Allentown Civil Court Records
Allentown civil court records are held at the Lehigh County Courthouse in downtown Allentown. As the county seat, Allentown is home to the 31st Judicial District and the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk of Judicial Records keeps all civil case files at 455 West Hamilton Street. Civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court records are all maintained there. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Online access to dockets is available through the statewide CPCMS system. Allentown residents can search civil cases, view filings, and obtain copies in person or through digital tools.
Allentown Quick Facts
Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court for Allentown and all of Lehigh County. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 3732, this court has jurisdiction over civil matters in the county. It hears contract claims, tort suits, real estate disputes, and other civil cases. The court also has divisions for criminal, family, and orphans' court matters.
The courthouse sits on West Hamilton Street in the heart of Allentown. It has served as the center of the county's legal system for many years. Court Administration can be reached at (610) 782-3014 in Room 614. They handle scheduling, case flow, and general court questions.
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas website posts local rules, judge lists, and contact data. Local rules of civil procedure are set under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81. These rules apply to all civil filings made in the 31st Judicial District. It is wise to review them before you file a new case or respond to one.
The image below shows the Lehigh County civil court website.
This is the main portal for court information in Lehigh County.
Allentown Clerk of Judicial Records
The Clerk of Judicial Records, Civil Division, is the custodian of all civil case files in Lehigh County. The office is at 455 West Hamilton Street, Room 122, in Allentown. The phone number is (610) 782-3148. Staff can help you find a case, pull a file, or get copies of civil court documents.
| Office | Clerk of Judicial Records - Civil |
|---|---|
| Address | 455 W Hamilton St, Room 122 Allentown, PA 18101 |
| Phone | (610) 782-3148 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Court Admin | (610) 782-3014, Room 614 |
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-in visits are welcome. You can review case files, ask for plain or certified copies, and file new civil cases at this office. Call ahead if you need a file from an older case, as some records may be in storage.
For more on the office and its hours, visit the Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records contact page.
Allentown Civil Docket Search Online
Civil court records for Allentown can be searched online through two state systems. The CPCMS system covers civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court records at the Court of Common Pleas level. The MDJS system covers cases at the magisterial district court level. Both are free to use.
You can start a search at the UJS Portal. This is the statewide tool run by the Pennsylvania courts. You can look up a case by party name, case number, or other details. Results show the docket with filing dates, parties, and case status. Many filings and orders can be viewed as well.
Keep in mind that online systems may not have complete files for older or sealed cases. If a record is not in the digital system, you will need to visit the Clerk of Judicial Records in Allentown to review the paper file. Cases that are sealed by court order will not show up in any public search.
Allentown Civil Case E-Filing
E-filing is available for civil cases in Lehigh County through the Odyssey File and Serve system. This lets attorneys and self-represented parties file new cases and submit documents online. You do not need to go to the courthouse to file. The system is open at all hours, so you can file even when the clerk's office is closed.
E-filed documents appear on the docket once the clerk processes them. This is often faster than filing on paper. The system accepts most civil case types. Check the court website for a full list of what can be filed online in the 31st Judicial District.
The Lehigh County records site provides more on how to access and obtain court records. It covers both online and in-person options for civil case files in Allentown.
Allentown Civil Records Access
Civil court records in Allentown are public. The Right to Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, gives the public a right to access government records. Court records also fall under the Pennsylvania courts public records policies. Both aim to keep records open and available.
The Office of Open Records oversees Right to Know requests for state and local agencies. If you need a record that is not on the docket, you may file a Right to Know request with the county or the city. The office has forms and guides on its website. Most requests get a response in five business days.
The City of Allentown keeps its own set of public records for city matters. The City of Allentown website is a good place to start for permits, licenses, and other non-court records.
Below is the City of Allentown website.
This site provides city services and information for Allentown residents.
Some court records are not open to the public. Cases that involve minors or that a judge has sealed will not appear in search results. If you think a record exists but cannot find it, contact the Clerk of Judicial Records at (610) 782-3148 to ask about its status.
Lehigh County Civil Records
Allentown is the county seat of Lehigh County. All civil cases filed in the city go through the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. For more on the county court system and other resources, visit the Lehigh County civil court records page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other cities in the state have their own civil court systems. Pick a city below to find civil court records in that area.