Search Pennsylvania Divorce Records
Pennsylvania divorce records are public documents maintained by the Court of Common Pleas in each of the 67 counties and by the PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. County courts hold the complete case files including the complaint in divorce, the answer, and the final divorce decree. The state vital records office keeps divorce certificates dating back to 1906. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person at courthouses throughout Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Divorce Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Pennsylvania Divorce Records
Pennsylvania has two main sources for divorce records. The Court of Common Pleas in each county stores the full case files for every divorce granted in that jurisdiction. These files include the complaint in divorce, the answer from the other spouse, any settlement agreements, and the final divorce decree signed by the judge. The Prothonotary in each county keeps these records and can supply copies. You can visit the courthouse in person or look up some case information through the UJS Portal (Unified Judicial System) at ujsportal.pacourts.us.
The PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates statewide. A certified copy of the divorce record from the state confirms that a divorce took place and includes basic details: the names of both spouses, the date of the decree, and the county where it was entered. The Division of Vital Records holds records for divorces from 1906 to the present. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person at their Harrisburg office. Certified copies cost $20 in Pennsylvania.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records contain less detail than full court records from the Prothonotary in Pennsylvania.
How to Search Divorce Records in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania provides multiple ways to look up divorce records. Online access is the fastest option for most searches. You can search from home at any hour. In-person visits work best when you need certified copies or want to examine the complete case file. Both options are available to anyone in Pennsylvania.
The UJS Portal (Unified Judicial System) gives access to Court of Common Pleas records across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. You can search by party name or case number to locate divorce cases. The system is free to search, and you can view case information including party names, filing dates, and case status. For copies of actual documents, you need to contact the county Prothonotary or visit the courthouse. Go to ujsportal.pacourts.us to begin your search in Pennsylvania.
To search divorce records through the UJS Portal, you need the following:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate date of the divorce filing
- County where the case was filed
You can also search in person at any Prothonotary office in Pennsylvania. Go to the county where the divorce was filed. Staff can help you locate records and provide copies. Most Prothonotary offices charge a per-page fee for copies, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. For divorce certificates from the state, submit your request to the PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Rush processing is available for an additional fee in Pennsylvania.
Types of Divorce Records in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania divorce records include several categories of documents. The divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. A judge signs this after the case is resolved. The decree states the marriage is dissolved and typically addresses property division, spousal support, and custody arrangements. This is the most thorough divorce record available in Pennsylvania. It comes from the Prothonotary in the county where the case was heard.
The divorce certificate is a shorter document from the PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. A certificate verifies that a divorce took place but does not spell out the terms of the settlement. Many people need a certificate for purposes like changing their name, remarrying, or updating other legal documents in Pennsylvania. You can get a certificate online, by mail, or in person from the Division of Vital Records in Harrisburg.
Divorce records in Pennsylvania typically contain the following:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Date and place of the marriage
- Date the complaint in divorce was filed
- Date the divorce was finalized
- County and court where it was heard
- Grounds cited for the divorce
- Terms of property division if included
Court case files may also contain motions, affidavits, and other papers filed during the proceedings. These show the full history of the divorce case in Pennsylvania. You can get copies of any document in a case file from the Prothonotary.
Pennsylvania Divorce Laws and Rules
Pennsylvania law governs the rules for obtaining a divorce. These laws determine how long the process takes and what records are generated. The Pennsylvania General Assembly has established specific rules for residency, grounds, property division, and support. You must follow these rules to file for divorce in Pennsylvania.
Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing for divorce. You file in the county where either spouse resides. For no-fault divorces based on mutual consent, there is a 90-day waiting period between filing and the earliest the decree can be entered in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301, no-fault divorce is available in two ways: mutual consent with a 90-day waiting period, or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage with a one-year separation. Fault grounds are also available under the same statute and include desertion, adultery, cruel treatment, and other causes. For fault-based divorces, there is no mandatory waiting period after filing. Property division, spousal support, and child custody are addressed within the same case in Pennsylvania.
For mutual consent no-fault divorces, both spouses must sign affidavits consenting to the divorce after a 90-day waiting period from the date of filing. For no-fault divorces based on irretrievable breakdown, the spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least one year. The court may issue temporary orders for child custody, support, or use of marital property while the case is pending in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state for property division. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502, the court divides marital property in a manner that is equitable and fair. The judge considers factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and the economic circumstances of each party. Pennsylvania courts divide marital assets based on what is fair and just, which does not necessarily mean an equal split.
Divorce Record Fees in Pennsylvania
Fees vary depending on what you need and where you obtain it in Pennsylvania. The PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records charges $20 for a certified copy of a divorce certificate. Rush processing is available for an extra fee. Online orders can be placed through the VitalChek website.
Courts of Common Pleas charge their own fees for divorce cases and records in Pennsylvania. Filing a complaint in divorce costs approximately $300 or more depending on the county. Getting copies of existing divorce records costs less. Most Prothonotary offices charge per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones at any court in Pennsylvania.
Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the filing fees in Pennsylvania. You can apply by completing an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) petition. You must demonstrate financial hardship, such as receiving public assistance or having income below the federal poverty guidelines. The court will review your petition and determine if you qualify for a fee waiver in Pennsylvania.
Note: Filing fees and copy fees can change, so contact the court or agency to confirm current costs in Pennsylvania.
How to Get Copies of Pennsylvania Divorce Records
You can get copies of divorce records in Pennsylvania through several channels. For divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records, you have three main options. First, order online through the VitalChek website, which is the fastest method. Second, mail your request to the PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103 with the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, the county, and your payment. Third, visit the office in person in Harrisburg where walk-in service is available during business hours in Pennsylvania.
For full divorce decrees and case files, go to the Prothonotary in the county where the divorce was filed in Pennsylvania. You can request copies in person or call ahead to find out what you need. Some courts accept mail requests for copies. You will need to know the names of the parties or the case number. The Prothonotary can search the records and provide copies for a fee in Pennsylvania.
Wait times vary by method and location in Pennsylvania. Online orders through VitalChek are typically processed within a few business days. Mail requests to the state take several weeks. Court record requests depend on the workload at that county's Prothonotary office in Pennsylvania.
Legal Help for Divorce in Pennsylvania
Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to people with low income. They handle family law cases including divorce across the state. Visit their website at palegalaid.net to find legal help resources and locate services in your area for divorce in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney in Pennsylvania. Call (800) 692-7375 to get connected with a family law lawyer. They can match you with an attorney in your area who handles divorce cases in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System at pacourts.us offers forms and instructions for people who want to file on their own. You can find step-by-step guides for handling your own divorce case in Pennsylvania. The site also has links to legal resources across the state. The court system provides all the official forms you need to file for divorce in Pennsylvania, including the complaint, answer, and other required papers.
Are Divorce Records Public in Pennsylvania
Yes, divorce records are generally public in Pennsylvania. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq., the public has the right to inspect government records. This applies to divorce records held by the courts. You do not have to be one of the parties in the case. The records are available to anyone who requests them in Pennsylvania.
Some restrictions apply to what you can see in divorce records in Pennsylvania. Certain details may be redacted from public copies. These include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children. A party can also ask the court to seal specific documents in their divorce case. A judge may seal records if the person shows good cause. Sealed divorce records are uncommon in Pennsylvania.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records may have some access restrictions, but court records at the Prothonotary offices are generally open to the public in Pennsylvania.
Browse Pennsylvania Divorce Records by County
Each county in Pennsylvania has its own Court of Common Pleas that keeps divorce records. Pick a county below to find local contact info and resources for divorce records in that area.
Divorce Records in Major Pennsylvania Cities
Residents of major cities file for divorce at their county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.