Philadelphia County Court Records

Philadelphia County Court Records represent the official documentation of legal proceedings within the jurisdiction of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. These records cover a broad spectrum of case types, including civil disputes, criminal charges, probate matters, and family law cases. Maintained by the appropriate court divisions, each record captures essential information such as case numbers, involved parties, court filings, hearing dates, and final judgments. The structured nature of these records ensures accurate tracking of legal processes and case outcomes. By preserving a clear procedural history, court records support the legal system’s commitment to transparency and due process.

Philadelphia County Court Records offer a detailed account of judicial activities across various court levels and divisions. Whether related to criminal offenses, civil claims, or estate matters, each record reflects the legal steps taken from initiation to resolution. These documents are systematically archived and categorized to support legal reference and historical recordkeeping. They serve as an essential component in understanding the scope and structure of court proceedings within the county.

How to Search Philadelphia Court Records

Searching Philadelphia County court records is a common need for residents, legal professionals, and researchers. Whether you’re tracking the status of a lawsuit, checking a criminal case, or looking for official court documents, Philadelphia makes many records publicly accessible online.

This section will walk you through every step—from what records are available to how to access them, what details you need, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to failed searches. The goal is to help you find what you’re looking for clearly and efficiently, without confusion or wasted time.

Where to Start When Searching Public Court Records in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s court system is made up of multiple divisions, but the majority of cases fall under two main courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Each handles different types of cases, and both make certain records available to the public.

Here’s a breakdown:

Court of Common Pleas: Handles more serious matters like felonies, large civil disputes, probate, divorce, and family law.
Municipal Court: Deals with minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors), traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims.

Each court maintains a docket system—a database where each case is assigned a unique number and updated as it moves through the judicial process.

You do not need to visit the courthouse in person to search many types of court records. Most can be accessed digitally, through official case lookup tools provided by the courts. These portals are open to the public and do not require special permissions or legal access.

What Information You Should Have Before Starting

To get accurate results, you should gather as much identifying information as possible before beginning your search. These are the most important pieces of information to collect:

Full Legal Name

Always use the full legal name of the person involved in the case. Partial names, nicknames, or misspellings may return too many results or none at all. If you’re unsure of the spelling, try entering only the last name with a date range to narrow the options.

Docket Number

This is the fastest and most precise way to locate a court case. Docket numbers are unique identifiers assigned by the court. If you have one, you can bypass most filters and jump straight to the case details.

Filing Date or Date Range

If you’re looking up a case but don’t know the docket number, try narrowing your search by date. For example, entering a range like “January 2022 to December 2022” can help you avoid sorting through unrelated older or newer cases.

Court Type (Optional but Helpful)

Knowing whether the case was filed in the Court of Common Pleas or the Municipal Court will speed things up. For instance, if you’re searching for a minor traffic violation, it likely falls under Municipal Court.

How Philadelphia Court Record Search Tools Work

Once you have your information ready, using the tool is straightforward. Most users follow this simple process:

Choose your search method: Name, docket number, or company name.
Input your data: Enter the required fields and optional filters like court type or date range.
Run the search: Click submit and allow the system to pull the results.
Review the results list: You’ll see a list of all cases matching your search. If there are too many, refine your inputs.
Click to view case details: Each record includes public information such as:
- Case title (e.g., State vs. John Smith)
- Filing date
- Status (open, closed, pending)
- Court location
- Judge’s name
- Next scheduled court date (if applicable)
- Basic docket entries (motions, filings, hearings)

Please note that not all court documents are fully visible online. Some sensitive cases, such as those involving juveniles or sealed court files, will have limited public access. If you need official copies or certified versions of court documents, the system may guide you to submit a request through the Clerk of Courts.

Search Results and Filters Explained

Philadelphia’s docket search tool includes several filters to help narrow your results:

Case Status: Open, closed, or active.
Date of Filing: Filter cases by year or a custom date range.
Court Division: Civil, criminal, family, municipal, etc.
Case Type: Select categories such as divorce, theft, property dispute, or probation.

Using filters allows you to sort large volumes of cases more efficiently, especially if the individual’s name is common.

Search Problems You May Encounter

Even with a good system, errors can happen. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them:

Too Many Results: If your search returns hundreds of records, try narrowing it with a date range or additional name details.
No Matches Found: Double-check spelling. Try variations of the name. If using a company, ensure the legal business name is entered, not a trade name.
Wrong Court: If the case is not found in Municipal Court, try searching in the Court of Common Pleas.
Sealed or Confidential Cases: If a case involves a minor, sensitive crime, or family matter, it may be restricted from public view.

