Union County Divorce Decree and Civil Records
Union County divorce decree records are classified as civil records and are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office at the courthouse in Lewisburg. The Prothonotary handles all civil filings for the county, while criminal records are managed separately by the Clerk of Courts. If you need a copy of a Union County divorce decree, or want to search for a case filed in the county, the Prothonotary in Lewisburg is the right starting point. You can also search the state's public docket portal online to confirm case details before contacting the office.
Union County Quick Facts
Union County Prothonotary Office
In Union County, civil and criminal records are handled by two separate offices. The Prothonotary manages civil records, which includes divorce cases. The Clerk of Courts handles criminal matters. This separation is important to know before you contact the courthouse, since calling the wrong office can delay your search for Union County divorce records.
The Union County Courthouse sits at 103 S. 2nd Street in Lewisburg. The Prothonotary's office is where all divorce complaints are filed, where active cases are tracked, and where completed files are stored. Staff can search the case index by name or docket number. They can provide plain copies or certified copies of the divorce decree and other case documents. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit, and be ready with the names of the parties or the docket number.
The image above is from the Union County Prothonotary website, where you can find contact details and information about civil record access in Union County.
| Office |
Union County Prothonotary Union County Courthouse 103 S. 2nd Street Lewisburg, PA 17837 Phone: (570) 524-8770 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, normal business hours |
| Website | unioncountypa.org/prothonotary |
Searching Union County Divorce Decree Records
There are two ways to search for a divorce decree in Union County. The first is online through the state portal. The second is in person at the Prothonotary in Lewisburg. Start online and then follow up in person if you need documents.
The Pennsylvania UJS Portal is a free public tool that lets you search docket information across all counties, including Union County. Enter a party name to find matching cases. The results show docket numbers, filing dates, and the list of documents entered in the case. This is a good way to confirm whether a Union County divorce was filed before you request copies. You do not need to create an account to use the portal.
For the actual decree and case documents, contact the Union County Prothonotary. Call (570) 524-8770 to ask about copy fees and whether you need to schedule an appointment. You can also walk in during normal business hours. Staff will locate the file and make copies. Tell them you need a Union County divorce decree and give them the case number or the names of the parties. Older cases may take a little more time to retrieve, so calling ahead helps if the case is from decades ago.
Note: Only the Prothonotary handles divorce records in Union County. Do not contact the Clerk of Courts for divorce records, as that office manages criminal cases only.
Union County Divorce Filing and Decree Records
A Union County divorce begins when one party files a complaint with the Prothonotary. The complaint includes the grounds for divorce and any claims for property, support, or other relief. The Prothonotary opens a new case and assigns a docket number. Every document filed after that point carries the same number and becomes part of the case file.
Pennsylvania permits no-fault divorce under two paths. The mutual consent route requires both parties to sign and file affidavits. The court can enter the divorce decree after a 90-day waiting period from the date of service. The irretrievable breakdown route requires at least one year of separation. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323, the judge signs the final decree once all legal requirements are met. That signed decree is filed with the Union County Prothonotary and becomes the official record of the dissolved marriage.
Agreements between the parties on property and support become part of the Union County court file. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3105, a marital agreement filed with the court carries the same effect as a court order. Both the agreement and the decree are public records in Union County unless a judge has sealed them. The Prothonotary will provide copies of both documents upon request.
What Union County Divorce Records Include
A Union County divorce case file typically holds the complaint, the proof of service showing the other party was notified, any response filed by the second party, motions filed during the case, any agreements reached, and the final divorce decree. Some cases also include hearing transcripts and orders entered by the judge during the proceedings.
The divorce decree is the document most people need. It names both parties, states the date the marriage was dissolved, and may include orders on property, support, and name restoration. Certified copies of the Union County divorce decree are available from the Prothonotary for a fee. A certified copy has an official seal and is accepted for legal purposes such as changing your name on a driver's license or transferring property.
Union County divorce records are generally open to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Any person may request access to a case file. Some details may be redacted if they relate to minor children or were sealed by court order. Most of the file, including the decree, is accessible without restriction in Union County.
State Resources for Union County Divorce Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Health does not hold copies of divorce decrees. The state health office handles birth and death records only. For any Union County divorce record, the Prothonotary in Lewisburg is the sole official source. The state health office will tell you the same thing if you call them about a Union County divorce.
Researchers looking for historical Union County divorce records can start at the courthouse. For cases going back to the early 1800s, the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds some early Supreme Court divorce records predating the county-level system. FamilySearch also provides a guide to locating Pennsylvania divorce records for genealogy purposes and notes that county Prothonotary offices have been the keepers of these records since 1804. The PennsylvaniaCourtRecords.us divorce guide offers further detail on how to request records across all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
Legal Help for Union County Divorce Cases
Union County residents who need legal help with a divorce have several places to turn. Pennsylvania Legal Aid provides free assistance to people with low income across the state, including Union County. They can help with understanding divorce procedures, filling out forms, and preparing for hearings before the Court of Common Pleas in Lewisburg.
The Union County Bar Association can refer you to family law attorneys in the area who handle divorce cases. For self-represented parties, the Prothonotary staff can explain which forms to file and how the process works, though they cannot give legal advice. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Chapter 1920 sets out all required procedures for divorce actions. Reviewing these rules before you file can help you avoid delays and errors in your Union County case.
Nearby Counties
Union County is surrounded by several counties in central Pennsylvania. Each handles its own divorce records through its own Prothonotary office.