Lancaster County court records in Pennsylvania are accessible through several channels. LancasterPACourt.us allows you to search public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, the official Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania portal provides online case searches, the Clerk of Courts office serves visitors in person, and public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view records directly on-site.
Lancaster Court System & Jurisdictions
Lancaster County is part of Pennsylvania's 2nd judicial district and is served by the Court of Common Pleas — a court of general jurisdiction. This is where most serious cases are heard.
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, appeals from magisterial courts. The Clerk of Courts handles criminal and juvenile cases.
- Civil Division — civil claims over $12,000, divorce cases, alimony, protective orders. The Prothonotary maintains these records.
- Family Division — custody, adoption, child support, domestic violence cases.
- Orphans' Court Division — probate, trust administration, guardianship. Search available through Register of Wills Case Search.
The lower level is the Magisterial District Courts. Several such courts operate in the county, handling minor civil disputes (up to $12,000), traffic violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and arrest warrants. These cases are indexed by the statewide UJS portal.
To check arrest warrants, the county sheriff's office publishes a list of wanted persons.
Lancaster Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Court of Common Pleas hearing schedule is published on the court's official website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or weekly scheduled sessions, use the Court Related Offices page — it has links to the respective court divisions and their contact details.
For magisterial court cases, the schedule can be checked via the UJS Case Search portal. After searching for a specific case, the system will show the date of the next hearing if scheduled.
Here are some practical tips:
- Enter the participant's last name or case number (docket number) on the UJS portal.
- Select the appropriate court type — Common Pleas or Magisterial District Judge.
- In the case card, review the section with scheduled events (calendar events).
If you need information about a specific room or time, call the office of the respective court division directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Lancaster Court Document
The type of copy determines both the procedure and the cost. Certified copies have the court's official seal and the clerk's signature — they are accepted by other courts and government agencies. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal review.
Online
Basic case information — parties, charges, status, hearing dates — can be viewed for free via the UJS Case Search. Full documents (complaints, judgments, motions) usually require an in-person or mail request.
In Person or by Mail
Criminal and juvenile records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Civil cases — by the Prothonotary. Both offices are located at:
To request by mail, send a written request with the case number or full name of the party, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount (see the table below).
Historical court documents, including those no longer stored in the active archives of the office, can be searched through the Archives Division, established in 1975 as a repository for permanent records of county courts.
To obtain state-level criminal history records, use the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History) system.
Lancaster Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to court orders and Pennsylvania legislation. Below are estimated fees charged by the Clerk of Courts. Exact amounts may vary — confirm current costs in the county FAQ section or by calling the office before mailing your request.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | Depends on the type of request; check with the office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 – $10.00 per document (plus per-page cost) |
| Criminal history check (PATCH, state level) | $22.00 online |
Payment at the office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order payable to "Clerk of Courts." Some divisions accept credit cards — confirm upon inquiry. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If your request concerns public records that are not court-related, you can submit a Right to Know Law request through the county's open records office.