Philadelphia County Divorce Records

What Are Philadelphia County Divorce Records?

Philadelphia County divorce records are official documents that provide legal evidence of a divorce that occurred within Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. These records are maintained by the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas and include various documents related to divorce proceedings, such as divorce decrees, certificates, and associated court filings.

Divorce records serve as official proof that a marriage has been legally dissolved. They are important for various legal purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and updating personal records.

Are Philadelphia County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Philadelphia County are generally considered public records. This means that most divorce documents can be accessed by members of the public. However, there are some limitations:

• Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed by court order
• Some documents related to child custody, financial information, or other private matters may have restricted access
• Records involving domestic violence or abuse may have additional privacy protections

The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas maintains these public records, which can be accessed through the Office of Judicial Records (formerly known as the Prothonotary's Office).

The Office of Judicial Records is located at City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Philadelphia County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Philadelphia County in 2025, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Office of Judicial Records at City Hall

   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

2. Complete a request form for divorce records

   • You'll need to provide:
     • Full names of both parties
     • Date of divorce (approximate if unknown)
     • Docket number (if known)

3. Pay the required fee

   • Fees vary depending on whether you need a certified copy or just a search

4. Submit your request in person or by mail

   • Mail requests should be sent to:
   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107

5. Allow processing time

   • In-person requests may be processed the same day
   • Mail requests typically take 5-10 business days

You can also request divorce records through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Vital Records for divorces finalized after 1968.

Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Philadelphia County Online?

Philadelphia County offers limited online access to divorce records. Here's how to look up divorce records online:

1. Visit the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania web portal

   • This system provides access to court docket information

2. Use the Philadelphia Courts Electronic Filing System

   • This system allows registered users to search for case information

3. Try the Pennsylvania Department of Health's online request system

   • For divorces after 1968, you can request records through the Department of Health website

Note that full divorce documents are typically not available for direct download. Online searches usually provide basic case information, such as:

• Names of parties involved
• Case/docket numbers
• Filing dates
• Case status
• Judge assigned

For complete divorce records, you'll need to request copies through official channels, even if you locate the case information online.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Philadelphia County?

Finding divorce records for free in Philadelphia County is possible, though access to complete records may be limited:

1. Visit the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in person

   • First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • You can search basic case information for free at public terminals

2. Use the free public access terminals at the Office of Judicial Records

   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • These terminals allow you to search case information without charge

3. Check the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's web portal

   • Basic case information is available without charge

4. Visit local public libraries

   • Some Philadelphia public libraries offer free access to legal research databases
   • Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Remember that while searching for records may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents will typically involve fees. Additionally, free searches usually provide only basic information rather than complete divorce documents.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County divorce records typically include several documents and pieces of information:

1. Divorce Decree

   • The final judgment that legally ends the marriage
   • Contains the court's ruling on all matters related to the divorce

2. Certificate of Divorce

   • Official document certifying that the divorce has been finalized

3. Complaint for Divorce

   • Initial filing that starts the divorce process
   • Outlines the grounds for divorce and requested relief

4. Property Settlement Agreements

   • Details how marital property and debts are divided

5. Child Custody and Support Orders

   • Arrangements for custody, visitation, and financial support of children

6. Alimony/Spousal Support Determinations

   • Orders regarding ongoing financial support between former spouses

7. Name Change Information

   • If either party resumed a previous name or changed their name

8. Court Proceedings Documentation

   • Records of hearings, testimonies, and other court appearances

9. Case Information

   • Docket number, filing date, finalization date, and judge information

The specific contents may vary depending on the complexity of the divorce case and whether it was contested or uncontested.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Philadelphia County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Philadelphia County, you have several options:

1. Request a Certified Copy of the Divorce Decree

   • Visit the Office of Judicial Records in person
   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • Complete the request form and pay the required fee
   • Bring identification and as much information about the case as possible

2. Request by Mail

   • Send a written request to the Office of Judicial Records
   • Include names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and docket number if known
   • Enclose a check or money order for the fee
   • Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
   • Mail to: Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107

3. For Divorces After 1968, Contact the PA Department of Health

   • Request a divorce verification letter
   • Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103
   • Complete their application form and pay the required fee

4. Use an Authorized Third-Party Service

   • Several online services can request records on your behalf (additional fees apply)

A certified copy of a divorce decree is the most comprehensive proof of divorce and is typically accepted for all legal purposes, including remarriage.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Philadelphia County?

While most divorce records in Philadelphia County are public, there are ways to maintain some confidentiality:

1. Sealing Records

   • Either party can petition the court to seal divorce records
   • Must demonstrate compelling reasons, such as:
     • Risk of identity theft
     • Domestic violence concerns
     • Protection of children
     • Sensitive financial or personal information
   • A judge must approve the request

2. Confidential Information Form

   • Certain sensitive information can be filed on confidential forms
   • This includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's information

3. Redaction

   • Certain personal identifiers may be redacted from public documents

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution

   • Using mediation or collaborative divorce can keep some details out of court records
   • Settlement agreements can sometimes be kept more private than litigation documents

5. Protective Orders

   • In cases involving abuse or harassment, protective orders may restrict access to certain information

To request confidentiality, you should consult with a family law attorney who can file the appropriate motions with the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas.

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Philadelphia County?

The duration of a divorce in Philadelphia County varies significantly depending on several factors:

1. Uncontested Divorces

   • Mutual consent divorces: Minimum 90 days after filing and service
   • Can be completed in 3-6 months if all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly

2. Contested Divorces

   • Can take 1-2 years or longer
   • Factors affecting timeline include:
     • Property division complexity
     • Child custody disputes
     • Discovery process length
     • Court scheduling and backlog
     • Willingness of parties to negotiate

3. No-Fault Divorce Based on Separation

   • Requires a 1-year separation period before filing
   • After filing, may take an additional 3-6 months to finalize

4. Fault-Based Divorces

   • Generally take longer due to the need to prove grounds
   • May involve more hearings and evidence presentation

5. COVID-19 Impact

   • Court backlogs from the pandemic may still affect timelines in 2025
   • Some proceedings may be conducted virtually, potentially affecting scheduling

For the most efficient process, many couples choose to work with mediators or collaborative divorce attorneys to resolve issues outside of court, which can significantly reduce the time to finalize a divorce.

How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Divorce Records?

Philadelphia County maintains divorce records indefinitely. Records dating back to 1885 are available through the Office of Judicial Records. The retention policies for these records are as follows:

1. Recent Records (Post-1980s)

   • Maintained in electronic and physical formats
   • Readily accessible through the Office of Judicial Records
   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107

2. Historical Records (Pre-1980s)

   • May be archived in various locations
   • Some older records may be stored at the City Archives
   • Philadelphia City Archives, 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123

3. State-Level Records

   • The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains divorce records from 1968 onward
   • Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103

4. Microfilm and Digital Conversion

   • Many older records have been converted to microfilm or digital formats
   • This preservation ensures long-term availability

Even very old divorce records can typically be located with sufficient information, though the search process may take longer for records from many decades ago.

How To Get a Divorce In Philadelphia County

To get a divorce in Philadelphia County, follow these steps:

1. Meet Residency Requirements

   • At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least 6 months before filing

2. Determine the Type of Divorce

   • No-fault mutual consent (both agree)
   • No-fault after 1-year separation
   • Fault-based (less common)

3. Prepare and File the Complaint

   • Complete the Complaint for Divorce and related forms
   • File at the Office of Judicial Records
   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • Pay the filing fee (fee waivers available for those who qualify)

4. Serve the Divorce Papers

   • The non-filing spouse must be properly served with the divorce papers
   • Service can be done by certified mail, sheriff, or private process server

5. Wait the Required Period

   • For mutual consent divorces: 90-day waiting period after service
   • For 1-year separation: must be separated for 1 year before filing

6. Resolve Related Issues

   • Property division
   • Child custody and support
   • Alimony/spousal support
   • These can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court hearings

7. Finalize the Divorce

   • File the appropriate praecipe to transmit the record
   • Submit the divorce decree for the judge's signature

For assistance with the divorce process, you can contact:

• Philadelphia Legal Assistance
  • Philadelphia Legal Assistance, 718 Arch Street, Suite 300N, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• Family Court Help Center
  • Family Court Help Center, 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

How To Get Divorce Papers In Philadelphia County

There are several ways to obtain divorce papers in Philadelphia County:

1. From the Court

   • Visit the Office of Judicial Records
   • Office of Judicial Records, City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • Request the divorce packet for either contested or uncontested divorces
   • Forms are available for a nominal fee

2. Online Resources

   • Download forms from the Philadelphia Courts website
   • The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website also provides standardized forms

3. Legal Aid Organizations

   • Philadelphia Legal Assistance provides forms and assistance
   • Philadelphia Legal Assistance, 718 Arch Street, Suite 300N, Philadelphia, PA 19106
   • Philadelphia Bar Association offers resources
   • Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

4. Law Libraries

   • Jenkins Law Library provides access to legal forms
   • Jenkins Law Library, 833 Chestnut Street, Suite 1220, Philadelphia, PA 19107
   • Free Library of Philadelphia has legal resources
   • Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

5. Family Court Help Center

   • Provides forms and limited guidance for self-represented litigants
   • Family Court Help Center, 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Basic divorce forms typically include:

• Complaint for Divorce
• Notice to Defend
• Verification
• Certificate of Service
• Affidavit of Non-Military Service
• Praecipe to Transmit Record
• Divorce Decree

Additional forms may be needed depending on your specific situation, such as those related to property division, custody, or support.

Lookup Divorce Records in Philadelphia County

For comprehensive information about divorce records in Philadelphia, you can access several official resources:

• Get a copy of a divorce decree - Official City of Philadelphia page with information on obtaining divorce decrees from 1885 onwards.

• Instructions to obtain certified copies of divorce decrees (PDF) - Detailed instructions from the Philadelphia courts on how to request certified copies of divorce decrees.

• Public Records - Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania - Access to public court records, including divorce cases, through Pennsylvania's unified court system.

• The Philadelphia Courts - The official website of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, providing information on court services and access to divorce records.

These resources provide official guidance on locating, requesting, and understanding divorce records in Philadelphia County.