Philadelphia County Court Records Lookup

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Philadelphia County Courts

Philadelphia County is the most populous county in Pennsylvania, with a population of about 1.6 million residents. This accounts for nearly 13% of the state's population. According to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's 2023 Annual Caseload Statistics, the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas recorded approximately 19,182 criminal case filings.

Philadelphia County residents are served by the Court of Common Pleas, the Municipal Court, and various Federal Courts. These courts handle different types of cases, including civil claims, criminal matters, family law, probate, and juvenile proceedings, depending on each court's jurisdiction.

The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil claims exceeding $12,000, domestic relations matters, juvenile delinquency, adoption, and probate proceedings
Municipal Courts address summary offenses, misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases under $12,000

Trial court proceedings take place in several courthouse locations within the City of Philadelphia, which serves as both the county seat and administrative center of Philadelphia County.

How To Access Philadelphia County Court Records

Philadelphia County court records, such as case filings, Register of Actions, judgments, motions, and hearing dates, are generally accessible to the public following the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration. Many of these records are available free of charge through online platforms maintained by the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. However, certain court records are exempt from public disclosure. These may include juvenile records, mental health commitment documents, sealed or expunged records, records related to ongoing investigations, adoption proceedings, and other family law matters.

Access to such restricted court records is typically limited to authorized government agencies, individuals named in the case, and their legal representatives. Additionally, obtaining court documents may require payment of applicable fees and valid identification, particularly for in-person requests. To access public court records in Philadelphia County, individuals may use any of the following methods:

Online

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Public Access portal, commonly referred to as eCourts, allows the public to search for case information free of charge. Users may search by party name, case number, attorney name, incident number, citation number, or calendar event, including hearing dates. The portal also offers filtering options by court type and county, including Philadelphia County.

Interested persons may also search for Philadelphia County court records through CourtCaseFinder. The platform aggregates publicly available court information from counties across the United States. For court records related to federal cases heard in Philadelphia County, court records may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Users are required to create a PACER account for free, although fees may apply for accessing certain documents.

In-Person

Individuals may access Philadelphia County court records in person by visiting the Office of Judicial Records (OJR) or the relevant division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk's Office for the Court of Common Pleas maintains case filings, registers of actions, judgments, motions, and hearing dates. Before visiting, it is advisable to contact the Clerk's Office to confirm the court's procedures and requirements.

Public-access terminals are available at court facilities in Philadelphia, including the Criminal Justice Center and various record custodian offices. These on site terminals allow users to search case dockets and related information by case number, party name, attorney name, or hearing date.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Pennsylvania State Archives serves as the official repository for historical and archived county-level records. These documents include court dockets, probate files, deeds, and certain civil and criminal documents, some of which date back to the 1800s. Interested parties may contact the State Archives at:

Pennsylvania State Archives

1681 North Sixth Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102 1106

Phone: (717)Ã¢Â€Â¯783 3281

In addition, many archival records have been digitized and are available to researchers on-site at the State Archives' public search room.

How To File a Case in Philadelphia County

Interested parties seeking to file a case in Philadelphia County may do so by contacting or visiting the Philadelphia County Office of Judicial Records. This office provides information regarding the appropriate division of the Court of Common Pleas, depending on the type of case being filed, as well as guidance on the procedures required to file a case. Cases may be filed in person, by mail, or electronically using the Pennsylvania Courts Electronic Filing System (PACFile). Self-represented litigants may access court-approved forms and filing instructions provided by the Pennsylvania Judiciary.

Court filing fees are determined by case type and court division. Individuals who are unable to afford the required filing fees may file a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP), which must include a financial affidavit detailing the applicant's income and public assistance status. The court evaluates such requests to determine eligibility for a fee waiver depending on the stated financial situation.

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

Complete all required court-approved forms
Provide accurate information for all parties involved, including legal names, addresses, and contact details
Ensure that the case is filed at the appropriate court division
Pay the required filing fees or submit a fee waiver application
Arrange for service of process, which involves formally delivering the complaint or petition to the opposing party under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

County court systems across the United States play a vital role in ensuring access to justice. Legal aid and self-help resources serve as essential supports, particularly for self-represented individuals involved in civil, family, probate, housing, or small claims matters. While the availability of such services varies by jurisdiction, they typically include court-affiliated self-help centers, nonprofit legal aid organizations, online resources, and volunteer or pro bono attorney programs.

