Union County Civil Records
Union County civil court records are held at the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office in Lewisburg. The Court of Common Pleas for the 17th Judicial District handles civil cases filed in Union County. This district is shared with Snyder County. Civil filings in Union County include lawsuits, liens, judgments, and other court matters. You can search for these records at the courthouse or through state web tools. The word "Prothonotary" comes from Latin and means "first notary." It has roots in Ecclesiastical Law. Diane Miller serves as the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts for Union County. Her office is the main place to find civil case files and court documents in the county.
Union County Court of Common Pleas
The Union County Court of Common Pleas sits in Lewisburg at 103 S. Second Street. It is part of the 17th Judicial District, which also serves Snyder County. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 3732, the Court of Common Pleas has broad reach over civil cases. This means it can hear disputes that range from small claims on appeal to large contract fights. The court also hears family law matters, equity cases, and land disputes.
The Union County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts page lists office hours, staff, and key services. The courthouse is at 103 S. Second Street in Lewisburg, PA 17837. Walk-in access is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. You can call the office at (570) 524-8751 for help with your search. All civil case files for Union County are stored at this site.
The image below shows the Union County Prothonotary office page with contact and service details.
This page has hours, phone numbers, and a list of services the Prothonotary provides in Union County.
| Court |
Union County Court of Common Pleas 17th Judicial District 103 S. Second Street Lewisburg, PA 17837 |
|---|---|
| Prothonotary/Clerk |
Diane Miller Phone: (570) 524-8751 Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Special Services |
Marriage Licenses: By appointment only Passport Applications: M-Th 8:30-3, Fri 8:30-2:30 |
Union County Prothonotary Office
Diane Miller is the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts for Union County. The title "Prothonotary" has a long past. It comes from the Latin term for "first notary." In Ecclesiastical Law, the Prothonotary was a top clerk who kept church court records. In Pennsylvania, the role was kept when the state set up its court system. The Prothonotary is the chief clerk of the civil side of court. This office files new cases, keeps dockets, and stores all civil court records for Union County.
The office also handles tasks that go past just civil case files. Marriage licenses are one such task. In Union County, you must make an appointment to get a marriage license. Passport forms are also processed at this office. Passport hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. These hours are more narrow than the main office hours, so plan your visit with care.
You can reach the office at (570) 524-8751. Staff can look up case files by name or docket number. They can also tell you if a record is on file and how to get a copy. If you need a certified copy, this is the sole place to get one in Union County.
Searching Union County Civil Records
There are a few paths to find civil court records in Union County. The most sure way is to go to the courthouse in person. The office at 103 S. Second Street in Lewisburg is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff can run a search by name, case number, or date. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit.
For a quick look at case data, the UJS Portal is a free tool run by the state court system. You can search by name or docket number. The portal may show case type, filing date, and status for Union County cases. It does not have full documents. To get those, you need to contact the Prothonotary. Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, the courts set rules on what can be viewed online versus in person.
Third party sites that list public court data are another place to start your search for Union County civil records.
- Visit the Prothonotary at 103 S. Second Street in Lewisburg
- Search the UJS Portal for basic case data
- Call (570) 524-8751 for help with a Union County case
- Check the Union County website for office hours and forms
Civil Cases Filed in Union County
The Union County Court of Common Pleas hears a broad set of civil matters. Contract claims, property disputes, and personal injury lawsuits are among the most common. The court also handles equity actions, which are cases where a party seeks a court order rather than money. Tax lien cases and municipal claims are filed here too.
Divorce and custody cases fall under the family law side but are still civil in nature. Name change petitions and adoption cases are also part of the civil docket. Each type of case has its own rules for filing and its own docket. The Prothonotary can guide you to the right docket for the type of record you need.
Appeals from the magisterial district courts in the 17th Judicial District also come through Union County. If a case was first heard at a lower court and then appealed, the record will be at the Court of Common Pleas. These appeals are part of the civil docket as well.
Public Access to Union County Court Records
Civil court records in Union County are public records. The Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.101 gives anyone the right to ask for government records. This law covers most civil court filings, docket entries, and case documents. You do not need to be part of the case to view these records.
Not all records are open. Sealed cases, records that name minors, and some financial data may be kept from view. The public records policies of the Pennsylvania courts lay out what is and is not open. Under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, courts must weigh public access against privacy needs. If you are not sure if a record is available, ask the Prothonotary in Union County.
You may also file a formal Right-to-Know request with the Union County government. The county must respond within five business days. Most civil court records are provided with no issue at all.
Union County Court Documents and Copies
The Prothonotary's office provides plain and certified copies of civil court records. Certified copies have an official seal. They are used for legal matters. Plain copies work for personal use.
To get copies, go to the courthouse or call ahead. You will need the case number or party name. A case number is the fastest way to find a record. Fees for copies follow state law. Call (570) 524-8751 to check costs and payment methods before your trip.
The Prothonotary's office provides search tools and court resources for Union County civil records.
Nearby Counties
Union County sits in central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River. Snyder County shares the 17th Judicial District with Union County. If your case may have been filed in a nearby county, check the location of the events or where the parties live.