Allentown Dissolution Of Marriage Case Records
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley and the third largest city in Pennsylvania, with around 126,000 residents. When an Allentown resident files for Dissolution Of Marriage, the case goes to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The courthouse is located right in Allentown, which means city residents do not have to travel far to access records or file paperwork. This guide covers how to search Dissolution Of Marriage records, where to file, and what the process looks like under Pennsylvania law.
Allentown Quick Facts
Filing Dissolution Of Marriage in Allentown
Allentown residents file for Dissolution Of Marriage at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The courthouse is located at 455 West Hamilton Street in Allentown, which is convenient since the city is the county seat of Lehigh County. The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas manages all family law matters, including divorce filings, hearings, and record keeping.
The Clerk of Judicial Records manages the official case files. Andrea E. Naugle serves as the clerk, and the office is located in Room 122 at 455 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. Phone: 610-782-3148. The court services office for divorce matters is in Room 423 at the same address. The general courthouse phone is (610) 782-3000.
Under Pennsylvania law, Allentown residents must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. The rules for domicile and residency are found at 23 Pa.C.S. § 3103. Once that requirement is met, the case is filed in Lehigh County since that is where the city is located.
| Court | Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas |
|---|---|
| Address | 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 |
| Phone | (610) 782-3000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas |
Note: The Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records is the office that issues certified copies and maintains the index of all dissolution cases filed in the county.
Searching Dissolution Records Online
Lehigh County offers online case access through its Odyssey Public Access system. The Lehigh County Odyssey Public Access portal allows the public to search for cases by party name, docket number, or attorney. This is the fastest way to find a dissolution case if you know one of the party names or have part of the docket number.
The statewide Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal also includes Lehigh County cases. That system covers all 67 Pennsylvania counties and is a good tool if you are not sure which county a case was filed in. Both the county portal and the UJS portal are free and open to the public.
If you need a certified copy of a decree rather than just case information, you must contact the Clerk of Judicial Records office. The office can provide certified copies for a fee. Bring or include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of filing or the final decree, and a valid photo ID if visiting in person.
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas provides current information on court fees and procedures on its website.
Lehigh County has maintained dissolution of marriage records since 1804, when Pennsylvania law first required all divorce decrees to be kept in the county Prothonotary's office.
No-Fault Dissolution: Section C and Section D
Pennsylvania has two main no-fault paths for Dissolution Of Marriage, and both apply in Allentown cases filed at Lehigh County Court. These are known in practice as Section C and Section D, based on the subsections of 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301.
Section C applies when both spouses agree to the divorce. Both must sign affidavits of consent, and a 90-day waiting period applies after the complaint is served. If both spouses cooperate and there are no contested issues, this path is usually the fastest way to complete the process.
Section D applies when one spouse does not agree or does not participate. In that case, the spouse who wants the divorce must show that the parties have lived apart for at least one year. This one-year separation rule has been in effect since December 5, 2016. Before that date, the required period was two years. The Lehigh County Divorce Self Help page explains both paths in plain language for those representing themselves.
The Family Court Office in Allentown provides forms for people who do not have property, assets, or debts to divide. Those with more complex financial situations are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice before filing. The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network can help residents who qualify for free assistance.
Note: Fault-based grounds under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301 include abandonment for one year, adultery, cruel treatment, and bigamy. Fault cases are less common but remain available under state law.
Property Division and Dissolution Records in Allentown
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502, courts divide marital property based on what is fair, not necessarily equal. Factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning potential, contributions to the marital estate, and the standard of living during the marriage.
When a property settlement agreement is reached outside of court, it can be submitted to the court and made part of the final decree. These agreements are public record once filed. The full record of a dissolution case in Lehigh County typically includes the petition, any affidavits, the settlement agreement, and the final decree signed by the judge.
Access to these records is governed by Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.101. Most dissolution records are public. The court may seal specific documents if a party requests it and the judge finds good cause, but sealed records are not common in routine dissolution cases.
For state-level divorce certificates, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records. State certificates are $20 each and are available for divorces granted after 1906. Mailing address: PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides certified divorce certificates separate from the court records maintained by Lehigh County.
Certified divorce certificates from the state are often used for legal name changes, remarriage, and insurance or benefits purposes.
Allentown County Divorce Records
Allentown residents file all Dissolution Of Marriage cases at the Lehigh County Courthouse located at 455 West Hamilton Street in Allentown, where the Clerk of Judicial Records maintains the full case index and provides certified copies of court documents.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Dissolution of marriage cases in nearby cities are handled by their respective county courts. Each county maintains its own filing system and case index.