York County Court Records

In York County, court records are documents of any form that provide information on different cases and judicial actions taken by a court in the county. These include affidavits, docket sheets, transcripts, decrees, and other documents created or filed in a county court concerning a case.

Like Pennsylvania court records, these documents are significant in reviewing court proceedings, proving or enforcing judgments, and appealing cases. York County court records typically contain information such as:

• Case or docket number
• Party names
• File dates and other relevant dates
• Case status, type, and statute description
• Court name or location
• Disposition details

Are Court Records Public in York County?

Yes, Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law (RTKL) generally considers court records to be public. Therefore, persons may access York County public records - including court records - via channels provided by government agencies, following proper search or request. However, access to documents or information that fall under exemptions provided in the RTKL may be restricted to persons specifically granted the right to access by law or court order. Exemptions include:

• Medical or psychological records
• Children or youth service records or information on persons below 18 years old
• Records protected or sealed by court order
• Juror details
• Personal identifying information such as state identification number, driver’s license number, and social security numbers
• Personal financial information
• Drafts and working papers
• Information restricted from disclosure by state or federal laws or state court rule
• Certain juvenile records on summary offenses
• Records that may pose risks to personal privacy or security or hinder an individual’s right to a fair trial.

Note: Partially restricted records may be publicly available after the custodian removes the sensitive information from the record copy.

York County Court Records Search

Finding court records in York County generally involves conducting online searches or directing proper requests to view records or obtain copies to the record custodian through available channels. York court records are mostly available with the clerk or prothonotary of the court where proceedings took place. Searching or requesting court records may require persons to provide case details or pay fees for record search or duplication. Certain restricted records may require requesters to prove their right to access with valid identification or other documentation.

York County Court Records Search by Name

Interested persons may perform online name-based searches for York County court records with the case search tool on the Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal. To search the portal, select the ‘Participant Name’ search option and input the first and last name of a defendant, claimant, attorney, or other participant in the case. Choose York County if the case was filed in a county court.

Users may also provide other details like approximate filing date, case status, participant’s date of birth, or docket/case type to narrow down search results. Search results on this portal will include similar cases filed in the county’s Court of Common Pleas or Magisterial District Courts, and users may view or download each case’s docket sheet or court summary.

In contrast, requesting copies of records may require persons to provide more than a participant’s name. Requesters should provide more specific case details like docket/complaint/incident/citation number, full names, and filing dates in person or via online, mailed, or emailed request to the specific custodian or court clerk. While viewing the records is mostly free, the clerk usually charges requesters for copies and other services provided to the requester.

York County Courts

York County Courts make up the 19th Judicial District. There are 19 Magisterial District Courts of limited jurisdiction and one Court of Common Pleas of general jurisdiction, which has an Orphan’s Court division with special jurisdiction over probate matters. The following are the addresses of courts in York County, Pennsylvania:

York County Court of Common Pleas
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9612 (Criminal)
Phone: (717) 771-9611 (Civil)
Fax: (717) 771-9096 (Criminal)
Fax: (717) 771-4629 (Civil)

York County Orphans' Court
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9607
Fax: (717) 771-4678

Magistrate District Courts in York County
Magisterial District Court 19-1-01
1285 East Princess Street,
York, PA 17403
Phone: (717) 771-4787
Fax: (717) 771-4785

Magisterial District Court 19-1-02
1215 Roosevelt Avenue,
York, PA 17404
Phone: (717) 771-4792
Fax: (717) 771-4791

Magisterial District Court 19-1-03
203 Dart Drive,
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: (717) 632-4565
Fax: (717) 632-0373

Magisterial District Court 19-1-04
232 South George Street,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-4799
Fax: (717) 771-4797

Magisterial District Court 19-1-05
745 West Mason Avenue,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-4796
Fax: (717) 771-9538

Magisterial District Court 19-2-01
3568 Concord Road,
York, PA 17402
Phone: (717) 840-7233
Fax: (717) 840-7200

Magisterial District Court 19-2-02
2756A South Queen Street,
Dallastown, PA 17313
Phone: (717) 747-5100
Fax: (717) 747-5103

Magisterial District Court 19-2-03
390 East Berlin Road,
York, PA 17408
Phone: (717) 793-5200
Fax: (717) 793-5225

Magisterial District Court 19-2-04
3202 Farmtrail Road,
York, PA 17406
Phone: (717) 767-5700
Fax: (717) 767-5702

Magisterial District Court 19-2-05
1410 Sixth Avenue,
York, PA 17403
Phone: (717) 845-5508
Fax: (717) 854-5537

Magisterial District Court 19-3-01
2997 Cape Horn Road,
Red Lion, PA 17356
Phone: (717) 244-4002
Fax: (717) 246-1533

