Chester County Court Records
What Is Chester County Court Records
Chester County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments.
In Chester County, Pennsylvania, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Court of Common Pleas (the county's primary trial court)
- Magisterial District Courts (local courts handling minor cases)
- Orphans' Court Division (handling estates, guardianships, and adoptions)
- Juvenile Court (handling cases involving minors)
These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, court records are defined as "any information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that documents a transaction or activity of an agency and that is created, received or retained pursuant to law or in connection with a transaction, business or activity of the agency."
The Chester County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary repository for most significant legal proceedings in the county, while specialized divisions maintain records pertinent to their jurisdictions.
Are Court Records Public In Chester County
Court records in Chester County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to both the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008) and the common law presumption of openness in judicial proceedings. Under § 67.305 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, records of Commonwealth agencies, local agencies, and judicial agencies are presumed to be public records available for inspection and copying.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records related to court cases
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:
- Juvenile records (pursuant to § 6307 of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act)
- Records in family court matters involving minors
- Mental health proceedings
- Cases under seal by judicial order
- Records containing confidential personal information as defined by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (which includes Chester County) are governed by federal access rules and are available through the federal PACER system, not through county resources.
How To Find Court Records in Chester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Chester County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
- Visit the appropriate court office in person:
Chester County Justice Center
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000
Chester County Courts
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
-
Submit a written request:
- Complete the appropriate request form for the specific court division
- Include case number, party names, and filing dates if known
- Submit the form to the relevant court clerk's office
-
Access the Public Access Portal for electronic records:
- Create a user account if required
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies
-
Contact the Clerk of Courts for criminal cases:
- Provide case information
- Request specific documents
- Pay applicable fees
-
Visit the Chester County Archives & Record Services for historical court records:
- Submit a research request for older cases
- Schedule an appointment for extensive research
- Request certified copies if needed
When requesting records, be prepared to provide identification and pay any applicable fees. Standard copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard documents, with additional charges for certified copies and extensive searches.
How To Look Up Court Records in Chester County Online?
Chester County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically, each serving different court divisions and record types:
-
Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Provides access to criminal, civil, and family court dockets
- Allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date
- Displays case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information
- Requires free registration for advanced features
-
Chester County Public Access Portal
- Offers access to Court of Common Pleas records
- Provides searchable database of civil, criminal, and orphans' court cases
- Displays docket information and case status
- Some documents may require in-person requests
-
PACFile Electronic Filing System
- Used primarily by attorneys and parties to cases
- Allows electronic filing of documents
- Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Requires registration and authentication
-
Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Provides access to magisterial district court records
- Allows searches for minor criminal and civil cases
- Displays case status and hearing information
To conduct an online search:
- Select the appropriate portal based on the type of case
- Create an account if required
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select the relevant case
- View available docket information and documents
- Pay any applicable fees for document access or copies
Note that pursuant to § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code, certain confidential information may be redacted from online records, and some documents may only be available through in-person requests.
How To Search Chester County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law guarantees the right to inspect public court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies may waive fees if the custodian determines that the requester is indigent or that the release is in the public interest.
Free options for accessing Chester County court records include:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the appropriate court office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Take notes from records without charge
Chester County Justice Center
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000
Chester County Courts
-
Free online resources:
- Unified Judicial System Web Portal (free registration required)
- Chester County Court Dockets (basic case information)
- Pennsylvania Appellate Court Public Access (for appeals cases)
-
Public access terminals:
- Available at the Chester County Justice Center
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- May require assistance from court staff
-
Chester County Law Library:
- Located in the Justice Center
- Provides free access to legal research tools
- Offers assistance with locating court records
While basic searches and in-person inspection are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Records requiring extensive research or retrieval from archives
- Specialized searches requiring staff assistance
What's Included in a Chester County Court Record?
Chester County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and responses
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Orders and opinions issued by the court
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment filings and orders
For Criminal Cases:
- Criminal complaint or information
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail information and conditions
- Preliminary hearing documentation
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict or plea entry
- Sentencing orders
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation/parole violation records
For Family Court Cases:
- Divorce complaints and decrees
- Child custody petitions and orders
- Support calculations and orders
- Protection from abuse filings
- Adoption records (often sealed)
- Guardianship documentation
- Property division agreements
For Orphans' Court Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories
- Fiduciary appointments
- Guardianship petitions
- Trust documents
- Accounting statements
- Distribution orders
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and proceedings in chronological order. The docket includes case numbers, party names, attorney information, filing dates, hearing schedules, and disposition information.
How Long Does Chester County Keep Court Records?
