Susquehanna County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Susquehanna County in 2026
SusquehannaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Susquehanna County Prothonotary's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal, and state vital records offices. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) web portal provides online access to civil and family court docket information across all Pennsylvania counties. Members of the public may search by party name, case number, or filing date at no charge for basic docket information. Document copies may require a fee.
2. State Vital Records
Pennsylvania does not issue divorce certificates through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's vital records program in the same manner as birth or death certificates. Divorce records in Pennsylvania are maintained at the county court of common pleas level. The Pennsylvania Department of Health does maintain a divorce verification index for divorces granted since January 1, 1946, which may be used to confirm that a divorce occurred, though it does not provide the full case file.
In-Person Searches
Susquehanna County Prothonotary / Clerk of Courts
The Prothonotary's office serves as the primary custodian of civil and family court records, including divorce proceedings, in Susquehanna County.
Susquehanna County Courthouse – Prothonotary's Office
105 Maple Street
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Government
Members of the public may visit the Prothonotary's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available for locating case records.
By Mail
Written Request:
Written requests for divorce records may be mailed to the Susquehanna County Prothonotary's office at the address above. Requests should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and record availability.
By Phone
The Prothonotary's office may be reached at (570) 278-4600. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and advise on filing dates. Detailed document information and copies of records cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of legal standing. The Pennsylvania Bar Association's lawyer referral service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Pennsylvania
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Pennsylvania law, divorce actions are filed in the court of common pleas of the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public should search the county where one or both parties resided at the time of the divorce, not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred. If residency is uncertain, multiple counties may need to be searched.
Pennsylvania's residency requirement, codified at § 3104 of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, requires that at least one party be a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth for a minimum of six months prior to filing.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations, including maiden versus married name
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Prothonotary's office at (570) 278-4600, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Pennsylvania Department of Health's divorce verification index.
What Are Susquehanna County Divorce Records?
Susquehanna County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Prothonotary and document the legal dissolution of a marriage under Pennsylvania law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for divorce, the respondent's answer, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, and transcripts of hearings. The complete case file reflects the full procedural history of the matter.
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any alimony or spousal support obligations, child custody and support arrangements where applicable, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Prothonotary's office.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-divorce modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Providing documentation for immigration proceedings and Social Security benefit determinations
- Supporting genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are governed by the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Public access to court records is further governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, which establish a presumption of public access to court filings while providing for the protection of sensitive personal information.
Are Susquehanna County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Susquehanna County are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under Pennsylvania law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final decrees. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and applicable statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1931
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
- Schools attended by children
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access public portions of the case file, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their matter.
- Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate legal showing, may petition for access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of the record; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Susquehanna County?
The Susquehanna County Prothonotary's office charges standard fees for copying and certifying court records. Current fees are established pursuant to § 1725 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code, which authorizes courts of common pleas to set reasonable fees for record access and copying services.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00–$10.00 per certification |
| Search fee | Varies; may be no charge for basic index search |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by office |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at the Prothonotary's office at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies: Per-page copy fees apply to paper reproductions of case documents.
- Certified copies: An additional certification fee applies when an official court seal and certification are required.
- Payment methods: The Prothonotary's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Susquehanna County Prothonotary. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (570) 278-4600.
- Fee waivers: Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to reduced or waived fees for copies of their own case records.
Online docket information available through the UJS web portal is accessible at no charge for basic case information. Fees apply to document downloads where available.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Susquehanna County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Susquehanna County Prothonotary contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption, case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterclaim
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and retirement account records
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets and support orders
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement addressing all issues including property division, support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, where applicable (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final Judgment of Divorce containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions and orders for modification of custody or support
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Susquehanna County
Proof of divorce in Susquehanna County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce issued by the Susquehanna County Prothonotary. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the signature of the Prothonotary, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the UJS web portal or by contacting the Prothonotary's office at (570) 278-4600.
- Submit a written request to the Prothonotary's office in person or by mail, including the case number, names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and payment for applicable certification fees.
- Specify that a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce is required, as opposed to a plain copy.
- Allow processing time, which may range from same-day service for in-person requests to one to two weeks for mail requests.
Susquehanna County Courthouse – Prothonotary's Office
105 Maple Street
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Government
For purposes of confirming that a divorce occurred without obtaining the full decree, members of the public may also consult the Pennsylvania Department of Health's divorce verification index, accessible through the Pennsylvania vital records program. This index confirms the existence of a divorce granted in Pennsylvania since 1946 but does not provide the full case file or certified decree.
The Pennsylvania State Archives maintains select historical records and may assist researchers seeking older divorce-related documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Susquehanna County?
A divorce proceeding in Susquehanna County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by court order upon a showing of good cause. Pennsylvania courts apply a balancing test weighing the public's presumptive right of access against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
Circumstances under which confidentiality may be granted include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of victims may be sealed to protect safety, consistent with protections available under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6101 et seq.
- Children's sensitive information: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children may be sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's medical or mental health treatment are subject to confidentiality protections under both state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file by demonstrating that the privacy interest outweighs the public interest in access.
Mediation communications are categorically confidential under Pennsylvania law and do not appear in the public case file regardless of whether a sealing order is entered.
How Long Does Susquehanna County Keep Divorce Records?
Susquehanna County retains divorce records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Final decrees and permanent orders: Retained permanently. Final judgments of divorce, including property division and custody orders, are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Civil and family court case files, including divorce proceedings, are retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under current Pennsylvania records retention guidelines.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: These supporting documents are retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Modification and enforcement proceedings generate separate case entries that are retained according to the same schedule as the original case.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Members of the public seeking archived records should contact the Prothonotary's office in advance to arrange retrieval.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Pennsylvania courts' e-filing system are maintained in the UJS electronic repository in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
The Pennsylvania State Library's vital records research guide provides additional context for locating historical Pennsylvania records, including older divorce-related documentation held at the state level.