Low-income individuals in Philadelphia County may seek legal assistance through court-approved nonprofit organizations and volunteer attorney programs. These services typically offer free legal consultations, representation in certain cases, or referrals to attorneys who may offer legal services at reduced rates

The following self-help and legal aid resources are generally available to indigent litigants in the county:

Free Legal Representation for Low-Income Persons

Pennsylvania Legal Assistance - This organization provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents of Philadelphia County. Common areas of assistance include family law, housing, unemployment compensation, public benefits, and domestic violence protection
Community Legal Services (CLS) - This platform offers legal representation and advocacy in areas such as housing and evictions, utilities, employment, elder law, and health-related legal issues. Services are available to qualifying individuals based on income and residency

Pro Bono and Volunteer Attorney Programs

Philadelphia Volunteer for the Indigent Program - This is a nonprofit organization that connects eligible low-income residents with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation in civil matters, including landlord-tenant disputes, family law, probate, and homeownership issues

Private Lawyer Referral Services

Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) - This Service offers referrals to private attorneys who may provide a reduced-fee consultation

Types of Courts in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County residents are served by several courts, including the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Below is a list of each court's jurisdiction and contact details:

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas - Office of Judicial Records - Civil

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - General civil litigations, including personal injury, contract disputes, and property claims
Address and Contact Information -

Philadelphia City Hall

Broad and Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 646-6654

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas - Office of Judicial Records -Criminal

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Criminal felony cases
Address and Contact Information -

Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice

1301 Filbert Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 683-7703

Fax: (215) 683-7713

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas - Family Division

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Family-related legal matters, including divorce, domestic violence restraining orders, child custody and support, as well as juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
Address and Contact Information -

Philadelphia Family Court

1501 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone: (215) 646-7466

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Probate of wills, administration of estates, Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons, adoptions, and trusts
Address and Contact Information -

City Hall

Room 415

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 686-2230

Philadelphia County Municipal Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases, Misdemeanors, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $12,000, family-related matters, traffic, and code enforcement violations
The Municipal Court locations in Philadelphia County are listed below:

Philadelphia Municipal Court - Criminal Division

Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice

1301 Filbert Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 683-7290

Fax: (215) 683-7293

Philadelphia Municipal Court - Civil Division

1339 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 686-2910

Fax: (215) 569-9254

Philadelphia Municipal Court - Traffic Division

800 Spring Garden Street

Philadelphia, PA 19130

Phone: (855) 868-1675

Federal Courts in Philadelphia County

The following are the federal courts serving Philadelphia County residents:

United States District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Federal civil and criminal cases involving U.S. law, constitutional claims, federal regulations, and diversity of citizenship cases
Address and Contact Information -

James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse

601 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone: (267) 299 7000

United States Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - All matters related to bankruptcy under federal law
Address and Contact Information -

Robert N.C. Nix Federal Courthouse

900 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 408 2800

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Philadelphia County Courts

These are the commonly asked questions about Philadelphia County courts:

Are Court Records Public in Philadelphia County?

Yes. Most court records in Philadelphia County are open to public inspection. However, access to certain records is typically restricted. These may include documents related to ongoing investigations, sealed proceedings, juvenile delinquency matters, and child protection case files. Individuals seeking access to such restricted records must obtain authorization from the court.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Philadelphia County?

Criminal cases in Philadelphia County are heard by the Criminal Division of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for felony trials and serious misdemeanors, while the Philadelphia Municipal Court has jurisdiction over preliminary hearings and lesser offenses. Interested parties may search for criminal case information using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania portal, which provides access to publicly available criminal case information. These records may be searched by party name or docket number. For information on court record access policies, requesters may refer to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Philadelphia County?

Eviction cases in Philadelphia County are typically handled by the Municipal Court's Civil Division, specifically the Landlord-Tenant Court. This division hears disputes between landlords and tenants, including eviction filings. Interested persons may access publicly available eviction case records by visiting the courthouse. Public access terminals are typically available at the courthouse for viewing docket information. Alternatively, eviction case details may be searched through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

No. In Philadelphia County, small claims cases must be filed in person at the First Filing Office of the Philadelphia Municipal Court's Civil Division. While forms may be downloaded and prepared in advance, the actual filing process requires physical submission.

Do Philadelphia County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

Yes. Public-access computer terminals are generally available at Pennsylvania court facilities, including those serving Philadelphia County. Users may search case dockets and court records using criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date. The computer terminals are designed to guide users through the search process with on-screen instructions.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Philadelphia County?

Any individual seeking to challenge a court's decision in Philadelphia County may file a Notice of Appeal. In most civil and criminal cases, the notice must be filed within 30Ã¢Â€Â¯days of the entry of judgment. For residential landlord-tenant disputes, the appeal must be filed within 10Ã¢Â€Â¯days if the judgment is related to possession of property, or 30Ã¢Â€Â¯days if the judgment includes a monetary award. In Municipal Court appeals, additional documents such as a complaint or praecipe may be required within 20 days, while post judgment appeals must include transcripts and pleadings within 30 days.