What Kinds of Records Can Be Searched?

You can search a wide range of public court records through Philadelphia’s online system, including:

Civil lawsuits (e.g., personal injury, contract disputes, landlord-tenant cases)
Criminal cases (e.g., theft, assault, DUI, drug offenses)
Divorce records (filing status, decree date)
Child support or custody filings (public portions only)
Arrest records and hearing dates
Inmate records and jail status
Probate filings (wills, estates)
Traffic violations and municipal complaints

Types of Court Records Available in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County maintains a wide variety of court records that serve public, legal, and administrative purposes. These records document court activities involving civil disputes, criminal charges, family law matters, property ownership, and more. Whether you’re verifying a legal event, tracking a case, or researching public information, knowing which type of court record you need can help you find it more efficiently.

Below is an overview of the most commonly accessed court records in Philadelphia County. Each category includes a description, typical use cases, and a direct link to learn more.

Civil Court Records

Civil court records cover legal disputes between individuals, organizations, or entities that do not involve criminal charges. Common types of civil cases include:

Property damage claims
Contract disagreements
Personal injury lawsuits
Landlord-tenant disputes
Debt collection

Each civil court record typically includes the complaint, the docket number, party names, motions filed, court rulings, and final judgments. These records are frequently used by attorneys, insurance companies, and the general public for evidence, case study, or legal verification purposes.

Records may be accessible through official court docket search tools or by visiting the courthouse in person. Most recent civil case information can be found online, while older files may require direct inquiry.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records are public documents that detail the legal process following a person’s arrest and formal criminal charges. These records are vital for understanding how a case was handled in court and may include:

Arrest date and details
Criminal charges filed
Case status (open, closed, or dismissed)
Court dates, hearings, and sentencing
Plea agreements or convictions

Philadelphia County’s criminal records provide transparency into the justice system. They are used by employers during background checks, by attorneys handling criminal defense or appeals, and by individuals reviewing their own legal history.

Many criminal court records are searchable by name, case number, or date range using court-authorized lookup systems.

Divorce & Family Court Records

Divorce and family court records involve legal matters connected to domestic relationships. These records may include:

Divorce decrees and legal separations
Child custody and support orders
Adoption proceedings
Guardianship decisions
Protective or restraining orders

Philadelphia’s family court records are especially important for individuals going through family-related legal changes. For example, a divorce decree may be required to change a last name, update marital status on tax forms, or file for spousal support.

While some family court records are publicly available, others—especially those involving minors or sensitive issues—may be sealed and only accessible to involved parties or authorized legal representatives.

Marriage & Vital Records

Vital records document key life events and are commonly used for identity verification and government applications. In Philadelphia County, available records include:

Marriage certificates
Birth certificates
Death certificates

Marriage records typically list the names of both spouses, the date and location of the marriage, and the issuing authority. These are required for spousal benefits, legal name changes, and immigration documentation.

Birth and death records may be needed for estate matters, health insurance applications, or enrolling in school. While vital records are not maintained by the courts directly, this page provides the appropriate channels for requesting them from local or state offices.

Some vital records may have access restrictions depending on the type of request and the age of the record.

Probate & Property Records

Probate and property records cover legal documentation related to asset ownership and estate management in Philadelphia County.

Probate records include:

Wills and testaments
Estate administration files
Letters of testamentary
Inheritance disputes

These are often used in legal probate proceedings or estate planning, helping determine how a deceased person’s assets are distributed.

Property records include:

Deeds and mortgage filings
Property tax assessments
Ownership history
Liens and encumbrances

Property records are valuable for home buyers, real estate professionals, and legal researchers. They can confirm ownership, highlight title issues, or prove a transfer of property rights.

Accessing these records often involves public portals or visiting the local Recorder of Deeds or Register of Wills office.

Where to Find Philadelphia Court Information

To access Philadelphia County court records, it’s helpful to understand which court or department holds the information you need. Court records in Philadelphia are managed across several key entities, each handling specific case types, from criminal trials to landlord-tenant disputes. Whether you’re looking for a civil lawsuit file, a traffic violation citation, or a felony case record, knowing which office to approach is the most effective way to begin.

Clerk of Courts Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Clerk of Courts plays a central role in managing the official court records for the Court of Common Pleas, particularly in criminal cases. This department is responsible for collecting, organizing, and preserving records for all criminal proceedings in the county.