Magisterial District Court 19-3-03
72 North Main Street,
Suite 2,
Stewartstown, PA 17363
Phone: (717) 993-6721
Fax: (717) 993-9648

Magisterial District Court 19-3-04
165 Fairview Court,
New Freedom, PA 17349
Phone: (717) 227-0688
Fax: (717) 235-3582

Magisterial District Court 19-3-05
20 Wayne Avenue,
Suite 2,
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: (717) 632-0618
Fax: (717) 632-1418

Magisterial District Court 19-3-06
4824 Walters Hatchery Road,
Spring Grove, PA 17362
Phone: (717) 225-3301
Fax: (717) 225-3307

Magisterial District Court 19-3-07
2990 Grenway Road,
Dover, PA 17315
Phone: (717) 767-5708
Fax: (717) 767-5720

Magisterial District Court 19-3-09
700 Yorktown Road,
Lewisberry, PA 17339
Phone: (717) 938-2523
Fax: (717) 938-4092

Magisterial District Court 19-3-10
126 West Harrisburg Street,
Suite 200,
P.O. Box 415,
Dillsburg, PA 17019
Phone: (717) 432-3618
Fax: (717) 432-7695

Magisterial District Court 19-3-11
202 Rosedale Drive,
Manchester, PA 17345
Phone: (717) 266-6891
Fax: (717) 266-6895

York County District Court Records

In York County, the Magistrate District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction that handles less grievous cases like minor criminal cases, small claims suits, landlord-tenant disputes, preliminary criminal case hearings, traffic cases, and setting bail. As there are 19 Magistrate District Courts in the county, accessing records of cases filed in these courts requires persons to make online searches or direct requests to the specific court that handled the case.

Persons may perform online case searches on the UJS portal by participant name, docket number, attorney, date, or other criteria. On the other hand, copy requests require specific case details (such as docket number, file date, and document type) and search/copy fees to be provided to the clerk of court. The clerk may also ask requesters to present government-issued identification when requesting access to restricted documents.

York County Criminal Records

Criminal records in York County are official documents that summarize an individual’s criminal history as collated from various criminal justice agencies like courts and law enforcement agencies. Hence, York County criminal records provide information on the arrest, prosecution, and conviction in the county.

However, while local agencies may provide York County arrest records and criminal court records separately, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) gathers criminal history information at the state level. Therefore, individuals, volunteers, or organizations seeking to obtain York criminal records may conduct background checks through channels provided by this agency.

To conduct checks, requesters may use the ePATCH system or fill appropriate request forms and mail them along with ID requirements and fees in money order or certified checks to:

Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository – 164
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758

Or (volunteer and personal review checks)

Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository – RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758

The PSP charges $20 for personal review checks, $22 for individual background checks, and an additional $5 for certified copies. Volunteer checks are free.

Interested persons may get York county arrest records from the agency that carried out the arrest or find arrest details in inmate or booking records. Disposition details are also available in county court.

York County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Persons may view or access criminal court case records online through the UJS portal. Users may perform searches by attorney, citation number, docket number, participant name, and other criteria to find a specific criminal case adjudicated in the Court of Common Pleas or any Magistrate District Court in York County. Upon conducting the search, users may view or download the court summary or docket sheet on each case.

Otherwise, interested persons may obtain copies of criminal case records or view them in person by directing records requests to the court where the proceedings happened.

Get York County Civil Court Records

York County civil court records include documents and materials received or created by a court concerning civil suits filed in the county. Such civil or non-criminal matters often include lawsuits between entities like negligence, financial disputes, breach of contracts, property or personal injuries, etc.

Interested parties may access York County civil records online (for all county courts), view records in person, or obtain copies after making requests via mail or other provided channels. For cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas, the Prothonotary's Office maintains most civil case records, and persons may visit the office for in-person access. The staff would require some information, such as the case number and names of the parties involved, to process requests.

Additionally, persons may send written requests that contain their contact information, case or record description, and any copying or administrative costs to the Prothonotary's Office at:

Prothonotary's Office
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9611

On the other hand, requests for Magistrate District Court records should be directed to the specific court where proceedings took place. It is important to note that while most civil records are public, some sensitive cases may be sealed. In that case, a court order may be required to gain access, particularly if they contain confidential information.

York County Family Court Records

York County family court records provide information on family-related legal issues. These records include filed motions, trial transcripts, judgments, and other court-maintained documents that summarize the case or specific legal action.

In York County, the Court of Common Pleas handles cases related to domestic relations or family law, such as divorces, termination of parental rights, child custody and support, alimony, protection from abuse orders (PFAs), and adoption. The York County Prothonotary's Office maintains records of most of these cases, excluding appeals or PFA records, which are available to the Clerk of Courts.

