Philadelphia County Court Records
What Is Philadelphia County Court Records
Philadelphia County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. These records document legal proceedings, judgments, and other official actions taken by the courts serving Philadelphia County. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System, most court records are considered public information.
Court records in Philadelphia County typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Docket sheets that chronologically list all actions in a case
- Evidence admitted during court proceedings
- Marriage licenses and probate records
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania serves as the judicial branch for Philadelphia County and is responsible for maintaining these records through various court divisions and administrative offices.
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania City Hall, Room 336 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-7000 The Philadelphia Courts
Are Court Records Public In Philadelphia County
Court records in Philadelphia County are generally public pursuant to the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. This policy, which implements Article V, Section 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, establishes that court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law, rule, or court order.
The following categories of Philadelphia County court records are accessible to the public:
- Civil case filings and judgments
- Criminal case information and dispositions
- Traffic court records
- Orphans' Court proceedings
- Property records related to court actions
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records sealed by judicial order pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 509
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions) as protected under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6307
- Mental health proceedings under the Mental Health Procedures Act
- Records containing confidential information as defined in Section 7 of the Public Access Policy
- Family court records involving custody, divorce, and protection from abuse cases (partial restrictions)
Members of the public seeking access to court records may utilize the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal or visit the appropriate court office in person during regular business hours.
How To Find Court Records in Philadelphia County in 2025
Philadelphia County residents and interested parties may access court records through multiple channels established by the First Judicial District. The methods available for obtaining court records in 2025 include both electronic and in-person options.
For electronic access, individuals may utilize:
- The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal for statewide case information
- The Philadelphia Courts electronic filing system for First Judicial District cases
- The Public Records portal of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
For in-person requests, the following offices maintain specific court records:
Office of Judicial Records (formerly Prothonotary) City Hall, Room 296 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-6650 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Philadelphia Municipal Court Records Department 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2900 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court City Hall, Room 180 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-6250 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
When requesting records, individuals must provide specific information to facilitate the search, including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or court action
- Type of case or proceeding
- Court division where the case was heard
Pursuant to the fee schedule established by the First Judicial District, certain search and copying fees may apply to record requests.
How To Look Up Court Records in Philadelphia County Online?
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania provides comprehensive online access to Philadelphia County court records through several digital platforms. Members of the public seeking to conduct online searches of court records may utilize the following resources:
The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal serves as the primary online resource for accessing court records throughout the Commonwealth, including Philadelphia County. This portal allows users to:
- Search cases by docket number, participant name, or organization name
- View docket sheets for criminal, civil, family, and orphans' court cases
- Access court calendars and schedules
- Obtain information on case status and proceedings
For specialized searches, additional online resources include:
- The Philadelphia Courts website for First Judicial District-specific information, including court calendars and judge assignments
- The Department of Records portal for property and land records related to court proceedings
- The Register of Wills online system for probate records and marriage licenses
When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System (204 Pa. Code § 213.81), certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly available records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names and dates of birth
- Driver's license numbers
- State identification numbers
For assistance with online searches, the First Judicial District's Electronic Filing Help Desk can be contacted at (215) 686-4261 during regular business hours.
Can You Search Philadelphia County Court Records for Free?
Philadelphia County court records are available for free public inspection through several channels, in accordance with the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. The policy, implemented under 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, establishes that basic case information shall be accessible without charge.
Free access options include:
- The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides free access to docket sheets and basic case information for all courts within the Unified Judicial System, including Philadelphia County courts
- Public access terminals located in courthouse facilities allow visitors to search court records without charge
- The Philadelphia Courts website offers free access to court calendars, judge assignments, and basic case status information
While basic searches are free, certain services may incur fees:
- Printed copies of court documents (typically $0.25 per page as of 2025)
- Certified copies of court records ($10.00 per document plus copying fees)
- Bulk data requests or specialized searches
- Records requiring extensive redaction or preparation
The First Judicial District maintains public access terminals at the following locations:
Criminal Justice Center 1301 Filbert Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Family Court Building 1501 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the fee schedule for court records is publicly posted at each court facility and on the First Judicial District website.
What's Included in a Philadelphia County Court Record?
Philadelphia County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings conducted within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. These records, maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, typically include several standard components.
The contents of a complete court record generally encompass:
- Case caption identifying all parties to the action
- Docket sheet chronologically listing all filings and court actions
- Complaints, petitions, or charging documents that initiated the case
- Responsive pleadings filed by defendants or respondents
- Motions, briefs, and memoranda submitted by parties
- Court orders, opinions, and final judgments
- Transcripts of hearings and trial proceedings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence (with certain restrictions)
- Proof of service documents
- Case-specific forms required by court rules
For criminal proceedings, additional documents may include:
- Criminal complaints and police reports
- Bail information and conditions
- Sentencing orders and pre-sentence investigation reports (with redactions)
- Probation/parole conditions and violation notices
For civil matters, records may also contain:
- Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
- Writs of execution and satisfaction
- Judgments and liens
- Arbitration awards and appeals
The Department of Records and various court clerks' offices maintain these documents according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Court Records?
Philadelphia County court records are retained according to schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts under the authority of Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509. These retention periods vary based on the type of case and its disposition.
