Luzerne County Court Records
Luzerne County court records document civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the 11th Judicial District. Records are created at filing, during hearings, and when orders or judgments are issued, forming the official legal history under Pennsylvania court rules and the Right-to-Know Law.
The custodians of Luzerne County court records will depend on the case type. The Prothonotary manages civil filings, including family law documents. The Clerk of Courts handles criminal filings. The Orphans’ Court Division oversees probate, estates, and guardianships. The Domestic Relations Office manages support matters. Magisterial District Courts generate records for traffic violations, summary offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims. Most filings are public, though cases involving minors, adoptions, or sensitive family matters may be restricted.
Other related records, such as vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce), are maintained separately through county offices or the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Arrest and jail information is handled by local law enforcement. Federal cases require requests to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Are Luzerne County Court Records Public?
Luzerne County court records are generally available to the public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §67.301), ensuring transparency in the judicial system. These records are maintained by the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts and cover civil, criminal, family, probate, and other trial-level cases. Individuals, attorneys, and researchers can review case filings and judgments, and other official case documentation.
While most records are public, certain filings are restricted to protect privacy or sensitive information. Restricted records include juvenile cases, adoption proceedings, sealed filings, and other matters designated by law. Individuals seeking access should contact the appropriate Luzerne County office, such as the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, Orphans’ Court Division, or Domestic Relations Office and follow the required procedures, which may include written requests or in-person review.
What Information is Available in Luzerne County Court Records
Luzerne County court records vary by case type, but most civil, criminal, probate, and family records include:
- Case number: unique identifier for the case
- Case type: civil, criminal, probate, or family
- Names of parties: plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
- Filing dates: when the case or documents were submitted
- Motions and petitions: formal requests made to the court
- Hearing schedules and outcomes: dates and results of appearances
- Court orders and judgments: decisions issued by the judge
- Attorney names: legal representatives for the parties
- Sentences, fines, or penalties: applicable in criminal cases
- Exhibits and documents: evidence or supporting materials
- Special filings: civil cases through the Prothonotary or domestic relations matters like support, divorce, or custody
Luzerne County Court Records Search
Custodians of Luzerne County court records are required by law to provide public access to filings not restricted under Pennsylvania law. Records can be accessed online, in person, or by mail/phone. Procedures, requirements, and fees vary by case type and request method.
- Online Access: Online access to searchable dockets is available through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal. Users can search by participant name, organization, or docket number to view docket sheets, events, and filings. Some records are restricted, and certified copies are not available online. Filings maintained by the Luzerne County Prothonotary are accessible through the Prothonotary Case Viewer, which provides official filings and other public records, including civil and probate cases.
- In-Person Access: Individuals may obtain copies or certified records at the relevant clerk’s office. Public terminals are available at clerk offices, where staff can assist with searches and preparing certified copies. Offices include:
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1745
Luzerne County Clerks of Courts
5 Water Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1843
- Mail and Phone Requests: Records may be requested by mail. Include docket numbers or party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copies. Phone inquiries can confirm fees and procedures. Restricted records may require additional authorization or in-person review.
Fees for Luzerne County Court Records
Obtaining Luzerne County court records may involve fees depending on the document type and request method. According to the Prothonotary Fee Schedule, a certified copy of any paper costs $9.00 for the first page, with each additional page at $4.75. Exemplified copies may incur additional fees.
Criminal court filings follow a separate schedule under the Clerk of Courts Fee Schedule: standard copies are $0.50 per page, certifications are $9.00, record checks are $18.00 per individual, and Limited Access case copies are $24.00 (including a $5.00 automation fee).
Vital records are billed separately. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health at $20.00 per certified copy. Birth, death, and marriage records obtained through the Luzerne County Register of Wills cost $25 per certified copy. Payment is typically accepted via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, depending on the office.
Luzerne County Courthouse Locations
Luzerne County’s main courthouse in Wilkes-Barre houses the Court of Common Pleas, handling civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters. Administrative offices, including the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, Orphans’ Court Division, and Domestic Relations Office manage filings, case records, and public access.
Magisterial District Courts throughout the county serve as the entry-level judiciary for traffic violations, summary offenses, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Federal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Courthouse/Office |
Address |
Phone Number |
Divisions/Case Types |
Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
200 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 |
(570) 825-1500 |
Court of Common Pleas (civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate/guardianship); Administrative Offices |
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | |
|
Magisterial District Courts |
Various locations throughout Luzerne County |
Varies by district |
Traffic, small claims, summary offenses, landlord-tenant cases |
Hours vary by district |
|
U.S. District Court- Middle District of Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre Division) |
197 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 |
(570) 207-5600 |
Federal Civil & Criminal Cases |
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Criminal Records Access in Luzerne County
State-level criminal history checks for Luzerne County are processed by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) via the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. County courts do not maintain statewide criminal records. Hence, individuals seeking comprehensive background checks must submit requests through PATCH.
However, local criminal case records filed in Luzerne County can be accessed through the Clerk of Courts or the county’s online portals. These records generally include party names, charges, court events, and dispositions but do not indicate guilt without an official judgment.
Some records may be sealed, restricted, or confidential under Pennsylvania law. Requestors should verify availability and follow the procedures of the appropriate office before submitting a request.
Luzerne County Probate Records
Luzerne County probate records document estate administration and related matters are managed by Luzerne County Orphans’ Court Division. These estate records include wills and probate filings, estate administration, trusts, and guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults.
Typical probate files contain the decedent’s name, case number, executor or administrator details, asset inventories, and court orders approving distributions or settlements. Some probate records are available online, while older or more detailed filings generally require an in-person request. Certain guardianship and incapacity matters are confidential or restricted under Pennsylvania law.
These records serve as official documentation for heirs, attorneys, financial institutions, and the courts to resolve estates, verify legal authority, and support other related legal processes.
Luzerne County Family Court Records
Filings for divorce, child custody, support, and adoption in Luzerne County are managed by the Prothonotary’s Office, which maintains official civil documents for the Court of Common Pleas. Recent filings generally require in-person access or a formal request. Certified copies or finalized court orders are available from the Court of Common Pleas. Access may be limited for cases involving minors or other sensitive information under Pennsylvania law.
Records typically include case numbers, parties involved, filing dates, case status, and court orders. They do not indicate guilt or determine outcomes. These official civil documents provide a reliable reference for attorneys, parties, and the courts while ensuring transparency in legal proceedings.
Federal Court Records in Luzerne County
Federal cases from Luzerne County are handled by the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which oversees federal criminal cases, civil disputes under federal law, bankruptcy, and other federal matters. Records are maintained by the court’s Clerk’s Office and are separate from county court records.
Many filings and docket information are available online via PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), searchable by party name, case number, or filing date. PACER requires registration and may charge per-page fees. Some records may be restricted or sealed under federal rules. Individuals can also contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance with locating records, accessing restricted filings, or obtaining certified copies.