What the Clerk’s Office Manages:

Criminal case dockets
Sentencing orders
Bail documents
Court appearances and schedules
Records of appeals and post-trial motions

For anyone trying to find public court records in Philadelphia, the Clerk of Courts is the place to start for criminal filings. The office maintains a searchable docket system where users can look up cases using names, docket numbers, or filing dates. While the clerk doesn’t handle every type of record, their documentation forms a core part of the city’s criminal justice archive.

Key Uses for the Clerk’s Office:

Checking the status of a criminal case
Viewing upcoming hearings or past sentencing results
Obtaining certified copies of court judgments

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

The Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County is the city’s general jurisdiction trial court. This court hears some of the most significant and varied types of cases filed within the county. Records held here are often requested by legal professionals, government offices, and members of the public seeking documentation tied to major civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.

Types of Cases Handled:

Criminal Felonies – Including trials for serious offenses
Civil Lawsuits – Business disputes, personal injury claims, and contract issues
Family Law – Child custody, divorce proceedings, protection orders
Orphans’ Court – Wills, estates, guardianships
Probate and Trust Cases

Because it handles such a broad range of legal actions, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas is often the source of the most detailed court records in the county. Many requests for Philadelphia County court records start here, especially when dealing with high-value disputes or ongoing family court matters.

Records Available:

Full docket histories
Case summaries
Final judgments and appeals
Legal filings from both parties

Municipal Court Records

The Philadelphia Municipal Court handles lower-level civil and criminal cases, making it one of the busiest and most commonly accessed courts in the city. If you’re researching traffic violations, small claims, or misdemeanor offenses, the records are typically managed here.

Cases Heard in Municipal Court:

Criminal cases involving misdemeanors
Preliminary hearings for felony charges
Small claims civil lawsuits (usually under $12,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes
Parking and traffic citations

Because many legal proceedings begin in Municipal Court, this court serves as a frequent access point for public court records in Philadelphia. If you’re searching for a summary offense, eviction notice, or need to verify the outcome of a traffic court hearing, this is the court to check.

Key Features of Municipal Court Records:

Easily searchable by name or citation number
Often available quickly due to shorter case lengths
Useful for both personal and legal documentation

Court Fees and Payment Information

Philadelphia County court fees apply when residents request court records, submit filings, or obtain certified documents. Understanding these fees helps reduce confusion and ensures that requests are processed without delay. This section covers the most common costs, accepted payment methods, and information about possible fee waivers for qualifying residents.

Common Court Fees in Philadelphia County

Court fees in Philadelphia County vary depending on the type of service or document being requested. Some services may involve only a small administrative fee, while others, such as legal filings or certified records, have higher costs.

Below is a general list of typical fees charged by the courts in Philadelphia County. These figures are based on current public data and may be updated by the courts as needed.

Certified copy of a marriage license: $25.00
Exemplified copy of a marriage license: $50.00
Certified divorce decree: $41.58
Copy of civil court records: $0.25 to $0.50 per page
Certified copy of criminal case disposition: $15.00 to $20.00
Probate document copies: starting at $10.00 depending on document type and length
Traffic case records: $10.00 to $20.00 depending on complexity
Docket sheet printouts: may be free online; printed copies typically cost $5.00 to $10.00
Criminal background check (via Pennsylvania State Police): $22.00
Civil or small claims filing fee: $50.00 to $150.00 depending on the claim amount
Name change petition: approximately $400.00, including publication and fingerprinting fees
Appeal filing fee: generally starts at $100.00

It is important to verify current pricing directly with the court office before making a payment or submitting a request, as fees may vary by department or service type.

Payment Methods Accepted by the Courts

Philadelphia County courts provide several payment options to help residents complete transactions conveniently. The accepted methods may differ based on whether a request is submitted in person, online, or by mail.

In-person payments are accepted at clerk’s offices and courthouse cashier windows. These offices commonly accept the following:

Cash
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
Money orders or certified checks made payable to the appropriate court office

Many court departments do not accept personal checks or third-party checks. If paying in person, it is recommended to confirm which payment methods are allowed for that specific department.

Online payments are also available for many types of court services and record requests. These may include:

Online court record requests through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania portal
Online filing services for civil and family court documents
Citation and traffic fine payments using secure online systems

A small convenience fee may apply to online card payments, depending on the processing service being used.

If submitting a request by mail, payment must typically be included in the form of a money order or certified check. Include your full name, contact information, and any relevant case or docket number to avoid delays in processing.

