (includes a $50 court-imposed fee), with additional counts (equitable distribution, alimony, custody, counsel fees) charged separately. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $7.00, and the Certificate of Dissolution / election to retake maiden name is $14.00. Divorce docket information is available through the UJS Portal. Full divorce file documents must be requested from the Prothonotary’s Office in person or by mail.
Custody
A new custody complaint costs $155 (includes a $50 court-imposed fee). Custody modification petitions are $45. Local self-help resources for custody and divorce are available through the Prothonotary’s website.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Orphans’ Court division of the Register of Wills office. Both applicants must appear together in person during application hours (8:30 AM–3:00 PM). Key requirements and fees:
- License fee: $60 (check or money order only; no credit cards; non-refundable)
- Three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid
- License validity: 60 days from the date of issuance
- Age requirement: Both applicants must be 18 years of age
- Identification: At least one form of ID showing current legal name and date of birth (driver’s license, passport, military ID, PA birth certificate, or name change decree)
- Emergency waiver of waiting period: $15 (requires written request approved by a judge)
- Certified marriage record copy: $10 (payable to Clerk of Orphans’ Court)
Mail-in requests for certified marriage records should include the applicants’ names at the time of application, the date of marriage, a daytime phone number, the $10 fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send requests to:
Somerset County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Attn: Marriage License Department
111 East Union Street, Suite 145
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1548
Marriage applications are public record, with the exception of Social Security numbers and voter declination forms. Marriage records have been maintained in Somerset County from 1885 to the present.
Birth and Death Records
The Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court holds historical birth and death certificate records for Somerset County covering the period 1893–1905. All birth and death records from 1906 to the present are maintained at the state level by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vital Records. Certified copies of birth or death certificates from the local office cost $10 each. Requesters must present valid photo identification and may need to demonstrate eligibility (the registrant, a parent, legal representative, spouse, or other qualified relative).
Somerset County Probate Court Records
Somerset County does not have a separate probate court. Probate and estate matters are handled by the Register of Wills, which has quasi-judicial authority to admit wills to probate, appoint personal representatives, conduct hearings, and render decisions on estate disputes. The Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common Pleas oversees guardianships, adoptions, trust matters, claims against estates, estate accountings, and distribution decrees.
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Address: 111 East Union Street, Suite 145, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1548
Email: ackermans@somersetcountypa.gov
Accessing Probate Records
All probate records are open to public inspection during normal business hours, with the sole exception of adoption records, which are impounded by law and require a court order for access. Individuals may visit the office to review files or mail a written request with the applicable research fee. Probate records in Somerset County date back to 1795.
What You Need to Open an Estate
- A typed Petition for Probate or Administration
- The original will (if the decedent had one)
- An original death certificate
- The person(s) qualified to serve as executor or administrator
- An approximate value of the decedent’s estate
- A check covering probate fees based on estimated estate value
Probate Fee Schedule (Effective November 17, 2025)
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding $1,000 | $137.25 |
| $1,001 – $5,000 | $147.25 |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | $157.25 |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | $167.25 |
| $20,001 – $30,000 | $177.25 |
| $30,001 – $40,000 | $187.25 |
| $40,001 – $50,000 | $197.25 |
| $50,001 – $75,000 | $207.25 |
| $75,001 – $100,000 | $217.25 |
| Each additional $100,000 or fraction | $50.00 |
Filing fees include the DPW letter ($3), Register of Wills automation fee ($20), JCS fee ($41.25), inheritance tax return ($20), proofs of publication ($3), and two short certificates. Additional common fees include short certificates ($5 each), photocopies ($0.25 per page), probate of will only ($25), probate of codicil ($20), citation ($10), exemplification of record ($50), and guardianship filing ($123.50). The full fee schedule is published on the county website.
Guardianship
Guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults or minors are filed with the Clerk of Orphans’ Court. The filing fee for an adult guardianship is $123.50, and a guardianship of a minor costs $78.50. Guardianship bonds are $20. The National Guardianship Association and the Center for Guardianship Certification both maintain searchable directories of certified professional guardians. For increased fee information regarding court-appointed guardians, see the fee change notice published by the Register of Wills.
Adoption Records
Adoption filings are processed through the Clerk of Orphans’ Court. The petition for adoption costs $103.50, plus a $75 Act 34 surcharge/counseling fund fee. Adoption records are sealed and may be accessed only by court order. Petitions for disclosure cost $50.