Find Delaware County Records: Dockets, Judgments & More
Are you seeking access to critical public records in Delaware County? Your ability to navigate the complexities of legal, financial, and personal documentation is now streamlined through the county's public access systems, offering a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, offers a robust system for accessing a wide array of public records. This system facilitates the search for civil and criminal case dockets, judgments, and other vital information. The civil division specifically handles civil cases, including suits by individuals, businesses (both unincorporated and incorporated), liens against properties, and judgments against individuals. All these records are filed and maintained within this office, ensuring comprehensive access to crucial legal and financial data. The county's commitment to transparency is evident in its readily available online resources.
| Record Type | Description | Availability | Relevant Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Case Dockets | Records of all civil court cases, including case details, filings, and judgments. | Online search and physical access at the Delaware County Courthouse. | Allows users to track the progress of civil cases, view case summaries, and access related documents. |
| Criminal Case Dockets | Records of all criminal court cases, including case details, filings, and judgments. | Online search and physical access at the Delaware County Courthouse. | Enables users to follow the stages of criminal cases, access summaries, and view related documents. |
| Judgments | Official court decisions that determine legal rights and obligations. | Online search and physical access at the Delaware County Courthouse. | Provides access to records of judgments against individuals and businesses. |
| Dog Licenses | Registration information for dogs within Delaware County. | Accessible through the county's public access systems. | Allows users to verify dog ownership and licensing information. |
| Tax Records | Information on property taxes and other tax-related matters. | Available through the county's public access systems. | Allows users to access tax payment records and property tax assessments. |
| Marriage Records | Records of marriage licenses issued within Delaware County. | Marriage records from 1996 to the present can be found in the Delaware County Probate Court. Marriage records prior to 1996 are located at the Records Center. | Provides access to marriage certificates and related information. |
| Birth Certificates | Official records of births within Delaware County. | Information available via the state department of vital records. | Obtaining a copy of a birth certificate is essential for various official purposes. |
| Death Records | Official records of deaths within Delaware County. | Information available via the state department of vital records. | Provides access to death certificates and related information. |
| Zoning Records | Certified zoning records, including plot plans and blueprints. | Available online and through the county's physical offices. | Essential for understanding property zoning regulations and plans. |
| Vehicle Title Transactions | Information related to vehicle title transfers. | Accessible through the county's public access systems. | Provides access to records of vehicle ownership and title transfers. |
| Archival Records | Historical records available for research. | View information about available delaware county archival records, and search online for will administrations, civil and criminal case indices, divorces, wills, orphans' court estate case files, and other archival records. | Essential for historical and genealogical research. |
Delaware County Official Website: This website serves as the primary source for accessing public records and official information. It provides links to various departments and services, including court records, tax assessments, and vital statistics. Always verify information here before making any decisions.
The Delaware County Records Management System offers a comprehensive platform for accessing public records, including court documents. The system is provided by Delaware County and Thomson Reuters Court Management Solutions, but it is important to note that no warranties or liability are assumed by either party. Users can search civil case dockets and the judgment index online, as well as find information and forms related to appellate, civil, domestic relations, and felony criminal cases. Title transactions for vehicles are also accessible through this system.
To obtain access to a public record of Delaware County, a written request is required. These requests can be submitted through the following methods:
- Online: Via the Delaware County Open Records Portal.
- Email: To the Open Records Officer.
- Mail: To Leah Lewis, Open Records Officer, 201 West Front Street, Room 205, Media, PA 19063.
The Clerk of Courts plays a vital role in administering official court records for all trial court cases within Delaware County. They are responsible for preparing permanent historical records for the courts, as well as processing and issuing various documents for court cases. The office also provides a court clerk for each sitting judge and handles matters directly related to the courts. Notaries must register their signatures in this office. The office also offers services such as online payment options.
For those seeking information on court cases, several options are available. You can search case dockets, court schedules, and documents online or visit the offices in Delaware or Lewis Center. A key tool for this is the Delaware Courts Civil Docket Search, which allows you to search by a person's name, business name, case type, judgments, or other case information. The unified judicial system of Pennsylvania maintains Common Pleas docket sheets. Magisterial District Court docket numbers begin with 'MJ' and follow a similar format. Remember that recent entries may not be immediately reflected on these docket sheets.
Delaware Countys Common Pleas Court, under the leadership of President Judge Linda A. Cartisano, continues to expand its vital role in the community. The Court offers online payments and provides various resources for legal professionals and the public. The county also offers certified zoning records, including plot plans and blueprints, under Delaware County Local Rule 27 and protection from abuse actions pursuant to PA. R.C.P. 1901 through 1905, as well as petitions for writs of seizure. The Courts commitment to transparency and public access is further demonstrated through its open records policies and accessible online resources.
It is important to note that the Delaware Municipal Court's hours of operation will be 8:00 a.m. beginning January 2, 2025. Records are maintained on various media depending on the dates and the type of record involved. Public access to court records is presumed to be open to public access, ensuring transparency and accountability within the judicial system. When using this website, users must accept the terms and conditions. No warranties, express or implied, are provided for the records and/or data contained herein, nor for their use or interpretation by the user.
To summarize the available resources:
- Civil Case Dockets and Judgment Index: Searchable online.
- Criminal Case Dockets: Searchable online.
- Appellate, Civil, Domestic Relations, and Felony Criminal Case Information: Forms and information available.
- Vehicle Title Transactions: Accessible online.
- Birth Certificates: Obtain through the state department of vital records.
- Marriage Records: From 1996 to the present, found in the Delaware County Probate Court; prior to 1996, located at the Records Center.
- Zoning Records: Available online and through physical offices.
- Archival Records: Including will administrations, civil and criminal case indices, divorces, wills, orphans' court estate case files.
- Open Records Requests: Submit via the specified methods.
By leveraging these resources, individuals, businesses, and legal professionals can effectively navigate the legal landscape of Delaware County, ensuring transparency and access to essential information.
