Westmoreland County Divorce Records
Westmoreland County divorce records are kept by the Prothonotary's Office at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg. The Court of Common Pleas handles all divorce cases in this southwestern Pennsylvania county. Whether you are searching for your own records or researching a past case, the Prothonotary is the right place to start. Records are available in person and through the state's online court portal. This guide explains how to find, request, and understand Westmoreland County divorce records.
Westmoreland County Quick Facts
Westmoreland County Prothonotary and Divorce Records
The Prothonotary's Office is the official keeper of divorce records in Westmoreland County. It handles all civil case filings in the Court of Common Pleas, including divorce complaints, separation agreements, and final decrees. Staff at the Prothonotary can help you search for a case by name or case number. The office is located at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg, the county seat.
Westmoreland County is in southwestern Pennsylvania, directly east of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. It is one of the larger Pennsylvania counties by population, with roughly 358,000 residents spread across cities, boroughs, and townships. The courthouse in Greensburg has served the county for well over a century. Records stored here go back many decades and are well organized by the Prothonotary's staff.
The Westmoreland County Government website provides contact information and current office hours for the Prothonotary. You can also explore services through the Westmoreland County official website, which lists all county offices and departments.
The image below shows the Westmoreland County Government site, which is the starting point for locating the Prothonotary and other county offices involved in divorce record access.
Visiting the Prothonotary in person is the most direct way to review a full case file or get certified copies of a divorce decree in Westmoreland County.
| Court |
Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas Prothonotary's Office 2 N. Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.westmoreland.pa.us |
How to Find Westmoreland County Divorce Records
Two main options exist for finding divorce records in Westmoreland County. You can search online through the state's Unified Judicial System portal, or you can visit the Prothonotary's Office in Greensburg. Online searching works well for quick lookups of basic case information. In-person access lets you review the complete file and get certified copies the same day.
The UJS Portal is a free statewide tool that includes Westmoreland County cases. You can search by party name, docket number, or filing date range. The portal shows case status, party names, and key events on the docket. It does not display the full text of every document, but it is a useful first step when you are searching Westmoreland County divorce records from home. Once you find a case number online, you can use it to request documents from the Prothonotary more efficiently.
For in-person searches, go to the courthouse in Greensburg. Staff can look up cases by the names of either party. Bring any information you have, such as the approximate year of filing. This narrows the search when both parties have common last names. Older records may be stored off-site, so staff may need extra time to retrieve them.
Note: If you only have a name that changed after the divorce, staff may need to check several variations before finding the correct Westmoreland County case.
Westmoreland County Divorce Filing Fees and Costs
Filing for divorce in Westmoreland County costs approximately $300. This covers the initial complaint filed with the Prothonotary. Additional charges apply for motions, service of process, and copies of documents. Fees are set at the county level and reviewed periodically, so call the Prothonotary to confirm the current amount before you file.
Certified copies of the divorce decree cost more than plain photocopies. If you need several certified copies for legal or administrative purposes, request them all during the same visit to save time. The Prothonotary can tell you the per-page copy rate when you call ahead. Payment methods typically include cash, money order, and credit card, but you should confirm with the office before arriving.
If cost is a barrier, you may be able to file a petition to proceed in forma pauperis. If the court approves this request, the filing fee may be waived or reduced. Contact a legal aid organization in Westmoreland County or speak with the Prothonotary's staff to learn how to submit this petition.
Westmoreland County Divorce Records and the Filing Process
Every divorce in Westmoreland County starts with a complaint filed at the Prothonotary's Office. This document begins the official record and sets out the grounds for the case. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104, at least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for six months before filing. If you live in Westmoreland County, you file here at the Greensburg courthouse.
Pennsylvania law under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301 allows no-fault divorce in two ways. The first is mutual consent, which requires both parties to sign consent affidavits after a 90-day waiting period. The second is based on irretrievable breakdown with a one-year separation. Fault-based grounds such as desertion or cruel treatment are also available but less common in Westmoreland County cases.
After filing, the other spouse must be served with the divorce papers. The Westmoreland County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt are all accepted methods. Once the waiting period ends and required affidavits are on file, the court enters a decree. That decree is the final record and becomes part of the public docket in Westmoreland County.
Property and debt are divided under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502, which requires courts to divide marital assets equitably. All property agreements and court orders related to the marriage are filed in the same Westmoreland County case file as the divorce.
What Westmoreland County Divorce Records Contain
A divorce case file in Westmoreland County includes every document filed during the case. The complaint is the first filing. It is followed by the other party's answer or consent forms, any motions or hearings, support and custody orders if applicable, property agreements, and the final decree. Every document in the file carries a docket entry date.
The divorce decree is the document most people need from Westmoreland County records. It is the official court order ending the marriage. Certified copies of the decree are commonly required for name change applications, remarriage applications, property deeds, and certain insurance or financial transactions. The Prothonotary in Greensburg issues certified copies for a fee.
Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, court records are open to the public by default. You do not need to be a party to the case to view or copy Westmoreland County divorce records. Portions of files involving minor children or confidential financial account numbers may be sealed or redacted in copies provided to non-parties.
The Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas system explains how divorce records are organized across all 67 counties. Westmoreland County follows this statewide framework, making it easier to understand what to expect when you request records here.
Divorce Certificates for Westmoreland County Cases
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces finalized anywhere in the state, including Westmoreland County. A certificate is a short summary document confirming that a divorce took place. It includes the names of the parties, the date, and the county where the case was filed. It does not contain the terms of any property, support, or custody agreement.
Many people use a divorce certificate when they only need proof that a marriage ended. Common uses include applying for a new marriage license, updating personal records with a government agency, or confirming a name change. You can request a certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Health online, by mail, or through VitalChek. The state has records of divorces going back to 1906. You can also get general guidance through the CDC vital records page for Pennsylvania.
If you need the full court order with all of its terms, you must contact the Westmoreland County Prothonotary directly. The certificate alone will not be enough for most legal purposes.
Note: Processing times for divorce certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health can vary by season, so order in advance if you have a deadline.
Legal Help for Westmoreland County Divorce Cases
Several organizations can help Westmoreland County residents navigate the divorce process. Whether you need free legal aid, a referral to a private attorney, or guidance on court forms, resources are available at the local and state level.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid serves residents throughout the state, including Westmoreland County. Qualifying individuals may receive free help with family law matters such as divorce. Visit palegalaid.net to find local contact information and check eligibility. For residents who do not qualify for free help, private family law attorneys in Greensburg and nearby communities handle divorce cases regularly. The Pennsylvania Courts website has links to court forms and procedural instructions for people who represent themselves in divorce cases.
The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Chapter 1920 governs how divorce cases proceed in all Pennsylvania courts, including Westmoreland County. Reviewing these rules helps you understand the required steps, deadlines, and forms before your first court appearance.
The image below shows the Westmoreland County official website, where county services and office contact details are listed for residents seeking help.
Confirming hours and required documents with the Prothonotary before your visit will help avoid delays at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Cities in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County includes the city of Greensburg as its county seat, along with communities such as Jeannette, Latrobe, Monessen, and Connellsville. All divorce cases for county residents are filed at the Court of Common Pleas in Greensburg, no matter which municipality the person lives in. There is one court handling all Westmoreland County divorce records.
Nearby Counties
Westmoreland County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. Divorce cases must be filed in the county where you live. If you are close to a county line, confirm your mailing address before choosing where to file.