Persons may require records of these cases to prove or enforce final decisions or for appellate review. However, access to family court records may vary depending on the requested document(s) and the sensitivity of the content. For example, cases involving minors or sensitive personal information, such as child custody disputes or adoption, are more likely to be kept confidential. In this case, the requestor must be a party in the case or obtain a subpoena to review the record.

For York County family court records, visit mail request letters or send online requests to the Prothonotary's or Clerk's Office. Requesters must supply the information necessary to facilitate record searches. This may include the parties' names, filing dates, docket numbers, and other relevant information. Requesters may also be asked to produce a government-issued ID to prove their eligibility to view certain restricted records. The York County Prothonotary's or Clerk's Office is located at:

York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9611

York County Marriage and Divorce Records

In York County, the Clerk of Orphans' Court issues marriage licenses and maintains records of marriages that took place in the county. Therefore, interested persons may obtain York County marriage certificates upon proper request to the Clerk’s Office. However, certified copies are only accessible to the married couple, their immediate family members, or legal representatives.

To access York County marriage records, make requests online or mail a completed certified copy of the marriage license request form along with $10 fees in check or money order and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Clerk of Orphans' Court
York County Judicial Center
45 N George Street
York, PA 17401

York County divorce records, on the other hand, are available with the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, where proceedings took place. Interested persons may find case information online with the UJS portal or mail records requests to the Prothonotary at:

Prothonotary's Office
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9611

Requests for divorce decrees must include the following:

• Case number (if known)
• Couple names
• Divorce date (or approximate year)
• Requester’s phone number
• A self-addressed stamped envelope
• A $15 money order payable to the Prothonotary
• A valid form of identification (for confidential documents and special decree).

York Birth and Death Records

York County vital records such as birth and death records are available at the state level with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries. Persons may require these records for different purposes, such as licensing, school registration, travel/citizenship, social security, or estate settlement.

However, in line with state laws, York County birth records are confidential for 105 years, while death certificates are confidential for 50 years. While confidential, these records are strictly available to:

• The adult subject of the birth certificate
• Family members, including parents, legal guardians, spouses, siblings, and children.
• The subject's legal representatives
• Executors of the deceased's estate.

Eligible persons may make walk-in requests at the nearest public office, order records online through approved vendors, or mail completed birth and death application forms along with other requirements to:

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

Requesters must provide the following:

• Signed application forms or requester’s details and event descriptions needed to find the record
• Specify the relation with the record subject and the intended use of the record
• A government-issued ID or other acceptable means of identification
• $20 fees in acceptable forms (check, money order, or credit card)

The bureau only provides York County birth certificates or death records dating back to 1906. To access older vital records from 1893 to 1906, persons may contact the York County Archives Department under the Clerk of the Orphans' Court.

York County Probate Court Records

York County probate court records include wills, estate inventories, petitions, letters of testamentary, and other documents created or filed by a court concerning probate matters involving a deceased person's estate or care of heirs/survivors.

The Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common Pleas handles probate cases in York County and the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court maintains records of these cases. However, some of these documents like adoption and guardianship records are confidential and strictly accessible to parties of the case and persons specifically granted access by law or court order.

Nevertheless, the county grants limited online access to probate records through the Register of Wills website. Users may search for records by name, estate number, or filing year. While viewing documents is free, downloading and obtaining copies may incur fees. Alternatively, send record requests to:

York County Orphans' Court
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street,
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9607
Fax: (717) 771-4678

York County Property Records

In York County, the Recorder of Deeds Office files and maintains most property records, including deeds, liens, maps/plans, affidavits of title, and mortgages. Meanwhile, the Assessment and Tax Claim Office keeps records relating to property assessments and taxes.

Nevertheless, interested persons may access property records from both custodians online with the Searchable Assessment Mapping and Database. Users may obtain information on property ownership, value, sales/transfer, and characteristics upon searching by address, name, tax parcel number, or map location.

To get copies of records from these custodians, direct requests to the appropriate office at:

Recorder of Deeds Office
28 East Market Street
Suite 122
York, PA 17401-1590
Phone: (717) 771-9295
Fax: (717) 771-9582

Or

York County Assessment Office
28 East Market Street,
Room 105
York, PA 17401-1585
Phone: (717) 771-9232

Additionally, interested persons may examine public York County property records for free using public computers at the Recorder's Office. Copies cost $0.50 per page to print.

York County Court Records Online

Interested persons may perform online name-based searches for York County court records with the case search tool on the Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal. Residents may also be able to access York County court records online using third-party resources like Pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us. Operating independently of any government agency, such third-party websites allow record seekers to easily search, retrieve, and download York court documents from anywhere by inputting key case information such as case numbers, party names, or dates. However, users must note that obtaining access to York court records via third-party websites might cost a charge or require a subscription. The accuracy of information obtained on such sites cannot be guaranteed.