How Do Philadelphia County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

Individuals who receive a traffic citation in Philadelphia County are required to respond within 10 days of the violation. They may do so by paying the fine online through the Pennsylvania UJS portal or by submitting a not guilty plea, which may be filed either online or by mail. Those who choose to contest the citation will have their case scheduled for a hearing, during which they may present evidence or request alternative penalties, such as community service or a structured payment plan.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Philadelphia County?

Divorce records in Philadelphia County are maintained by the Office of Judicial Records, Civil Filing Unit. While basic case details such as names of parties, case type, filing date, and status are available online using the Philadelphia Family Court Domestic Relations Docket Search, certified copies cannot be downloaded or delivered digitally. Interested individuals may request them by mail or in person at the office. Certified copies cost $41.58 per document, with an additional $15 research, if the divorce year is not known.

Philadelphia County, PA - Courthouses

Philadelphia County Common Pleas

Court Type:	Common Pleas
Street Address:	1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Website URL:	http://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/philadelphia-courts

Phone:	215 686-7000
Hours:	Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Judge:	Hon. Idee C. Fox
Judge Phone:	215-686-8334
Judge Fax / Email:	215-567-7328

Clerk:	Eric Feder
Clerk Phone:	215-683-7700
Clerk Fax:	215-567-7380

Public transportation:	Visit the SEPTA website for information on how to arrive at The Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice via public transportation.
Restrictions:	All electronic devices are to be turned off in the courtrooms unless otherwise instructed by court staff.

Forms & Filing:	https://www.courts.phila.gov/forms/
Dockets / Schedule / Calendar:	https://fjdefile.phila.gov/efsfjd/zk_fjd_public_qry_04.zp_legalhearlist_setup_idx?uid=EdeQNrkO!IolqsSYDxam&o=Jek5I19dU_szGcc
Jury Service:	https://www.courts.phila.gov/juryservice/
Languages:	Multiple

Email:	jury@courts.phila.gov
Facebook:	https://www.facebook.com/philacourt/
Twitter:	https://twitter.com/philacourts
Linkedin:	https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-feder-7a643112/

ADA:	Valerie Jowett
ADA Phone:	215-683-6950
ADA Fax / Email:	valerie.jowett@courts.phila.gov
Special Access:	Any person with a disability needing special help to serve on jury duty should contact the Jury Information Line at 215 683-7170.

About / Additional Info:	The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is composed of two courts which make up the Philadelphia County Court System: the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court. The Court of Common Pleas is a general trial jurisdiction court with a complement of one hundred and one judges. The Court of Common Pleas is headed by a President Judge elected by their peers and is organized into three divisions based on case types, each led by an Administrative Judge appointed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The Trial Division is responsible for most felony criminal and major civil cases where the contested amount exceeds $12,000; the Family Division is responsible for Domestic Relations Branch matters (divorce, paternity, custody, child support and domestic violence) and Juvenile Branch cases (delinquency, dependency, and adoptions); and the Orphans' Court Division conducts proceedings involving estates, wills and trusts.
Wikipedia:	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_City_Hall

Philadelphia Municipal Court

Court Type:	Municipal Courts
Street Address:	1339 Chestnut St.
Website URL:	https://www.courts.phila.gov/municipal/

Phone:	215-686-2910
Fax:	215569-9254
Hours:	Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Judge:	Hon. Patrick F. Dugan
Judge Phone:	215-683-7200
Judge Fax / Email:	215-683-7203

Forms & Filing:	https://www.courts.phila.gov/municipal/civil/
Dockets / Schedule / Calendar:	https://fjdclaims.phila.gov/phmuni/login.do
Languages:	Multiple

Email:	mcclaimssupport@courts.phila.gov
Facebook:	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philadelphia-Municipal-court/174221599285930
Twitter:	https://twitter.com/philacourts

ADA:	Valerie Jowett
ADA Phone:	215-683-6950
ADA Fax / Email:	valerie.jowett@courts.phila.gov

About / Additional Info:	The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is composed of two courts which make up the Philadelphia County Court System: the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court. The twenty-seven judge Municipal Court is a limited jurisdiction court of record. The Municipal Court is led by a President Judge and is organized into three divisions; Criminal, Civil and Traffic. The Criminal Division is responsible for trying adult criminal cases carrying a maximum sentence of incarceration of five (5) years or less. Municipal Court also has initial jurisdiction in processing every criminal arrest in Philadelphia and conducts misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for all felony cases. The Civil Division is the jurisdiction for civil cases where the amount in controversy is $12,000 or less for Small Claims; unlimited dollar amount for Landlord and Tenant Cases and $15,000 in real estate and school tax cases. Because defendants do not have the right to a jury trial in Municipal Court, cases may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a trial de novo.
Wikipedia:	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Municipal_Court