Fee Waivers for Qualifying Residents

If someone cannot afford to pay required court fees, the court system allows them to request a waiver based on financial hardship. This waiver may apply to filing fees, certified document requests, and other court-related costs.

To request a waiver, a person must complete and submit an In Forma Pauperis form, commonly referred to as an IFP application. This form is available at the courthouse or can be downloaded from the official Pennsylvania courts website.

The form requires the applicant to provide the following:

Details about household income
Employment status and monthly expenses
Documentation of public benefits, if applicable
A signed statement confirming financial need

After the form is submitted, it is reviewed by a judge or court official. If approved, the applicant will not be required to pay the listed fees. If denied, the full fee must be paid for the request or filing to proceed.

Fee waivers are often granted for those receiving public assistance or living below the federal poverty line. Approval is not automatic and is based on the information provided.

Arrests, Warrants, and Jail Records

Philadelphia County court records include a wide range of criminal-related documents. Among the most commonly accessed are arrest records, inmate information, and warrant details. These records support public awareness and help people find the information they need about recent arrests, jail status, or outstanding legal matters.

This section explains how to access each record type clearly. Whether you’re trying to locate someone, check a recent booking, or confirm a warrant status, the pages below offer structured, helpful insights.

Arrest Records & Mugshots

Arrest records in Philadelphia provide a public summary of a person’s encounter with law enforcement. These records usually include:

Full name of the person arrested
Date and location of arrest
Charges filed
Arresting agency
Bail or bond details (if set)

Some records may include mugshots, which are photographs taken at the time of booking. Mugshots may appear in public databases, depending on the case type, the person’s age, and current privacy laws.

People often search these records to check if someone was recently arrested or charged with a crime. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or reviewing a public case, arrest records can offer clear facts.

Inmate Search & Jail Records

If someone has been detained or sentenced, their jail information may be available through Philadelphia’s inmate search tools. Jail records may include:

Full legal name and inmate ID
Booking and housing location
Charges and court dates
Bail amount or release conditions
Custody status (e.g., active, released)

This information is often used by family members, lawyers, and others who need to confirm a person’s status or location. It’s especially useful for arranging visits, planning legal representation, or understanding the custody timeline.

Philadelphia maintains these records as part of its public system. Most jail databases are updated regularly, so users can stay informed.

Warrants & Wanted Lists

A warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to take specific action, such as making an arrest. In Philadelphia County, warrants may be issued for reasons such as:

Missed court appearances
Probation or parole violations
Unpaid fines
New criminal charges

Active warrants can be searched by name in some public systems. A typical record includes the person’s name, warrant number, issuing court, date, and type of offense. Checking for an outstanding warrant can help someone take the next legal step before facing an arrest.

Philadelphia authorities may also publish “most wanted” lists to highlight individuals with serious or ongoing legal issues.

Search Tips for Public Court Records in Philadelphia

When searching for Philadelphia county court records, having the right approach can make your search faster and more successful. Court records cover many case types and details, so using specific techniques will help you find exactly what you need without unnecessary delays or confusion. Here are important tips to keep in mind that improve the quality and accuracy of your search results.

Use Full Legal Names and Exact Spellings

Entering the full legal name of the person involved is critical when searching court records. Databases rely heavily on exact matches, so even small spelling errors or abbreviations can cause the system to miss relevant records. Avoid using nicknames, initials, or partial names unless you have no other information.

For example, searching for “Jonathan Smith” instead of “Jon Smith” will likely yield better results if that is the official name on record. Similarly, pay close attention to middle names or suffixes like Jr., Sr., or III. These details can distinguish between individuals with common names.

If you’re uncertain about the exact spelling, some platforms allow you to perform wildcard or partial searches. Use these features cautiously, as broad searches may generate many irrelevant results, making it harder to locate the right file.

Narrow Date Ranges to Improve Accuracy

Using specific date ranges when searching helps filter the volume of results, especially in a busy jurisdiction like Philadelphia County. Court records are typically associated with filing or hearing dates, so including approximate dates can refine your search significantly.

For instance, if you know a case was filed in early 2021, limit your search to that year rather than searching across multiple years. This avoids wading through unrelated cases filed before or after your timeframe. Additionally, when searching for recent cases, adding a narrow range like a few months or a specific quarter can speed up results and reduce confusion with older, closed cases.

Difference Between Public, Sealed, and Restricted Records

Not all court records are available for public access. Knowing the distinction helps set realistic expectations when a record doesn’t appear in your search.

