Philadelphia County Divorce Records
What Are Philadelphia County Divorce Records?
Philadelphia County divorce records are official legal documents that chronicle the dissolution of marriages within Philadelphia County jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Family Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, which operates as part of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, divorce records document the legal termination of a marriage and contain pertinent information regarding the parties involved and the terms of the divorce settlement.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- The divorce decree - the final judgment that legally terminates the marriage
- The divorce certificate - an official document verifying the divorce has been granted
- Supporting court documents - may include property division agreements, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements
The Family Court Division maintains these records in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 3101-3904. These documents serve as official proof that a marriage has been legally dissolved and may be required for various administrative purposes, including name changes, remarriage, and modification of legal documents.
Philadelphia Family Court
1501 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-7466
Philadelphia Courts
Are Philadelphia County Divorce Records Public?
Philadelphia County divorce records are generally considered public records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104. Members of the public may access basic divorce record information, including case numbers, parties' names, filing dates, and final disposition of cases. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and restrictions.
The public nature of divorce records is governed by the following provisions:
- Basic case information is available through the Family Court's public docket search system
- Court proceedings in divorce cases are typically open to the public unless specifically sealed by judicial order
- Certain sensitive information contained within divorce filings may be redacted or restricted from public view
It should be noted that while the records are public, access to comprehensive divorce documentation requires proper identification and may involve specific procedures. Additionally, pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1930.1, certain personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's names and dates of birth must be redacted from public court filings.
Certain divorce records may be sealed or made confidential by court order, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or other sensitive matters where public disclosure could result in harm to the parties involved.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Philadelphia County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Philadelphia County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The Family Court Division of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary custodian of divorce records within the county. Requestors must follow established procedures to obtain these records.
To locate a divorce record in Philadelphia County, interested parties may:
- Visit the Office of Judicial Records (formerly "Prothonotary") at the Family Court Building
- Submit a written request using the court's official request form
- Provide the required identification and pay applicable fees
- Supply specific case information including names of parties and approximate date of divorce
For records from 1961 to present, requests should be directed to:
Office of Judicial Records - Family Court Division
1501 Arch Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-2805
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
For divorce records prior to 1961, requestors must contact:
City Archives
548 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-685-9401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Requestors must provide proper identification and pay the required fees. As of 2025, the fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree is $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Payment may be made by money order or cashier's check payable to "Office of Judicial Records." Personal checks are not accepted. Cash payments are accepted only for in-person requests.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Philadelphia County Online?
Philadelphia County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through official online platforms. The Family Division's public docket search system allows users to search for basic case information. This electronic resource facilitates preliminary research but has specific limitations regarding the scope of available information.
When conducting online searches for divorce records, users should:
- Access the Family Court's electronic filing system through the First Judicial District's website
- Enter the required search parameters (names of parties, case numbers if known)
- Note that searches are limited to cases filed after 1990
- Be aware that only basic docket information is available online, not complete divorce decrees
The online system provides case numbers, filing dates, party names, attorney information, and docket entries showing the progression of the case. However, pursuant to Pennsylvania court rules, actual divorce decrees and supporting documents are not available for download through the public portal.
For comprehensive divorce documentation, including certified copies of divorce decrees, individuals must still submit formal requests through the Office of Judicial Records, either in person or by mail, as detailed in the court's official instructions for obtaining certified copies.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Philadelphia County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Philadelphia County without incurring fees have limited options available. While certified copies and official documentation require payment of established fees, certain basic information may be accessed without charge through designated channels.
Free access to divorce record information is available through:
- In-person review of public case files at the Office of Judicial Records (viewing only, copying fees apply)
- Basic online docket searches through the Family Court's public access portal
- Public access terminals located at the Family Court building
Individuals wishing to review records in person without obtaining copies may visit:
Office of Judicial Records - Family Court Division
1501 Arch Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
It should be noted that while basic record review may be conducted without charge, any requests for copies, certifications, or official documentation will incur the standard fees established by the court. Additionally, proper identification is required for all record requests, regardless of whether fees are assessed.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County divorce records contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and include multiple components that collectively document the legal termination of the marriage relationship.
A complete divorce record typically contains:
- The divorce complaint (initial filing)
- Proof of service to the respondent
- Any temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Financial disclosures from both parties
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support determinations (if applicable)
- The final divorce decree signed by the presiding judge
The divorce decree itself, which constitutes the official judgment dissolving the marriage, includes:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of the marriage
- Grounds for divorce under Pennsylvania law
- Date the divorce was granted
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions (if awarded)
- Restoration of maiden name (if requested)
- Judge's signature and court seal
Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323, the divorce decree serves as conclusive evidence of the termination of the marriage and the terms under which the dissolution was granted.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Philadelphia County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Philadelphia County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce decree from the Office of Judicial Records. This document serves as legal verification that a marriage has been dissolved and may be required for various administrative purposes.
