Erie Civil Court Records
Erie civil court records are kept at the Erie County Courthouse on West Sixth Street. Erie is the county seat of Erie County and part of the 6th Judicial District. The Prothonotary at 140 West Sixth Street is the custodian of all civil case files. The court has four divisions: civil, criminal, family, and orphans'. You can search civil dockets online through the statewide UJS Portal or visit the courthouse in person. The Prothonotary's phone number is 814-451-6250. Erie County also has a Recorder of Deeds at 814-451-6246 for property-related records.
Erie Quick Facts
Erie County Court of Common Pleas
The Erie County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court for Erie and the rest of the county. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 3732, this court has broad civil jurisdiction. It hears contract claims, tort suits, real estate disputes, and all other civil matters filed in the county. The court operates four divisions to handle its caseload.
The Civil Division is where most civil suits are filed. Cases here range from small disputes to large claims. The Criminal Division handles all criminal cases. The Family Division covers custody, support, and related matters. The Orphans' Court Division deals with estates, trusts, and guardianships.
Local rules of civil procedure are set under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81. These rules govern how civil cases move through the 6th Judicial District. It is a good idea to review them before you file a new case or respond to one in Erie County.
The Erie County government website has contact information for all county offices. You can find details on the court, the Prothonotary, and other departments from this site.
Below is the Erie County government website.
This is the main portal for Erie County government services and court information.
Erie Prothonotary Office
The Prothonotary is the clerk of the civil court in Erie County. This office files new civil cases, keeps the docket, and stores all civil court documents. It sits at 140 West Sixth Street in Erie.
| Office | Erie County Prothonotary |
|---|---|
| Address | 140 West Sixth Street Erie, PA 16501 |
| Phone | 814-451-6250 |
| Recorder of Deeds | 814-451-6246 |
You can visit the office to review a case file, get plain or certified copies, or file a new civil case. Staff are available to help with searches and document requests. Call ahead to confirm hours and to check if a specific file is on site.
The Recorder of Deeds is a separate office that handles property records such as deeds, liens, and mortgages. While it is in the same building, it serves a different purpose from the Prothonotary. If you need a deed or a lien search, contact them at 814-451-6246.
Erie Civil Docket Search Online
You can search Erie civil court records online through the UJS Portal. This statewide tool covers all courts in Pennsylvania. 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 online as well.
The UJS Portal has two main 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 search.
Not all records are in the online systems. Older cases, sealed cases, and some file types may not appear in search results. If you cannot find what you need online, call the Prothonotary at 814-451-6250 or visit in person.
Erie Civil Records and Public Access
Civil court records in Erie are public records. The Right to Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, gives the public a broad right to access government records in the state. Court records also fall under the Pennsylvania courts public records policies. These rules work to keep records open and available to all.
The Office of Open Records handles Right to Know requests for state and local agencies. If you need a record that is not on the court docket, you can file a request with Erie County. The office provides forms and guides on its site. Most requests are answered in five business days.
Some files are sealed by court order. Cases that involve minors or that a judge has sealed for cause will not show up in search results. If you believe a record exists but cannot find it, call the Prothonotary to check on the file.
Erie County Court Divisions
The four divisions of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas each handle a distinct set of cases. The Civil Division is the one most people use when they have a dispute over money, property, or a contract. It also hears appeals from the magisterial district courts in Erie County.
The Family Division handles custody, divorce, protection from abuse, and juvenile matters. The Orphans' Court Division covers wills, estates, trusts, and guardianships. The Criminal Division deals with all criminal charges filed in the county. Each division has its own judges and its own set of local rules.
All four divisions file their records through the Prothonotary or the Clerk of Courts. Civil case records go through the Prothonotary. Criminal records go through the Clerk of Courts. Family and orphans' court records are handled by the respective division clerk. This split means you may need to contact a different office based on the type of case you are looking for.
For a full list of divisions and their contacts, visit the Erie County website. The site has phone numbers, office locations, and links to each division's page.
Erie County Civil Records
Erie is the county seat of Erie County. All civil cases in the city go through the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. For more on the county court system and related resources, visit the Erie 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.