Greene County Court Records

The Greene County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts primarily maintain court records in Greene County, Pennsylvania. These records originate whenever a case is officially filed and are continuously updated as the matter progresses through various stages of litigation. Court records can encompass a wide array of legal documents, including complaints, petitions, orders, motions, subpoenas, and writs. Preserving these records is integral to maintaining the legal history of Greene County and ensuring that community members can understand, monitor, and engage with their local judicial system.

Are Court Records Public in Greene County?

Yes. Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), codified at 65 P.S. §§ 67.101 et seq., generally supports open access to government records, which includes most court documents. Under this statute, records maintained by government agencies, including those in the court system, are available for public inspection and copying, subject to certain conditions. To obtain copies of court records, interested individuals must submit requests to the appropriate Greene County office—usually the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts—and pay any applicable fees. Valid government-issued identification may be required as well.

It is important to note, however, that not all judicial records are public. Certain court documents may be sealed or otherwise exempt from disclosure pursuant to Pennsylvania state statutes, court rules, local court orders, or RTKL exemptions. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Juvenile records (see 42 Pa.C.S. § 6307 regarding confidentiality)
• Records involving mental health proceedings (as governed by state law and local court rules)
• Certain family court proceedings or custody matters where the law requires confidentiality
• Records sealed or expunged by a judicial order

In such instances, only authorized individuals—including the parties to the case, their legal representatives, or individuals expressly permitted by law—may access these restricted records.

Greene County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Greene County court records have several options:

1. In-Person Requests: Visit or contact the Greene County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts to file a records request. Staff can guide requesters through the process and inform them of any required fees.
2. Mail or Email Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail or email. Requesters should provide as much detail as possible—such as case names, docket numbers, and approximate filing dates—to expedite the retrieval process.
3. Third-Party Online Resources: Some private, third-party websites aggregate and provide access to court records. While these resources may be convenient, they are not official government sites and may charge additional fees or provide incomplete data.

Greene County Courts

The Greene County court system is composed of the Court of Common Pleas and several Magisterial District Courts. The Court of Common Pleas is a trial-level court with general jurisdiction over major civil and criminal cases. Magisterial District Courts handle a variety of matters, including small claims, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in more serious criminal cases.

Court of Common Pleas – Greene County
Greene County Courthouse
10 East High Street, Room 106
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5288

Magisterial District Courts in Greene County:

• District Court 13-3-01: 144 West High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, Phone: (724) 627-8961
• District Court 13-3-02: 100 Bonar Avenue, Waynesburg, PA 15370, Phone: (724) 966-7204
• District Court 13-3-03: 417 East Roy Furman Highway, Jefferson, PA 15344, Phone: (724) 883-2440

Greene County Criminal and Civil Records

Both the Greene County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts maintain civil and criminal case files. Magisterial District Courts typically oversee smaller civil matters (such as claims under a certain monetary threshold) and preliminary steps in criminal cases. The Court of Common Pleas hears a broader range of issues, including major civil disputes and serious criminal trials.

To obtain case records, researchers should contact the Greene County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts:

Greene County Courthouse
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts Office
10 East High Street, Room 106
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5288

Be prepared to pay any statutory fees for document retrieval, certification, or copying services. Fee schedules may be obtained by contacting the office directly or visiting the county’s official website.

Greene County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses in Greene County are issued and recorded by the Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court Division. To obtain a certified marriage record, requesters should contact:

Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court
10 East High Street, Room 100
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5283

Marriage records are available to the public; however, requesters should be prepared to provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Fees apply for certified copies.

Greene County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings are filed in the Greene County Court of Common Pleas. The Prothonotary’s Office maintains divorce records. Interested parties should contact the office with information such as the names of the involved parties, date of marriage, and date of divorce.

Greene County Birth Records

In Pennsylvania, birth records from 1906 to the present are maintained at the state level by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). Greene County residents seeking birth certificates must meet the DOH’s eligibility criteria, which typically includes the individual named on the record and certain family members or legal representatives.

Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a DOH Vital Records office.

For mail-in requests, send a completed Birth Certificate Application and the required fee to:

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

As of this writing, the fee for a certified birth certificate is $20. Expedited services and additional processing fees may apply when ordering online.

Greene County Death Records

Like birth records, Pennsylvania death records are managed by the DOH. Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized individuals. The same application and address listed above for birth certificates apply for death certificates. Death records cost $20 per certified copy. Additional fees may be assessed for online orders and rush services.

Greene County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, including estate filings and guardianship cases, are handled by the Greene County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court. Records related to wills, estates, and guardianships are maintained by this office. Interested individuals should direct inquiries and record requests to:

Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court
10 East High Street, Room 100
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5283

Greene County Property Records

Property and land records in Greene County are recorded and preserved by the Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains deed books, mortgages, subdivision plans, easements, and other related documents. For fee schedules, online access, or to request copies, contact:

Recorder of Deeds
Greene County Courthouse
10 East High Street, Room 100
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5283

Additionally, the Greene County Assessment Office maintains assessment records, property values, and related tax information.

Greene County Assessment Office
93 East High Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5210

Greene County Court Records Online

Online access to Greene County court records may be available through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s web portal or third-party aggregate websites like Pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us. These platforms often allow users to search by name, case number, or filing date. Some online tools provide basic docket information at no charge, while others may require payment for comprehensive record retrieval.

When utilizing online databases, it is advisable to confirm the accuracy and currency of the information by cross-referencing with official sources. For records that are not available online, direct contact with the appropriate county office remains the most reliable method of obtaining certified court documents or verifying specific case details.