Chester County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509. Retention periods vary based on case type and document significance:
Criminal Case Records:
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary offenses: 7 years after final disposition
Civil Case Records:
- Major civil litigation: 25 years after final disposition
- Minor civil matters: 7 years after final disposition
- Landlord-tenant cases: 7 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 7 years after final disposition
Family Court Records:
- Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
- Child custody orders: Until the youngest child reaches age 25
- Support orders: 1 year after the youngest child reaches age 18
- Protection from abuse orders: 5 years after expiration
Orphans' Court Records:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship records: 25 years after termination
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
Court records of historical significance may be transferred to the Chester County Archives & Record Services for permanent preservation. The Archives maintains court records dating back to 1681, including historic criminal, civil, and orphans' court files.
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to procedures established in § 507 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, unless they have been designated for permanent retention due to historical or legal significance.
Types of Courts In Chester County
Chester County's judicial system consists of several courts organized in a hierarchical structure:
Chester County Court of Common Pleas
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000
Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Court of Common Pleas is Chester County's primary trial court with general jurisdiction, divided into specialized divisions:
- Civil Division
- Criminal Division
- Family Court Division
- Orphans' Court Division
- Juvenile Court Division
Magisterial District Courts
Chester County has 17 Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county. These courts handle minor cases including:
- Summary criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Civil claims under $12,000
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases
Example location:
Magisterial District Court 15-1-01
601 Westtown Road, Suite 110
West Chester, PA 19380
610-436-5757
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Chester County Orphans' Court
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6400
Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Chester County Juvenile Court
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6185
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania proceeds from Magisterial District Courts to the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania or Commonwealth Court (depending on case type), and finally to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Chester County Courts Hear?
Chester County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters distributed among various court divisions based on case type and severity:
Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division:
- Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury cases
- Property disputes
- Professional malpractice claims
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division:
- Felony criminal cases
- Serious misdemeanor cases
- Criminal jury trials
- Sentencing proceedings
- Probation/parole violations
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Criminal appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Court of Common Pleas - Family Division:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody disputes
- Child and spousal support matters
- Protection from abuse cases
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
- Marriage license issuance
Orphans' Court Division:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Trust administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
- Minors' estates
Juvenile Court Division:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases
- Status offenses
- Juvenile probation matters
Magisterial District Courts:
- Summary criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary arraignments and hearings
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims proceedings
- Municipal code violations
Each court's jurisdiction is established by the Pennsylvania Judicial Code, with specific authority granted under § 931 for the Court of Common Pleas and § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Chester County
Court dockets in Chester County can be accessed through several methods, providing information about scheduled hearings, filed documents, and case status:
-
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Chester County Court Dockets page
- Select the appropriate court system (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review results showing case status, scheduled events, and filed documents
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Access the UJS Web Portal
- Select the appropriate court (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
- Enter search parameters
- View docket sheets showing chronological case activity
-
In-Person Request:
- Visit the appropriate court office:
Clerk of Courts Office (for criminal cases)
Chester County Justice Center
201 West Market Street, Suite 1400
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6135
Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Prothonotary's Office (for civil cases)
Chester County Justice Center
201 West Market Street, Suite 1425
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
-
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate court office with case information
- Request docket information for specific cases
- Note that detailed information may require in-person visits
-
Daily Court Calendar:
- View the daily court schedule posted at the Justice Center
- Check the Chester County Courts website for hearing lists
- Note that calendars typically show only upcoming hearings, not complete dockets
When searching for dockets, having the following information available will facilitate the process:
- Full case number
- Complete names of parties involved
- Approximate filing date
- Case type or court division
Pursuant to § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code, certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly accessible docket sheets to protect privacy interests.
Which Courts in Chester County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pennsylvania's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by § 321 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Courts not of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and have limited sentencing authority.
In Chester County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Magisterial District Courts Chester County's 17 Magisterial District Courts are not courts of record. These courts:
- Handle minor civil and criminal matters
- Conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Do not typically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Have limited sentencing authority
- Issue decisions that can be appealed de novo (completely new trial) to the Court of Common Pleas
Example location:
Magisterial District Court 15-1-02
75 East Uwchlan Avenue
Exton, PA 19341
610-363-0373
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Municipal Courts in Boroughs and Townships Some municipalities within Chester County may have local courts handling ordinance violations. These are not courts of record and include:
- Parking enforcement hearings
- Code violation tribunals
- Administrative hearing officers
All other courts in Chester County, including the Court of Common Pleas and its various divisions (Civil, Criminal, Family, Orphans', and Juvenile), are courts of record. These courts:
- Maintain official transcripts of all proceedings
- Have court reporters or electronic recording systems
- Issue decisions that can only be appealed on matters of law, not fact
- Have full contempt powers
- Maintain permanent records of all proceedings
When a case is appealed from a court not of record to a court of record, the entire matter is heard anew, as if the original proceeding had not occurred. This is known as a de novo appeal, as established in § 932 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code.
Lookup Court Records in Chester County
Public Access to Court Records