Lackawanna Public Records /Lackawanna County Court Records

Lackawanna County Court Records

What Is Lackawanna County Court Records

Court records in Lackawanna County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Lackawanna County court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voter registration information

The following courts within Lackawanna County maintain official records:

Court of Common Pleas
Magisterial District Courts
Orphans' Court
Family Court
Juvenile Court

Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.102, court records include documentation from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary judicial authority for the county, handling the majority of legal proceedings and maintaining associated records.

Are Court Records Public In Lackawanna County

Court records in Lackawanna County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and the state constitution's provision for open courts. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the public has the right to inspect and copy most court records.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:

Juvenile records
Adoption proceedings
Mental health proceedings
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving minors or victims of sexual assault
Grand jury proceedings

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which includes Lackawanna County, are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

How To Find Court Records in Lackawanna County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Lackawanna County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following steps provide guidance for obtaining court records:

Identify the specific court where the case was filed:
- Court of Common Pleas for major civil and criminal cases
- Magisterial District Courts for minor cases and preliminary hearings
- Family Court for domestic relations matters
- Orphans' Court for estate and guardianship cases
Contact the appropriate records custodian:

Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Clerk of Judicial Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Provide case information:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case
Submit a formal records request:
- In person at the appropriate office
- By mail with a written request
- Online through the county's public records portal
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fees (typically $5-20 depending on complexity)
- Copy fees ($0.25-1.00 per page)
- Certification fees ($5-10 per document)

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(c)(5), requests for court records must be fulfilled within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days.

How To Look Up Court Records in Lackawanna County Online?

Lackawanna County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.

The primary online resources include:

Lackawanna County Public Records Portal
- Access: Lackawanna County Public Records
- Records available:
  - Civil and family court dockets
  - Assessment records
  - Legislative records
- Search by name, case number, or property information
- Free to search; fees may apply for document copies
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access: PA UJS Web Portal
- Records available:
  - Criminal dockets
  - Civil dockets
  - Magisterial District Court cases
- Search by name, case number, or organization
- Registration required for some features
- Basic searches are free; detailed information may require fees
Lackawanna County Prothonotary Online Records
- Access through the Clerk of Judicial Records website
- Records available:
  - Civil case filings
  - Judgments
  - Liens
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Subscription may be required for full access

To conduct an online search:

Select the appropriate portal based on the record type
Create an account if required
Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
Review search results
Select specific cases to view available information
Pay any applicable fees for document copies or certified records

Online access is subject to the same restrictions as in-person access, with certain confidential or sealed records unavailable through public portals.

How To Search Lackawanna County Court Records for Free?

Pennsylvania law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(d), "A court may not charge a fee for viewing judicial records at the courthouse."

Free options for accessing Lackawanna County court records include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate court office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Take notes on case information
- No fee for viewing (copying fees apply)

Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Free Online Resources
- Lackawanna County Public Records Portal - Basic search functions
- PA Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Limited case information
- Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas - Court calendars and schedules
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals available at the courthouse
- More comprehensive search capabilities than public websites
- No charge for searching
- Printing fees may apply
Law Library Access
- Lackawanna County Law Library located in the courthouse
- Access to legal research databases
- Assistance from law librarians
- Free public access during regular hours

While basic searches are free, comprehensive searches or document retrieval may incur fees. Additionally, certain specialized databases may require subscription access or per-search fees.

What's Included in a Lackawanna County Court Record?

Lackawanna County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents typically include:

For Civil Cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and responses
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Orders and opinions
Final judgment
Post-judgment filings
Appeal documents

For Criminal Cases:

Criminal complaint
Affidavit of probable cause
Charging documents (information or indictment)
Bail and pretrial release information
Motions and responses
Evidence logs
Plea agreements
Verdict forms
Sentencing orders
Probation/parole documents
Appeal filings

For Family Court Cases:

Divorce petitions
Child custody agreements
Support orders
Protection from abuse filings
Adoption records (often sealed)
Paternity determinations
Property division orders

For Orphans' Court:

Wills and testamentary documents
Estate inventories
Guardianship petitions
Trust documents
Incapacity determinations
Inheritance tax returns

Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and proceedings in the case. The docket contains case numbers, party names, attorney information, filing dates, and a chronological listing of all documents filed and actions taken.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 513, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.

How Long Does Lackawanna County Keep Court Records?

Lackawanna County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Record Retention & Disposition Schedule.

Common retention periods include:

Civil Court Records:

Case files: 7 years after final disposition
Judgments: 20 years from date of entry
Divorce decrees: Permanent
Civil dockets: Permanent

Criminal Court Records:

Misdemeanor cases: 7 years after final disposition
Felony cases: 25 years after final disposition
Homicide cases: Permanent
Criminal dockets: Permanent

Family Court Records:

Custody orders: Until youngest child reaches age 25
Support orders: 1 year after termination of obligation
Protection from abuse: 5 years after expiration

Orphans' Court Records:

Estate administration: 25 years after estate closed
Guardianship: 25 years after termination
Adoption records: Permanent (often sealed)

Magisterial District Court Records:

Summary cases: 3 years after final disposition
Civil cases: 7 years after final disposition
Criminal preliminary hearings: 7 years after disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to archival storage
Microfilmed or digitized
Destroyed according to approved procedures

Historical records of significant value may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules. Additionally, the County Records Act, 16 P.S. § 13001-13006, establishes minimum retention requirements for county records, including court documents.

Types of Courts In Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County's judicial system consists of several courts organized in a hierarchical structure, each with specific jurisdictions and responsibilities:

Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6700
Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lackawanna County Family Court
Family Court Center
123 Wyoming Avenue, First Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lackawanna County Orphans' Court
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Clerk of Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Courts Lackawanna County has multiple Magisterial District Courts serving different geographic areas. Contact information for specific district courts can be obtained through the Lackawanna County Court Administrator's Office.

The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania, including Lackawanna County, follows this structure:

Magisterial District Courts (lowest level)
Court of Common Pleas (county level)
Pennsylvania Superior Court (appellate level)
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (appellate level for government cases)
Pennsylvania Supreme Court (highest state court)

Federal cases involving Lackawanna County residents are heard in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, with appeals going to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and potentially to the United States Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Lackawanna County Courts Hear?

Each court within Lackawanna County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific types of cases:

Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
Contract disputes
Personal injury cases
Property disputes
Medical malpractice
Product liability
Appeals from Magisterial District Courts

Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division

Felony criminal cases
Serious misdemeanors
Criminal appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Post-conviction relief petitions
Probation and parole violations

Family Court

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and visitation
Child and spousal support
Protection from abuse
Paternity cases
Name changes
Juvenile dependency (child welfare)

Orphans' Court

Wills and estate administration
Guardianships for incapacitated persons
Adoptions
Trust administration
Marriage licenses (through Clerk of Orphans' Court)

Juvenile Court (part of Court of Common Pleas)

Juvenile delinquency cases
Status offenses
Juvenile dependency
Termination of parental rights

Magisterial District Courts

Summary offenses
Traffic violations
Preliminary hearings for criminal cases
Civil claims up to $12,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Small claims
Municipal code violations

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Pennsylvania Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 931 for the Court of Common Pleas and 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Lackawanna County

Court dockets in Lackawanna County provide a chronological index of all filings and proceedings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Search
- Lackawanna County Public Records Portal
  - Search by party name, case number, or filing date
  - Access civil and family court dockets
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
  - Search criminal, civil, and magisterial district court dockets
  - Registration required for some features
Search steps:
- Select the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results
- Select specific case to view docket sheet
In-Person Docket Search

Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Request steps:

Visit the appropriate office based on case type
Complete a docket search request form
Provide case information or party names
Pay applicable search fees

Public Access Terminals
- Available at the courthouse
- More comprehensive search capabilities
- Assistance available from court staff
Written or Telephone Requests
- Submit written requests with specific case information
- Call the appropriate court office for basic docket information
- Fees may apply for written responses

For criminal cases, docket information may also be available through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator for individuals currently incarcerated.

Docket sheets typically include:

Case caption and number
Party and attorney information
Filing dates
Document titles
Hearing dates and outcomes
Orders and judgments
Financial information (costs, fines, restitution)

Which Courts in Lackawanna County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pennsylvania's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains official transcripts of proceedings and has the authority to punish for contempt. Conversely, courts "not of record" typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts and have limited contempt powers.

Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, the following courts in Lackawanna County are not courts of record:

Magisterial District Courts

Handle minor civil and criminal matters
Conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Do not typically create verbatim transcripts
Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in the Court of Common Pleas

Municipal Courts (if established by local ordinance)

Handle municipal code violations
Traffic offenses within municipal boundaries
Not all municipalities have separate municipal courts

All other courts in Lackawanna County are courts of record, including:

Court of Common Pleas (all divisions)
Family Court
Orphans' Court
Juvenile Court

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for several reasons:

Appeals process (de novo vs. on the record)
Precedential value of decisions
Availability of transcripts
Contempt powers
Procedural formality

When a case is appealed from a court not of record to a court of record, the entire case is reheard as if the original proceeding never occurred, rather than reviewing the lower court's decision for errors.

Lookup Court Records in Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records

Lackawanna County Public Records Portal

Lackawanna County Clerk of Orphan's Court

Lackawanna County Family Court

Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas

Other Categories in Pennsylvania

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records