Allegheny County Court Records
Allegheny County court records comprise the official documentation of proceedings within the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. These records serve as a history of legal actions that occur in the county. The county’s court records are also closely connected to other public records, such as arrest records, and often present more comprehensive information about a legal matter. However, court records, unlike other public records, are not governed by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.
Are Allegheny County Court Records Public?
Yes. Allegheny County court records are open to the public for inspection and copying in accordance with 204 Pa. Code § 213.81. The policy also sets specific procedures for requesting access and limits on certain confidential information and documents in the state. Confidential information is not public and is open only to authorized persons. The following court records are usually confidential:
- Social security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers
- The name and date of birth of a minor, unless the minor is charged as a defendant in a criminal case (42 Pa.C.S. § 6355)
- The address and contact information of abuse victims
- Incapacity proceedings
What Information is Available in Allegheny County Court Records?
Court records contain all information relevant to a case, and because each case is unique, the exact content of a court record differs. However, there is unifying information that is usually found across the board, irrespective of a case’s peculiarities. This information includes
- The case details, including the case number and filing date
- The names of the parties and their attorneys
- Dockets and calendars
- Exhibits
- Court actions, such as decrees, orders, judgments, or opinions
Allegheny County Court Records Search
Individuals can research Allegheny County court records through several methods, depending on their preferred mode of access or needs.
- Online Access
Online access to court records in Allegheny County is furnished by the
Allegheny County DCR E-Filing and Retrieval System
and the
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal. Both portals enable researchers to access civil and criminal court records
filed in Allegheny County, with the Pennsylvania Web Portal offering remote
access to court records from other counties as well.
To search for a Civil/Family Division case on the DCR E-Filing and Retrieval System, users will need the case number. Records from the Criminal Division can be searched by other criteria, such as a name, filing date, incident number, or docket number.
- In-Person Access
Individuals can access court records in person at the Court Division location (e.g, Criminal and Civil Divisions). Each court division has its own clerk who is responsible for handling record requests. Requesters must provide the clerk with a case number or a name for the search to be done. They may also be charged a fee for the services offered. Additionally, each division’s office is equipped with a public terminal where inquirers can search for court records without needing staff contact or assistance.
- Mail and Phone Requests
Requests for court records in Allegheny County may also be made by mail to the appropriate division. Some forms, such as the Will Search Request Form and the Transcript Request Form, are available online and can be downloaded to complete and forward by mail. For records without online request forms, individuals may submit a written request that clearly describes the required record. Inquirers may contact a division by phone to verify access procedures or ask questions; however, actual case information is not disclosed over the phone.
Fees for Court Records in Allegheny County
Viewing court records online or on public terminals available at the courthouses is free. However, obtaining physical copies of the record almost always costs a fee. The general fee, as determined by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, for records is 25 cents per page plus a $1 certification fee. However, court records do not explicitly stick to this schedule, as certification typically costs $20.
Allegheny County Courthouse Locations
Allegheny County courts function under the Pennsylvania Fifth Judicial District and comprise the Criminal, Civil, Family, and Orphans Divisions. The county also has Magisterial District Courts and the Pittsburgh Municipal Court. The addresses of each court are listed below.
Civil Division
City-County Building
414 Grant Street
7th & 8th Floors
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-0591
Criminal Division
436 Grant Street
534 Courthouse
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-5500
Fax: (412) 350-3842
Family Division
440 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-5600
Orphans’ Court
1700 Frick Building
437 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-5550
Fax: (412) 350-1925
Pittsburgh Municipal Court
Municipal Courts Building
660 First Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-6715
Magisterial District Courts
340 Frick Building
437 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-5485
Fax: (412) 350-5006
Criminal Records Access in Allegheny County
Allegheny County criminal records are primarily maintained by local law enforcement, and at the state level by the Pennsylvania State Police. The State Police also discloses official criminal history records through Pennsylvania’s Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. Allegheny Courts do not issue these criminal history checks or any background reports. However, criminal case records are maintained by the court. These records are available at the courthouse or through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
Allegheny County Probate Records
Allegheny County probate records document the settlement of deceased individuals’ estates, as well as other cases heard by the probate court, such as will contests, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. Probate cases in Allegheny are handled by the Orphans’ Court, a division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, and the case records are kept by the court clerk.
Probate records are part of the public records, and like other court records, certain records are withheld. Restricted records usually include sensitive financial or personal details.
Individuals can visit the Orphans’ Court to obtain a probate record by providing basic details about the record. The Will Search Request Form can also be filled out and mailed to the court by those solely seeking access to wills filed with the court. However, requesters should note that a will filed with the court becomes public record only after the testator’s death.
Allegheny County Family Court Records
Family court records in Allegheny County are maintained by the Family Court Division and contain information about domestic and family law cases, such as divorce, paternity, alimony, adoptions, and child custody and visitation. The Family Court hears adoption cases that originate from dependency issues, such as those involving foster care.
Family court records are accessible in person at the Family Court Division or online through the Allegheny County DCR E-Filing and Retrieval System. Users should note, however, that confidential family records are not accessible online.
Federal Court Records in Allegheny County
Federal court cases involve federal law and fall outside the jurisdiction of county or state courts. Such cases from Allegheny County are handled by the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
To access a federal court record, inquirers can visit the federal courthouse situated in the county to make a request. The court’s contact information is below.
U.S. Courthouse
700 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 208-7500
Alternatively, researchers may use the PACER Case Locator to search federal court records. Users must register an account to be able to use the service. Access to court records via the system also costs 10 cents per page.