To obtain proof of divorce, requestors must:
- Complete the official request form available from the City of Philadelphia's website
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Submit the required fee ($20.00 for first copy, $10.00 for additional copies)
- Include case information (names, case number if known, approximate date of divorce)
Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the Office of Judicial Records
- By mail to:
Office of Judicial Records - Family Court Division
1501 Arch Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
For expedited service, requestors may visit the office in person. Mail requests typically require 2-3 weeks for processing. All certified copies bear the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk, rendering them acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Philadelphia County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Philadelphia County may be subject to confidentiality protections. While Pennsylvania law generally maintains divorce records as public documents, specific provisions exist to protect sensitive information and vulnerable parties.
Confidentiality in divorce proceedings may be established through:
- Court-ordered sealing of records pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1930.1
- Redaction of sensitive personal identifiers from public filings
- Protective orders in cases involving domestic violence or abuse
- Confidential alternative dispute resolution processes
Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions with the court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. Judges evaluate such requests based on:
- Potential harm to parties or children if information is disclosed
- Privacy interests versus the public's right to access court records
- Statutory protections under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act
- Federal and state confidentiality provisions regarding certain information
Even when records are sealed, basic case information typically remains accessible through the public docket, though detailed filings and evidence may be restricted. Confidentiality orders do not prevent legitimate parties to the case from accessing necessary documentation.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Philadelphia County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Philadelphia County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of agreement between parties. Pennsylvania law establishes specific timeframes and waiting periods that affect the overall timeline.
For uncontested divorces where both parties consent:
- Minimum 90-day waiting period after service of the complaint (pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c))
- Typically 4-6 months total if all documentation is properly filed
- May be expedited if both parties file affidavits of consent after the waiting period
For contested divorces or those involving complex issues:
- May require 1-2 years or longer to resolve
- Subject to court scheduling and availability of hearings
- Often extended by property division disputes, custody matters, or discovery issues
No-fault divorces based on irretrievable breakdown with separation require:
- Minimum one-year separation period (pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(d))
- Additional time for procedural requirements and court processing
The Family Court Division prioritizes case management and encourages alternative dispute resolution to expedite proceedings when possible. However, statutory waiting periods cannot be waived, and complex cases necessarily require additional time for proper adjudication.
How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Divorce Records?
Philadelphia County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Pennsylvania's record retention requirements for vital statistics and court documents. These records remain accessible to authorized parties indefinitely, though the storage location may change based on the age of the records.
The retention schedule for divorce records in Philadelphia County is as follows:
- Records from 1961 to present are maintained by the Office of Judicial Records at the Family Court
- Records prior to 1961 are transferred to the City Archives for permanent preservation
- Electronic records (for more recent cases) are maintained in the court's case management system indefinitely
While the physical location of older records may change, the permanent retention policy ensures that divorce documentation remains available for legitimate historical, legal, and genealogical research purposes. This practice aligns with Pennsylvania's commitment to preserving vital records and court proceedings for future reference.
Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:
City Archives
548 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-685-9401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
How To Get a Divorce In Philadelphia County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Philadelphia County must follow specific procedural requirements established by Pennsylvania law and local court rules. The process begins with the filing of a complaint and proceeds through several mandatory stages before a final decree can be issued.
To commence a divorce action, the filing party must:
- Establish residency (at least one spouse must have resided in Pennsylvania for at least six months prior to filing)
- Complete and file a Divorce Complaint with the Office of Judicial Records
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $400, though fee waivers are available for eligible individuals)
- Serve the complaint on the other spouse according to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
The grounds for divorce in Philadelphia County, pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301, include:
- Mutual consent (both parties agree the marriage is irretrievably broken)
- Irretrievable breakdown with one-year separation
- Fault-based grounds (including adultery, cruelty, desertion, etc.)
- Institutionalization for mental illness
Most divorces in Philadelphia County proceed under no-fault provisions, which require less adversarial proceedings. The Family Court Division provides forms and instructions for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is strongly recommended, particularly for cases involving property division, support, or custody issues.
Philadelphia Family Court
1501 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-7466
Philadelphia Courts
How To Get Divorce Papers In Philadelphia County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Philadelphia County must obtain and properly complete the required legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce action and must be filed in accordance with established court procedures.
Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:
- In person at the Office of Judicial Records - Family Court Division
- Downloaded from the First Judicial District's website
- Through the Pennsylvania state court system's standardized forms
- Via legal aid organizations for qualifying low-income individuals
The basic divorce packet includes:
- Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint
- Verification form
- Notice of Counseling
- Vital Statistics form
- Certificate of Compliance
- Income and Expense Statement (for cases involving support)
- Inventory and Appraisement (for cases involving property division)
Completed forms must be filed at:
Office of Judicial Records - Family Court Division
1501 Arch Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Filing fees apply, though fee waivers (In Forma Pauperis petitions) are available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. All forms must be completed accurately, as errors may result in rejection or delays in processing.
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