Lancaster County Civil Court Records
Lancaster County civil court records are held by the Prothonotary at 50 North Duke Street in Lancaster. The 2nd Judicial District of Pennsylvania includes Lancaster County and its Court of Common Pleas. Civil dockets go back to the late 1980s through the CountySuite Courts system. You can search by name, case number, or participant name at no cost. The county seat is Lancaster, and the court serves all towns and boroughs in the county. For certified copies or older case files, the Prothonotary's office in Lancaster handles all requests during business hours.
Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas
The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas sits in the 2nd Judicial District. It is the trial court for all civil matters in the county. Judges hear contract claims, real estate disputes, personal injury cases, and appeals from the lower courts. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 3732, the court holds broad jurisdiction over civil actions filed in Lancaster County.
The courthouse is at 50 North Duke Street in Lancaster. The Prothonotary's office is on the main floor. Civil case files, docket sheets, and court orders are kept here. The Clerk of Courts, Nicky Woods, is on the second floor at the same address. Both offices serve the public during normal hours. The Lancaster County court website has more details on court divisions and schedules.
The image below shows the Prothonotary's office page for Lancaster County.
This is the main contact page for the Lancaster County Prothonotary.
| Prothonotary |
Andrew M. Spade 50 N. Duke St. P.O. Box 83480 Lancaster, PA 17608 Phone: 717-299-8282 |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts |
Nicky Woods 50 N. Duke St. (2nd floor) Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-299-8275 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lancastercountypa.gov |
Lancaster County Civil Dockets Online
Lancaster County uses the CountySuite Courts system for online access to civil dockets. Records go back to the late 1980s. The system lets you search by name, case number, or participant name. Results show docket entries, case type, and status. Many cases also have linked documents you can view at no cost. The type of documents shown depends on the case type and filing date.
Go to the Lancaster County case search to start. The page loads fast. Type in a last name or case number. Click search and the results list comes up. Each entry links to the full docket sheet. You can print or save what you find. This tool is free and works around the clock.
The screenshot below shows the Lancaster County case search page.
Use this portal to look up civil cases filed in Lancaster County.
Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, the courts follow a public access policy that sets rules for what can be shown online. Most civil records in Lancaster County are available through the CountySuite system. Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in search results.
How to Search Lancaster County Civil Cases
There are several ways to find civil court records in Lancaster County. The best method depends on what you need and how old the case is.
The first option is the CountySuite Courts system on the Lancaster County website. It is free and has records from the late 1980s to the present. You get docket sheets and linked documents for many cases. The second option is the UJS Portal. It covers all Pennsylvania courts. You can search Lancaster County cases by name or number. It shows case type, status, and basic docket data. The third option is to visit the Prothonotary at 50 North Duke Street in Lancaster. Staff can pull up any case. You can view the full file and get certified copies on the spot.
The image below shows the Lancaster County court website.
The court site has links to case search tools and court calendars.
- Search the CountySuite system for free online access to Lancaster County dockets
- Use the UJS Portal for statewide case searches that include Lancaster County
- Visit the Prothonotary at 50 N. Duke St. in Lancaster for in-person help
- Call 717-299-8282 for questions about Lancaster County civil records
Lancaster County Magisterial District Courts
Magisterial District Judges in Lancaster County hear civil suits up to $12,000. These courts are spread across the county. They handle small claims, civil disputes, and other cases with lower dollar amounts. Each district judge has a separate office. Hearings are less formal than at the Court of Common Pleas.
If a party disagrees with the ruling, they can appeal to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The appeal creates a new case file at the higher court. These records then become part of the civil court records kept by the Prothonotary. You can search magisterial district court records through the UJS Portal under the MDJS section.
The Lancaster County government site has a full list of magisterial district courts and their contact details.
Check this page for district court locations across Lancaster County.
Public Access to Lancaster County Records
Civil court records in Lancaster County are public. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.101 supports open access to government records. Most civil filings, docket entries, and court orders are available to anyone. You do not need to be a party to the case to view these records.
The public records policies of the Pennsylvania courts set the rules for what can be shared. Some records are sealed or redacted. Cases with minors or certain financial details may have limited access. The Prothonotary's office in Lancaster County can tell you if a specific record has any limits.
Records are kept as permanent public files in Lancaster County. Even very old cases stay on file and can be pulled up. Older records that are not yet in the online system may need to be viewed in person. Call the Prothonotary at 717-299-8282 to ask about a specific case before you visit.
Certified Copies of Lancaster County Civil Filings
You can get certified copies of civil court documents from the Lancaster County Prothonotary. Certified copies carry the official seal. Courts, banks, and government offices often require this seal as proof of what is in the file.
To request copies, go to the Prothonotary's office at 50 North Duke Street in Lancaster. Bring the case number or the names of the parties. Staff will find the file and make copies for you. You can also call ahead at 717-299-8282 to check on what you need.
Nearby Counties
Lancaster County is in south-central Pennsylvania. If your civil case involves parties or events in a nearby county, you may need to search records there as well. Jurisdiction depends on where the dispute arose or where the parties live.