The standard retention periods for major case categories are:
-
Criminal Cases:
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: 75 years from final disposition
- Felony cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 25 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years from final disposition
-
Civil Cases:
- Major civil litigation: 7 years after final disposition
- Landlord-tenant matters: 7 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: Permanent retention for divorce decrees; 5 years for support cases after youngest child reaches majority
-
Orphans' Court:
- Estate administration: 25 years after estate closing
- Guardianship: 25 years after termination of guardianship
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (with access restrictions)
- Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
The Register of Wills maintains permanent records of wills, estate administrations, and marriage licenses dating back to the founding of Philadelphia County.
After the designated retention period expires, records may be transferred to the City Archives or destroyed according to approved procedures. Historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
Types of Courts In Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County's judicial system operates as the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and encompasses multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions. This unified court system serves the county's 1.6 million residents through specialized divisions.
The court structure includes:
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Court of Common Pleas City Hall Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-7000 This court has general trial jurisdiction and is divided into three major divisions:
- Trial Division (civil and criminal matters)
- Family Court Division (domestic relations, juvenile matters)
- Orphans' Court Division (estates, guardianships, adoptions)
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Philadelphia Municipal Court 1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2900 This court handles:
- Criminal misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Code enforcement violations
-
Traffic Court Division of Municipal Court 800 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 686-1680 Handles moving violations and parking tickets
Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania maintains a federal courthouse in Philadelphia County:
James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse 601 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 597-7704
The Pennsylvania appellate courts (Superior Court and Commonwealth Court) also regularly hear cases in Philadelphia, though these courts have statewide jurisdiction under the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
What Types of Cases Do Philadelphia County Courts Hear?
Philadelphia County courts, operating as the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters through their specialized divisions. The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Pennsylvania Constitution and statutory law.
The Court of Common Pleas handles:
- Major civil litigation with amounts in controversy exceeding $12,000
- Felony criminal prosecutions and serious misdemeanors
- Equity actions seeking injunctive relief
- Appeals from Municipal Court decisions
- Family law matters including:
- Divorce and annulment proceedings
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child and spousal support determinations
- Protection from abuse cases
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases involving child welfare
- Probate matters through the Orphans' Court Division:
- Will contests and estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoptions and termination of parental rights
- Trust administration and charitable organizations
The Philadelphia Municipal Court adjudicates:
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Code enforcement violations
- Criminal misdemeanors punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment
- Preliminary arraignments and hearings for felony cases
- Traffic violations through its Traffic Division
Specialized problem-solving courts within the First Judicial District include:
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
- Drug Treatment Court
- DUI Treatment Court
- The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CAND)
Cases involving federal law, diversity of citizenship, or constitutional questions may be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which maintains jurisdiction over Philadelphia County for federal matters.
How To Find a Court Docket In Philadelphia County
Court dockets in Philadelphia County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions taken in a specific case. These official records are maintained by the clerk of the respective court and are accessible through multiple channels.
To locate a court docket in Philadelphia County, individuals may:
-
Search online through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal, which provides access to docket sheets for all courts within the Unified Judicial System, including:
- Criminal Court dockets
- Civil Court dockets
- Family Court dockets (with certain restrictions)
- Orphans' Court dockets
-
Visit the appropriate court office in person: Office of Judicial Records - Criminal Division Criminal Justice Center 1301 Filbert Street, Room 310 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Office of Judicial Records - Civil Division City Hall, Room 296 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-6650 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office, including:
- Case caption or names of parties
- Docket number (if known)
- Filing date or year (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
When searching for dockets, requestors should note that pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System (204 Pa. Code § 213.81), certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly available docket sheets, particularly in family court and juvenile matters.
For assistance with locating specific dockets, the First Judicial District's Electronic Filing Help Desk can be contacted at (215) 686-4261 during regular business hours.
Which Courts in Philadelphia County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Philadelphia County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings and are therefore classified as "not courts of record" under Pennsylvania law. These courts typically handle minor matters through simplified procedures.
The following adjudicative bodies in Philadelphia County are not courts of record:
-
Small Claims Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court 1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2910 This division handles civil claims up to $12,000 using simplified procedures without formal transcription of proceedings.
-
Philadelphia Municipal Court - Code Enforcement Complaints 1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2920 Proceedings for code violations are typically conducted without court reporters or verbatim records.
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Traffic Division Hearings 800 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 686-1680 Initial hearings for traffic violations are conducted without formal court reporting.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs City Hall, Room 197 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-8060 Mediation and arbitration proceedings conducted under court auspices typically do not generate verbatim transcripts.
Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 1123, while the Philadelphia Municipal Court is technically a court of record for most purposes, certain proceedings within its jurisdiction may be conducted without formal record-keeping requirements.
It should be noted that while these forums may not maintain verbatim transcripts, they do generate written dispositions, orders, and summary records that are maintained in case files. Appeals from these non-record proceedings are typically heard de novo (anew) in the Court of Common Pleas, where full records of proceedings are maintained.
Lookup Court Records in Philadelphia County
Search Philadelphia court records
Access First Judicial District case information
Search probate and marriage records
Access property records related to court cases