Lancaster County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lancaster County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Prothonotary at the courthouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With a population of around 560,000, Lancaster is one of the largest non-metropolitan counties in the state and one of the oldest, with a rich history tied to Pennsylvania German and Amish communities. Residents across the county who need to search a past divorce case, obtain a certified decree, or confirm the outcome of a dissolution of marriage filing will find the Prothonotary to be the primary source. This guide explains how records are organized, how to search online, and what to expect when requesting copies.
Lancaster County Quick Facts
Lancaster County Prothonotary Office
The Lancaster County Prothonotary is the official custodian of all civil case records in the county. Dissolution of marriage records have been kept at the county level since 1804. The current Prothonotary is Andrew M. Spade. The office is at 50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608. The mailing address is PO Box 83480, Lancaster, PA 17608-3480.
Lancaster County operates a full records system that covers both active and historical dissolution cases. The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas processes all family law matters, including dissolution of marriage petitions, support orders, and custody disputes. Given the size of the county population, the Prothonotary handles a large volume of civil filings each year. The Open Records Officer for the county is Tammy L. Bender, reachable at 717-735-1584 for formal Right-to-Know requests.
| Court | Court of Common Pleas - Lancaster County |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608 |
| Phone | (717) 299-8282 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lancastercountypa.gov/2923/Prothonotary |
Lancaster County Court and Prothonotary Images
The Lancaster County marriage and divorce records page explains how the county distinguishes between marriage records held by the Register of Wills and dissolution of marriage records held by the Prothonotary.
Marriage records in Lancaster County are maintained by the Register of Wills, while dissolution of marriage records are held separately by the Prothonotary. Knowing which office holds the document you need saves time.
The Lancaster County Prothonotary at 50 N. Duke Street is the official keeper of all civil court filings and dissolution of marriage case records for the county.
The Prothonotary's office indexes every dissolution of marriage case, stores the case files, and provides certified copies of final decrees to authorized requesters.
The Lancaster County public records page outlines the types of documents available and the process for submitting records requests.
Lancaster County public records include dissolution of marriage case files, docket entries, and supporting documents filed during the course of a case.
The Pennsylvania Courts website for Lancaster County provides court news, judge information, and links to judicial resources.
Lancaster County's Court of Common Pleas handles dissolution of marriage cases from initial filing through final decree, serving one of Pennsylvania's largest county populations.
Searching Lancaster County Divorce Records Online
The Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides free name-based searches of Lancaster County dissolution of marriage dockets. The portal returns case numbers, party names, filing dates, and lists of documents on the docket. It is the fastest starting point for locating a case without a visit to the courthouse. Results are generally available for cases filed after electronic docketing began.
For cases filed before the electronic system, the Prothonotary maintains physical index books that staff can search. Providing both party names and an approximate year helps speed the process. Mail requests for copies of older records are accepted, though in-person visits let you confirm details on the spot.
Lancaster County also offers public records access through the court's own systems. The county public records page explains the categories of documents available and notes any restrictions that apply to sealed portions of a case. Under 65 P.S. § 67.101, dissolution records are public by default unless a judge has ordered specific items sealed.
Note: For genealogy research involving Lancaster County dissolution records from the 1800s and early 1900s, the FamilySearch Pennsylvania Divorce Records guide covers how historical records were structured before the modern docketing system.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Lancaster County
Pennsylvania requires at least one spouse to have been a resident of the state for six months before filing for dissolution of marriage, under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104. A filing accepted by the Lancaster County Prothonotary opens the case in the Court of Common Pleas, which then oversees all subsequent proceedings.
Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301, Pennsylvania offers no-fault dissolution in two forms. Mutual consent requires both spouses to file affidavits after a 90-day waiting period. Irretrievable breakdown with separation applies when spouses have lived apart for at least one year, counting from separations that began on or after December 5, 2016. Fault grounds are less often pursued but remain available and include abandonment for one year, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, and bigamy.
A dissolution decree spells out the specific terms of the case. It is the document courts require when enforcing support, custody, or property terms. Lancaster County's courts apply equitable distribution principles under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502 when dividing marital assets. The court looks at the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the family, age and health of each party, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Lancaster County residents who need legal help can contact PA Legal Aid for low-income family law services.
Certified Copies of Dissolution Decrees
The Lancaster County Prothonotary at (717) 299-8282 provides certified copies of court decrees and related case documents. These are the most complete records and include all filed pleadings and the final judgment of dissolution. Fees vary by document type and page count; contact the office before submitting a request.
Marriage records in Lancaster County are held by a separate office. The Register of Wills, currently Anne L. Cooper, maintains marriage license records and can be reached at (717) 295-5994. Dissolution of marriage records are always at the Prothonotary, not the Register of Wills.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Vital Records issues a separate state-level divorce certificate that confirms the dissolution was granted. These certificates cost $20 each and are often used for name changes and administrative purposes. The state office is at PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
Nearby Counties
Lancaster County sits in southeastern Pennsylvania and borders five counties, each with its own court system and Prothonotary responsible for local dissolution of marriage records.