Lancaster City Divorce Records
Lancaster divorce records are maintained by the Lancaster County Prothonotary at the Lancaster County Courthouse. Lancaster is both a city and the county seat of Lancaster County, so the courthouse is located right in the city. The Prothonotary keeps all civil court records, including every divorce case filed by Lancaster residents. Whether you are researching an old case or starting a new filing, the Lancaster County court system is your source for divorce records in this part of central Pennsylvania.
Lancaster Quick Facts
Lancaster County Prothonotary and Divorce Records
The Lancaster County Prothonotary is the official civil records keeper for the Court of Common Pleas. Andrew M. Spade currently holds this elected position. The Prothonotary's office is located at 50 N. Duke Street, P.O. Box 83480, Lancaster, PA 17608, and the main phone number is 717-299-8282. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with filing accepted through 4:30 PM.
All divorce cases for Lancaster residents are filed and stored here. When you need a copy of a divorce decree, this is the office to contact. To search for a case, you can use the last name of either party through the Civil Court Records Search system. For divorces filed before 1996, case numbers are found in the Index Book Search. Having the case number in hand before you call or visit saves significant time. You can also submit a written request by mail. Include a statement of the specific records you need, a check for the applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of documents.
Electronic filing through File & ServeXpress (formerly LexisNexis) is available for attorneys who file frequently in Lancaster County. Self-represented litigants typically file in person at the Prothonotary's office during filing hours.
Note: The Prothonotary's office cannot help you fill out court forms. For form assistance, visit the Self-Help Center on the first floor of the courthouse or the Law Library on the fourth floor.
Lancaster City Divorce Records and the Court System
The City of Lancaster official website provides government services and local information for residents navigating the court system.
The city and county share the same location, making Lancaster convenient for residents who need to visit the courthouse in person for divorce record requests.
The Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas page explains how each county manages its own civil court records. Lancaster County operates independently within that statewide system. The UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us lets you search Lancaster County case dockets online for free. Enter a party name to pull up filing dates, case status, and basic case details without needing to visit the courthouse.
Public records in Lancaster County are governed by Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101). Divorce records are public unless sealed by a judge. The Open Records Officer for Lancaster County is Tammy L. Bender at 150 N. Queen Street, Suite 714, Lancaster, PA 17603, phone 717-735-1584. If a records request is denied, you may appeal to the PA Office of Open Records.
Filing for Divorce in Lancaster
Lancaster residents file for divorce at the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The process follows Pennsylvania statewide law. At least one spouse must satisfy the six-month residency requirement under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104 before filing. Once you meet that requirement, you file the complaint in divorce with the Prothonotary and pay the filing fee. The Prothonotary stamps the document, assigns a case number, and the case begins.
Pennsylvania's grounds for divorce are governed by 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301. No-fault divorce on mutual consent requires both spouses to sign affidavits of consent after a 90-day waiting period from the date of service. No-fault divorce on irretrievable breakdown requires one year of separation. Fault grounds are also available under the same statute. Lancaster residents must satisfy one of these legal grounds before the court can finalize the divorce.
Property division in Lancaster divorce cases is governed by 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502, which provides for equitable distribution of marital assets. The court weighs multiple factors when dividing property. All orders on property become part of the case file and are public records at the Lancaster County Courthouse.
Searching Lancaster County Divorce Records
The Lancaster County official website provides access to Prothonotary services and court information for Lancaster residents.
The county site lists Prothonotary contact details, hours, and links to the online search tools that Lancaster residents can use to find divorce case information.
For certified copies of a Lancaster divorce decree by mail, write a letter stating exactly which records you need. Include a check made out to the Lancaster County Prothonotary for the required fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. In your letter, provide the case number and the full names of both parties. If you do not have the case number, search the Civil Court Records Search online first. For cases before 1996, the Index Book Search at the courthouse provides the case number. The public records page at lancastercountycourt.org and the Prothonotary FAQ at lancastercountypa.gov offer additional guidance on requesting copies.
Name changes after divorce are also processed through the Lancaster County Prothonotary. To resume a former name after a divorce finalized in Lancaster County, the fee is $22.50. Bring your birth certificate showing the maiden name. If your divorce was finalized in another county, the fee is $45.75 and you must bring both your birth certificate and a certified copy of the decree.
Lancaster Community Resources and Divorce Records
Lancaster County is known throughout Pennsylvania for its agricultural heritage and Amish community, which gives the area a distinctive character. The city of Lancaster itself is the urban center of the county, offering services, legal resources, and courthouse access that residents across the county rely on. Divorce cases from all parts of Lancaster County are filed in this one central location.
The Self-Help Center on the first floor of the Lancaster County Courthouse assists self-represented litigants with understanding forms and court procedures. The Law Library on the fourth floor holds legal reference materials. Neither resource provides legal advice, but both help residents navigate the process. For actual legal advice, residents should contact an attorney or seek help from Pennsylvania Legal Aid.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid serves Lancaster County and provides free legal assistance to those who qualify based on income. Visit palegalaid.net for eligibility details and local contact information. The Pennsylvania Bar Association's lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375 can connect Lancaster residents with licensed family law attorneys in the area. Lawyer Referral Services can also be reached through the Lancaster Bar Association for local referrals.
Note: The Prothonotary's office staff cannot help you fill out court forms or tell you what forms you need. Direct those questions to the Self-Help Center, the Law Library, or an attorney.
Lancaster Divorce Certificates and Vital Records
After a Lancaster divorce is finalized, you may need either a divorce decree or a divorce certificate depending on your situation. The decree is the full court order from the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The certificate is a shorter state-issued document from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Most legal and financial needs require the full decree, while a certificate may work for simpler verification purposes.
The PA Department of Health processes divorce certificate requests. Mail your request with payment to the Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. The site lists required documentation and fees. For statewide divorce data, the CDC Pennsylvania vital records page provides statistical context. The Pennsylvania Court Records resource offers broader guidance on accessing family court records across the state.
For the full court decree from a Lancaster case, contact the Prothonotary at 717-299-8282 or visit the office at 50 N. Duke Street. Provide the case number and names of both parties when requesting copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and are needed for most legal transactions.
Lancaster County Divorce Records
Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas serves the city of Lancaster and all county residents for divorce filings and records. The county page covers the full process, fee schedule, and additional resources for residents.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other Pennsylvania cities handle divorce records through their own county courthouses. Pick a city below to learn about the records process there.