Pennsylvania Divorce Record Search
Pennsylvania Divorce Records
Start with the state court docket search to find the county and case number, then request the divorce decree or certified copy from the county court clerk.
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Your Lookup Path
Find a Pennsylvania divorce case and obtain the decree or a certified copy
Where to Start
- Begin with the state court system docket search to identify the filing county and case number.
- Pennsylvania divorce decrees are filed in the county Court of Common Pleas; follow up with the county court clerk (prothonotary) for copies.
- If the docket is not found or is limited, contact the likely county clerk for an index lookup or file search.
Best First Step
title
State court system case lookup
best for
Finding the divorce case, county of filing, and docket number before requesting copies
why this is usually first
It quickly confirms the correct county and case details, reducing back-and-forth with multiple local offices.
when to move on
If no matching docket appears or details are restricted, proceed directly to the county court clerk (prothonotary) in the likely county to request an index search.
Official Lookup Paths
| Lookup Option | Recommended For | Initial Step | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| State court system case lookup | Locating county of filing, case number, and docket details | Search by party name and timeframe in the statewide court docket route | County identified with a docket number and basic case information |
| County court clerk divorce file route | Obtaining the divorce decree or a certified copy | Contact the county Court of Common Pleas clerk (prothonotary) where filed and request copies using the docket number | Regular or certified copies issued per local procedures |
| County clerk on-site/index assistance | Older or hard-to-find cases not appearing online | Ask the county clerk about an index lookup or file search for the names and approximate date | Confirmation of the case number and instructions for obtaining copies |
| State vital records verification route | When a verification or confirmation letter is acceptable instead of a decree | Check the state department of health vital records route for any divorce verification option and submission requirements | If available, a verification/confirmation result rather than the full decree |
Access Notes
- Divorce decrees are held by county court clerks; the state vital records office is not the filing office for decrees.
- State docket results typically show case information but not the actual decree; copies come from the county clerk.
- Some divorce files are restricted; the county clerk may require identification or specific details to release copies.
Search and Request Flow
Step 1
Use the state court docket search to find the county and docket number for the divorce case.
Step 2
Contact the identified county Court of Common Pleas clerk (prothonotary) and request the decree or a certified copy using the docket number.
Step 3
If not found online or details are limited, ask the county clerk for an index lookup; if only a verification is needed, check the state vital records route.
Quick FAQs
Which office holds Pennsylvania divorce decrees?
The county Court of Common Pleas clerk (often the prothonotary) in the county where the case was filed.
Is there one statewide place to get a decree copy?
No. Use the state court docket route to find the county and case, then request copies from the county clerk.
What if I do not know the filing county?
Start with the state court docket lookup by name; if still unknown, contact likely county clerks for an index search.
Can I get a verification instead of a decree?
If a verification is acceptable, check the state vital records office route to see if a divorce verification option is offered.