Allegheny County Courts

Allegheny County, home to approximately 1.2 million residents and accounting for about 9% of Pennsylvania's total population, is a significant region in the state. It is anchored by Pittsburgh, which serves as the county seat and plays a vital role in the county's diverse industrial growth. Allegheny County courts handle about 69,000 cases each year. These include approximately 10,379 criminal matters, 14,703 civil cases, 327 probate matters, 44,309 domestic relations cases, and 3,015 juvenile matters filings.

Allegheny County's trial courts handle various case types, depending on each court's jurisdiction.

• Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas has exclusive jurisdiction over civil, domestic relations, probate, and criminal cases.
• Magisterial District Court handles traffic infractions, small claims, civil cases involving financial disputes of less than $12,000, and preliminary hearings for criminal cases.
• Housing Court addresses cases involving landlord-tenant disputes and issues related to possession of real property.
• Pittsburgh Municipal Court handles matters related todecedents' estates, guardianship, and estate tax matters.

How To Access Allegheny County Court Records

Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, the public may access court records in Allegheny County. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, records of cases involving juveniles, child protection orders, and sealed court records are restricted from public disclosure. Additionally, court records from incapacity proceedings, as outlined in 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 55-1-5555, are not accessible to the public.

In Allegheny County, individuals seeking access to court records are typically required to provide a case number, along with a valid government-issued photo ID. They may access the court records through any of the following methods:

Online

Individuals may access Allegheny County court records online through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal or the Allegheny County Department of Court Records Portal (for civil and family cases). Individuals may search for court records by using the participant's name, standard case ID, or non-standard case ID as the search criterion on the portal.

Interested individuals may also find Allegheny County court records through CourtCaseFinder. The website compiles court records that are accessible to the public from courts in every county across the United States. Regarding federal cases in Allegheny County, the public may find court records through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records(PACER) service. An individual may register for a free PACER account and pay the required fees to access court records.

In-Person

Individuals may visit the courthouses where cases were handled to access court records in Allegheny County. Typically, each court has a clerk whose responsibilities include keeping records of cases heard by the court. Individuals may contact the clerk's office of the relevant court to inquire about the requirements for accessing court records in person. Depending on the type of record, a requester may be asked to submit a written request or an application form.

Alternatively, some courthouses allow people to access court records through public kiosks or computer terminals. Viewing court records on the public access terminals is usually free, but printing from these kiosks may incur $0.50 fee per page.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves and collects public records, including historic Allegheny County court records. Interested individuals may contact the State Archives to access court records at:

For older records preceding 1885, individuals may request them manually at the Allegheny County Department of Court Records.

How To File a Case in Allegheny County

Before filing a case in Allegheny County, PA, an individual must determine the appropriate court and division that can handle their case. After this, the case must be filed in a court where the defendant resides or where the incident occurred. Then, the plaintiff may check the Allegheny County Department of Court Records website or the court clerk to determine the court's jurisdiction.

Interested individuals may file a case electronically in the county through the Department of Court Records Portal DCR. To file a court case in person, obtain consent from all parties, visit the appropriate clerk's office, and provide the required documents for filing. For family court cases, Orphans' Court matters, and other filings related to the Register of Wills, requesters may submit filings by mail.

Each case type requires different filing requirements for different courts in the county; therefore, requesters should contact the clerk's office for specific details. Filing a court case in the county may attract some fees. Generally, these fees vary by court and the type of case, whether it is a civil or family, or criminal case.

However, individuals who cannot afford the filing fee may apply for a fee waiver. They must complete and submit a Petition for Waiver of Transcript Costs Form or a Petition to Proceed in Forma Pauperis Form to the court. To apply for a waiver, the applicant must provide their financial information to show they qualify. After that, they should wait for the judge's response or proceed to attend a hearing if asked by the court.

The following steps are generally required to file a case in Allegheny County:

• Determine the appropriate division that will handle the case type.
• Prepare the required documents, including case details, affidavits, exhibits, and any additional documents to support the case.
• Complete any specific court-approved form available on the court website.
• Pay filing fees or apply for a waiver
• Then, file the petition or complaint with the relevant court.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Generally, state agencies are prohibited from serving as personal attorneys or providing legal advice to individuals. Litigants who cannot afford to hire legal representation for lawsuits in Allegheny County may find assistance and self-help resources through local aid societies, county courthouses, and local pro bono panels.

Legal help and self-help resources offered to people who do not have enough money for legal representation in the county include the following:

• Free Legal Representation for Low-income Persons
  • Neighborhood Legal Services (Allegheny County)
  • Pittsburgh Pro Bono Center
  • Christian Legal Aid of Pittsburgh
  • University of Pittsburgh Immigration Law Clinic (helps with immigration law and policy)
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Private Lawyer Referral Services
  • Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service helps with divorce, custody, wills, DUIs, and bankruptcy.

Other legal aid services and self-help resources available to Allegheny County residents include the following:

• Christian Immigration Advocacy Center (CIAC) - Provides immigration legal services, including asylum, visas, and citizenship applications.
• Acculturation for Justice, Access & Peace Outreach (AJAPO) - Provides legal assistance to refugees and immigrants.
• Allegheny County Law Library - Offers free access to legal research tools and resources, including books and databases.
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) - offers a statewide directory of civil legal aid providers for low-income individuals and families.
• PALawHelp.org - Provides online resources like legal aid programs, court forms, and self-help guides.
• Office of the Public Defender - provides free legal services to a person who may not be able to afford a lawyer in a court proceeding.

Types of Courts in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Multiple courts, including county courts, a municipal court, and federal courts, serve the residents of Allegheny County. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (Civil Court)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - civil cases with disputes more than $50,000, landlord/tenant matters, appeals from Magistrate District Courts, and jury trials.
• Address and Contact Information -

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (Criminal Court)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - felonies, misdemeanors, and summary appeals from Magistrate District Courts, and jury trials.
• Address and Contact Information -

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (Family Court)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile cases involving dependency, delinquency, termination of parental rights, and other related matters. Additionally, it has an adult section that addresses topics such as child support, custody, divorce, and other related issues.
• Address and Contact Information -

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (Orphans' Court)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Matters involving decedents' estate, wills, trusts, guardianship of persons and estates of minors and incapacitated persons, nonprofit associations, powers of attorney, and estate tax matters.
• Address and Contact Information -

Magisterial District Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Matters adjudicated in the 46 districts of the courts include preliminary hearings of criminal matters, issuance of arrest warrants in misdemeanor and felony cases, and issuance of search warrants. The court also deals with traffic and non-traffic infractions, as well as abuse petitions under the Protection from Abuse Act. It also handles civil matters, such as contracts, torts, and landlord-tenant disputes involving sums of less than $12,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

Housing Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - A wide range of matters involving landlord/tenant cases and issues involving possession of real property.
• Address and Contact Information -

Pittsburgh Municipal Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Matters involving decedents' estate, wills, trusts, guardianship of persons and estates of minors and incapacitated persons, nonprofit associations, powers of attorney, and estate tax matters.
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts in Allegheny County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Matters that raise a federal question involving the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Government, and other federal laws. These generally include civil, criminal cases, and cases involving diversity of citizenship.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Bankruptcy cases
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Allegheny County Courts

The following are answers to the commonly asked questions about Allegheny County, PA courts: