York County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In York County in 2026
YorkCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in York County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, support agreements, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.
Records may be searched through official resources including the York County Prothonotary's office, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal, state vital records, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. 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 web portal provides online access to civil and family court case dockets across Pennsylvania, including York County. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information at no cost. Basic docket information is available without charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of filed documents.
2. York County Court of Common Pleas – Civil/Family Division
The York County Court of Common Pleas maintains case records through the UJS Portal, where members of the public may search by party name or docket number. The portal provides docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Document copies require a separate request and applicable fees.
3. Pennsylvania Vital Records – Division of Vital Records
Pennsylvania does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the same manner as a birth or death certificate; however, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains a divorce verification index for divorces granted since January 1, 1946. This index confirms whether a divorce was granted and in which county, but does not provide the full court record.
In-Person Searches
York County Prothonotary – Family Court Division
The Prothonotary serves as the official custodian of civil and family court records in York County. Members of the public may visit the office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance.
York County Prothonotary
28 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9611
York County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or docket number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files
Records Department – York County Archives
Historical and archived divorce records that predate electronic filing may be stored separately. The York County Archives maintains older records and can assist with retrieval of cases not available through the online portal.
York County Archives
150 Pleasant Acres Road
York, PA 17402
Phone: (717) 840-7222
York County Archives
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
York County Prothonotary
28 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
Include the following with a written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Docket number (if known)
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (required for certain record types)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is two to four weeks depending on case age and volume.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
York County Prothonotary: (717) 771-9611
Staff may confirm by phone:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Docket number and case status
- Filing date
- Hearing schedule
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper court motion, and obtain certified copies. The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys for complex record access situations.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date range of the divorce
- Docket number, if previously known
Helpful Additional Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in York County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Under Pennsylvania law, a divorce action is filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104, jurisdiction is proper in the county of either party's residence. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in York County may need to search adjacent counties if either party relocated prior to filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pennsylvania requires that at least one spouse be a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce, as established under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in the online portal
- Allow processing time following the final hearing before searching
- Records are available within days to a few weeks of entry of the final decree
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may require an in-person or mail request
- Records prior to the 1990s may be stored in physical archives
- Allow additional retrieval time for archived paper files
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county — the divorce may have been filed in a different county
- Name variations — search under maiden name, married name, and alternate spellings
- Case still pending — a pending case has no final decree on record
- Very old records — pre-digital records require archive retrieval
- Sealed or confidential case — access may be restricted by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Prothonotary at (717) 771-9611
- Try alternate name spellings and both parties' names
- Search the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records divorce index
- Submit a written request to the York County Archives for older records
- Consult a licensed Pennsylvania family law attorney for sealed or restricted records
What Are York County Divorce Records?
York County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the York County Court of Common Pleas. These records constitute part of the permanent civil court file maintained by the Prothonotary and are subject to Pennsylvania's public records laws.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a divorce proceeding in York County may include:
- Complaint in divorce (petition initiating the action)
- Affidavit of consent or affidavit of separation
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits and income and expense statements
- Proposed and final property settlement agreements
- Parenting plans and custody stipulations
- Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
- Final decree in divorce
Final Decree in Divorce
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Prothonotary's office.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case record may include:
- Marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Parenting plan details and custody evaluation reports
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation for government agencies
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit eligibility determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms
- Confirmation of prior legal proceedings
Who Maintains Divorce Records
Prothonotary of York County
The Prothonotary is the primary custodian of divorce records in York County, maintaining complete case files, providing certified copies, and indexing records by party names. The York County Prothonotary office is the official point of contact for all divorce record requests.
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains a statewide divorce verification index for divorces granted since 1946. This index provides limited information — confirmation of the divorce and the county of filing — rather than the full court record.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are governed by the Divorce Code, 23 Pa. C.S. § 3101 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 509, which presumes public access to court records subject to enumerated exceptions for sensitive personal information.
Are York County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in York 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, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data, minor children, and domestic violence victims.
What Is Public
The following information is available to any member of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Credit card numbers and loan account identifiers are redacted
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in public-facing documents
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological information about children
- Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
Legal Basis for Public Access
Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509 establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
Privacy Protections
State Protections
- Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act provides confidentiality protections for victims' addresses and identifying information
- Child protection statutes restrict disclosure of information identifying minor children in family court proceedings
- Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509 enumerates categories of information excluded from public access
Federal Protections
- HIPAA governs the confidentiality of medical records submitted in proceedings
- Federal domestic violence statutes provide additional protections for victim information
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access most case information, 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 of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization
Prohibited Uses
Access to divorce records may not be used for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of any protective order issued in connection with the case.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in York County?
The York County Prothonotary charges standard fees for copying and certifying divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 1725, which authorizes courts to set fees for copies and certifications.
