Court records in Erie County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several online tools and official resources. EriePACourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the UJS web portal, the Erie County Court Record Viewer, the Clerk of Records office at the Erie County Courthouse, and public terminals available on-site during business hours.
Erie Court System & Jurisdictions
Erie County's court structure follows Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. Knowing which court handles your case type is essential before searching for a docket.
Court of Common Pleas
The Erie County Court of Common Pleas is the county's general trial court. It has several divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from magisterial district courts. The Clerk of Courts maintains all criminal court records, including motions, pleadings, and transcripts.
- Civil Division — lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and other civil matters. The Prothonotary processes and maintains civil court records from 1992 to present.
- Family Division — custody, divorce, domestic relations, support, Protection From Abuse orders, and name changes.
- Orphans' Court Division — estates, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters. The Clerk of Orphans' Court maintains these records.
Magisterial District Courts
Erie County has multiple magisterial district judges who handle:
- Summary offenses and traffic violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims (civil cases up to $12,000)
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Docket sheets for magisterial district court cases can be searched through the statewide UJS Portal case search.
Erie Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Erie County Common Pleas cases — including today's, tomorrow's, and this week's scheduled hearings — are available through the Pennsylvania court system's online tools.
- Visit the UJS Portal and search by case number or party name to view scheduled events on individual docket sheets.
- Check the Erie County Courts website for published court schedules, including the custody trial term schedule and other division-specific calendars.
- Contact the appropriate division directly — the Clerk of Courts for criminal calendars, or the Prothonotary for civil term schedules.
Magisterial district court calendars are typically posted at each district court office or available by calling the specific judge's office. The statewide docket sheet search also shows future hearing dates listed on individual case dockets.
How to Get a Copy of a Erie Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the record type and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Which Office to Contact
- Criminal records — Clerk of Courts
- Civil records — Prothonotary
- Orphans' Court records — Clerk of Orphans' Court
- Marriage licenses — Clerk of Records, Marriage License division
How to Request
- Online: Search the Erie County Court Record Viewer for civil (Prothonotary) records from 1992 to present. Docket sheets for all divisions are also viewable free through the UJS Portal. Note that online access typically provides docket information and some documents, but certified copies usually require an in-person or mail request.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Records at the Erie County Courthouse. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mailing Address
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies carry the court seal and an attestation of authenticity — these are typically required for legal proceedings, appeals, or official filings. Uncertified copies are usually sufficient for personal reference. Ask the clerk which version you need before paying.
For records that may be restricted — such as juvenile cases, certain family court matters, or sealed records — access may be denied or require a court order. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law generally presumes government records are public, but court records follow separate rules under the Unified Judicial System's public access policy.
Erie Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and services in Erie County are set by statute and local court policy. The table below covers common requests. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may change.
| Service | Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certified copy | $5.00 – $10.00 (varies by document type) | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Appeal filing (to Superior Court) | $43.50 | Clerk of Courts |
| Prothonotary case search (online) | Free | Erie County Court Record Viewer |
| UJS Portal docket sheet search | Free | UJS Portal |
| Criminal history background check (PATCH) | $22.00 | PA State Police (PATCH) |
| Local criminal record history check | Contact for current fee | Erie County Sheriff's Office |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Records office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the appropriate office (e.g., "Clerk of Courts" or "Prothonotary"). Online payment options through the UJS Portal may be available for certain transactions — check the portal for details.
For statewide criminal background checks, the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system charges $22.00 per request and provides results online. The Erie County Sheriff's Office offers fingerprinting and local criminal record history checks at their Identification Bureau for an additional fee.
If you need record information but are unsure which office handles your request, start by contacting the Clerk of Records at the Erie County Courthouse or checking the Erie County departmental directory.