Court records of Pike County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. PikePACourt.us allows searching for publicly accessible information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official resources of the state court system, directly in court offices, or at public terminals in the Pike County courthouse. Online tools and in-person visits are the two most common ways to access files and hearing schedules.
Pike Court System & Jurisdictions
Pike County is part of the 60th Judicial District of the unified judicial system of Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas is the main trial court. It handles criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family matters, and appeals from magisterial judges.
Here's how cases are distributed among the judicial bodies:
- Court of Common Pleas — serious criminal offenses (felonies), civil cases involving significant sums, divorce and custody cases, and juvenile matters. The official court website contains general information about the structure.
- Magisterial District Courts — minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, small civil claims up to $12,000, eviction cases, and preliminary hearings in criminal proceedings.
- Orphans' Court Division — probate matters, guardianship, and issues related to trusts. The Register of Wills office collects inheritance tax and maintains a register of wills.
Criminal records — petitions, hearing transcripts, sentences — are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Civil records are managed by the Prothonotary office, which signs and seals all court orders of the Court of Common Pleas.
Juvenile cases are closed to public access. Some family cases also have restricted access depending on the type of proceeding.
Pike Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The court schedule for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) web portal. All Court of Common Pleas records, except juvenile cases, are available on this portal.
To find the schedule:
- Go to the UJS Web Portal (ujsportal.pacourts.us).
- Select the search type — by party name, case number, or hearing date.
- Specify "Pike" as the county and the desired date or date range.
The Court Administration office can also provide information about scheduled hearings by phone. If you need a specific hearing time, call the court administration directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Pike Court Document
The type of document determines which office to contact. Criminal cases — Clerk of Courts. Civil cases — Prothonotary. Probate matters — Register of Wills.
Certified and Uncertified Copies
An uncertified copy is a regular photocopy of a court document. A certified copy bears the seal and signature of the appropriate court officer, confirming its authenticity. For most legal procedures — such as filing with another court or government agency — a certified copy is required.
Ways to Obtain
- Online: The UJS Web Portal allows you to view records and download some documents for free. However, certified copies are not issued through the portal.
- In Person: Visit the appropriate office in the courthouse. You will need the party's name or case number.
- By Mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Mailing Addresses
To check criminal history at the state level, use the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) system, maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. This is a separate resource from county court records.
Pike Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Pennsylvania are regulated by state law and local administrative orders. Specific amounts may vary, so it's advisable to confirm the current fee with the appropriate office before applying.
Below are approximate fees typical for Common Pleas courts in Pennsylvania:
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal record search (Clerk of Courts) | Check with the office | Depends on the scope of the search |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 | May vary between offices |
| Document certification | $5.00 – $10.00 | Added to the copying cost |
| Criminal history check via PATCH | $22.00 | Pay online at epatch.pa.gov |
| Civil lawsuit filing (Prothonotary) | From $100 and up | Depends on the case type |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit cards — confirm in advance. State online services, such as PATCH, accept electronic payments.
For copies by mail, include a prepaid envelope with your return address and payment in the form of a money order made out to the appropriate office (e.g., "Pike County Clerk of Courts"). If the exact fee amount is unknown, call the office before sending your request — it will save time.