Public Records are documents that anyone can access. These include most civil, criminal, and property case files once they are officially filed and not restricted.
Sealed Records have been ordered by the court to be kept confidential. These may include sensitive family law cases, juvenile matters, or cases involving victims’ privacy. Sealed records are not accessible to the public and require a court order for release.
Restricted Records are accessible only by authorized parties, such as the involved individuals, their attorneys, or law enforcement. These restrictions protect privacy and the integrity of ongoing investigations or appeals.

If you suspect the record you seek is sealed or restricted, you may need to contact the Clerk of Courts directly or consult an attorney to explore your options.

How to Understand Philadelphia Court Docket Numbers

Each court case in Philadelphia is assigned a unique docket number that serves as its official identifier. This number is key to locating the precise case file in court records or online databases.

A docket number usually follows a standard format, including information about the court type, case category, county, and filing year. For example:

CP-51-CR-0001234-2023

CP: Court of Common Pleas
51: Philadelphia County code
CR: Criminal case type
0001234: Unique case sequence number
2023: Year of filing

Knowing how to read docket numbers allows you to enter the exact case ID in search tools, which improves the speed and accuracy of your record retrieval. Many online systems accept docket numbers as a primary search method.

Public Access Laws & Record Availability

Access to Philadelphia county court records balances transparency with privacy, ensuring that the public can obtain important information while protecting sensitive data. Knowing what records are available and who can access them helps users find the information they need without confusion or delay.

Records Under Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law

The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law makes many court records available to the public. This law supports openness by allowing individuals to request access to government records, including court documents. However, some information is exempt to protect privacy, such as records involving minors or sealed cases. When requesting records, users can expect access to a wide range of documents related to court proceedings, but certain details may be restricted by law.

Time Limits for Accessing Older Records

Most court records remain accessible for many years, but access to older files may vary depending on the type of record. Generally, active cases and recent judgments are easier to obtain. Some older records may be archived and require special requests or visits to physical locations. It’s helpful to know that the court system keeps many documents for decades, though the retrieval process for very old records might take more time.

Sealed vs. Unsealed Documents

Not all court records are public. Some cases result in sealed records, meaning the documents are hidden from general access. Sealing usually happens to protect privacy in sensitive matters such as juvenile cases, adoption, or certain criminal proceedings. Unsealed records are available to the public and can be viewed online or in person. If you encounter difficulty finding a record, it may be because it has been sealed by court order.

Who Can Access What

Access to court records can differ based on your relationship to the case. Members of the public can view unsealed records, but some documents may be limited to parties involved in the case, attorneys, or authorized officials. Family members often have easier access to personal records like divorces or probate files. Legal representatives usually have broader access to case materials to prepare their work. Knowing these distinctions helps users understand why certain records may not be immediately available.

Contact Information – Philadelphia County Courts

Philadelphia City Hall (Main Courthouse)

Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-7000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Email: info@courts.phila.gov
Website: https://www.courts.phila.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to access Philadelphia County Court Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for court cases, dockets, and other public records in Philadelphia County.

Are all court records public in Philadelphia?

Most court records in Philadelphia are public under Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law, allowing access to documents like civil, criminal, and traffic court dockets. This transparency supports accountability and public oversight. However, certain categories such as juvenile proceedings, sealed cases, domestic violence matters, and records involving minors are protected and not publicly accessible. Redacted versions may be provided in some cases, depending on the sensitivity of the information. Access can vary by court division and document type.

How long does it take to get a court record?

The time it takes to receive a court record in Philadelphia depends on how and where you request it. Online searches through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS) portal are typically instant for available records. Requests made in person or by mail through the Office of Judicial Records or Municipal Court may take several business days, especially if older or archived documents are involved. Processing times can extend during high-demand periods, holidays, or if additional verification is needed.

Can I view records in person?

Yes, you can view Philadelphia court records in person by visiting the Office of Judicial Records at City Hall or the Municipal Court Records Department at 1339 Chestnut Street. Both locations are generally open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Visitors should bring key case information, such as party names or docket numbers, to expedite their search. Copies can be requested on-site for a small per-page fee, and staff are usually available to assist with locating the correct files.

How do I get certified copies?

To obtain certified copies of court records in Philadelphia, you must contact the specific court or division that handled the case. For example, civil matters are processed through the Office of Judicial Records, while criminal cases may go through Municipal Court. You’ll need to provide detailed case information, request a certified version, and pay applicable fees. Certified copies will include an official court stamp or raised seal, confirming their authenticity for legal or governmental use. Turnaround time depends on the case’s availability and volume.