Current Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00–$15.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Docket search (in person) | No charge for basic search |
| Online docket access (UJS Portal) | Free for basic docket information |
| Electronic document copies | Fees vary by document |
Fees are subject to change. Members of the public are advised to confirm current fees directly with the Prothonotary at (717) 771-9611 prior to submitting a request.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Prothonotary's office accepts:
- Cash (in-person payments)
- Check or money order payable to "York County Prothonotary"
- Credit and debit cards (in-person; availability subject to change)
Fee Waivers
Individuals who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A completed in forma pauperis petition must be filed with the court demonstrating financial hardship. Fee waivers are granted at the court's discretion.
What Is Available at No Cost
- Basic docket information through the UJS Portal is available free of charge
- In-person review of case files at public access terminals does not require a fee for viewing; fees apply only to printed or certified copies
- Divorce verification through the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records carries a separate fee schedule established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health
What's Included in Divorce Records in York County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the York County Prothonotary contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.
Basic Case Information
Every divorce case file includes a case caption identifying the docket number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the complaint was filed, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.
Initial Pleadings
The complaint in divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, and the relief requested. Under Pennsylvania law, the most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which may be established by mutual consent or by a two-year separation period. The respondent may file an answer or a counterclaim asserting independent grounds or requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt. These affidavits form the basis for equitable distribution determinations and support calculations.
Discovery Documents
In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admissions. Supporting financial documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents
The case file may include a marital asset inventory listing all property subject to equitable distribution, a debt inventory, appraisal reports for real property and business interests, and expert reports on asset valuation. The final property settlement agreement or the court's equitable distribution order specifies the award of each asset and allocation of each debt to the respective parties.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, a detailed timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, transportation arrangements, and provisions for relocation. Child support documentation includes the Pennsylvania child support calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare costs, and the support order. Custody evaluation reports, if ordered, and guardian ad litem reports may be included, though these are subject to restricted access.
Support Documents
Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any, are documented in the settlement agreement or court order and specify the type of support, amount, duration, payment schedule, and conditions for modification or termination.
Settlement Documents
An uncontested divorce typically includes a marital settlement agreement signed by both parties and notarized, comprehensively resolving all issues of property division, support, and custody. Mediation agreements, if the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, exclusive use of the marital residence, and restraining orders. The final decree in divorce is the court's conclusive order dissolving the marriage, incorporating or referencing all agreed or adjudicated terms, and bearing the judge's signature and court seal.
Post-Judgment Documents
The case file is supplemented by any post-judgment filings including petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions for non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts are filed as separate orders and served on the relevant plan administrator.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all public documents
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, which may be sealed by court order
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Pennsylvania law and not part of the public record
- Settlement negotiations conducted outside of court
How to Get Proof of Divorce in York County
Proof of divorce in York County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree in divorce issued by the York County Prothonotary. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Prothonotary's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change applications, government benefit claims, immigration proceedings, and other official purposes.
Step 1: Locate the Case
Search the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal using the full names of both parties to identify the docket number and confirm the case is finalized. Note the docket number for use in the copy request.
Step 2: Submit a Request to the Prothonotary
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final decree in person, by mail, or by phone to initiate the process.
In Person:
York County Prothonotary
28 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9611
York County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring a valid government-issued photo identification and the docket number if available. Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of the request.
By Mail:
Submit a written request to the address above including:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Docket number, if known
- Requester's name, address, and phone number
- Check or money order for applicable fees payable to "York County Prothonotary"
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Step 3: Obtain Divorce Verification Through State Vital Records
For a simplified verification confirming that a divorce was granted in Pennsylvania (without the full court record), members of the public may request a divorce verification letter from the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. This verification is available for divorces granted since January 1, 1946, and confirms the county of filing and the year of the divorce.
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
101 South Mercer Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-3100
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
Step 4: For Older Records
Divorce records predating electronic filing may require retrieval from the York County Archives. Submit a written request to:
York County Archives
150 Pleasant Acres Road
York, PA 17402
Phone: (717) 840-7222
York County Archives
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in York County?
A divorce proceeding in York County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509 establishes the presumption of public access to court records but enumerates categories of information that are excluded from public access by operation of law or court order.
The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted divorce records:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims are protected under Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act, and courts may seal portions of the record to prevent disclosure of a victim's location
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account numbers may be filed under seal upon motion of either party demonstrating good cause
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information pertaining to minor children may be restricted from public access under Pennsylvania's child protection statutes
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse are protected under state and federal confidentiality laws and are not part of the public record
- Court-ordered sealing: Either party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of compelling need; the court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public interest in transparency
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Pennsylvania law and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the York County Court of Common Pleas demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does York County Keep Divorce Records?
York County retains divorce records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Divorce records are among the most permanently retained categories of court records given their ongoing legal significance.
Retention periods for divorce records in York County are as follows:
- Final decrees in divorce: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed because they serve as permanent legal proof of marital status
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently in electronic format
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 to 20 years; retention periods may vary based on whether children were involved or significant property was at issue
- Cases involving minor children: Retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional statutory period, and in many instances permanently
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the case file's retention period
- Archived paper records: Pre-digital records are maintained by the York County Archives and are not subject to destruction under current retention schedules
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Records Retention Schedule governs the minimum retention periods for all court records in the Commonwealth. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than 20 years ago are advised to contact the York County Archives directly to confirm availability.