Court records in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, can be searched through several channels. AlleghenyPACourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court portals such as the Allegheny County Department of Court Records online search system, by visiting the clerk's office in person, or by using public access terminals located inside the courthouse.
Allegheny Court System & Jurisdictions
Allegheny County operates under Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System, which organizes courts into several tiers. Understanding which court handles a particular case type is essential before searching for a docket.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the main trial court in Allegheny County, divided into several divisions:
- Civil Division — contract disputes, personal injury, landlord-tenant actions, and mortgage foreclosure cases. Pennsylvania is a judicial foreclosure state, so all foreclosure proceedings go through this court.
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from Magisterial District Courts on criminal matters.
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, protection from abuse (PFA) orders, and juvenile matters. Many family records are restricted or sealed.
- Orphans' Court Division — probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters. The Department of Court Records maintains a separate Wills/Orphans' Court search portal.
Magisterial District Courts
Allegheny County has numerous Magisterial District Judges who handle:
- Civil claims up to $12,000 (small claims)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Summary criminal offenses
- Traffic violations and parking citations
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases before they move to Common Pleas
Dockets from these courts are searchable through the statewide Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal.
Federal Court
Cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, or disputes exceeding $75,000 between parties from different states are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, which sits in Pittsburgh. Federal dockets are available through the PACER system.
Allegheny Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding scheduled hearings in Allegheny County depends on the court level:
- Court of Common Pleas — Court calendars and hearing schedules for civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters are posted through the Allegheny County court administration. Check the Department of Court Records case search for individual case scheduling details, or contact the appropriate division directly.
- Magisterial District Courts — Hearing dates for summary offenses, traffic cases, and small claims are available on the UJS Portal by searching the specific docket number or party name.
- Federal Court — The Western District publishes its calendar on the court's official website.
If you need today's or this week's schedule for a specific courtroom, call the court administration office. Calendar information for individual cases also appears on the docket sheet once a hearing is scheduled.
How to Get a Copy of a Allegheny Court Document
You can obtain court documents in Allegheny County through three main channels:
Online
- Search for your case through the Department of Court Records online portal. Some documents may be viewable or downloadable directly. For certified copies, you will typically need to submit a request through the clerk's office.
- Magisterial District Court dockets are accessible via the UJS Portal, though full document images may not always be available online.
In Person
- Visit the Department of Court Records at the Allegheny County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can pull docket sheets and provide certified or uncertified copies.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (or party names and approximate filing date), the specific documents you need, whether you want certified or uncertified copies, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail requests to:
Certified vs. uncertified copies: Certified copies bear the court's official seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filing with other agencies. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference. Always specify which type you need when making your request.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption files
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Some family court filings involving minors
Ask the clerk whether the record you need has any access restrictions before paying fees.
Allegheny Court Records Fees & Payment
The Department of Court Records charges fees for searches, copies, and certifications. The following table reflects common fee types. Fees are established under Pennsylvania statute and local administrative orders — confirm current amounts with the clerk, as they may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Docket sheet copy (uncertified) | $0.25 per page |
| Document photocopy (uncertified) | $0.25 per page |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 per document |
| Record search (by clerk) | $5.00–$10.00 per name |
| Appeal or filing fees | Varies by case type |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online payment options may be available for certain filings — check with the Department of Court Records for current accepted methods.
A state audit of the Allegheny County Department of Court Records provides additional detail on fee handling and compliance practices. If you are unsure about total costs, contact the office before submitting your request to avoid delays.