Northampton County court records in Pennsylvania are maintained by various court offices—from the criminal division to the prothonotary and the register of wills. NorthamptonCourt.us will help you find public information about court cases in this county. Additionally, you can use the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's public records portal, the official Northampton County website, and the court office directly at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. Phone: 610-829-6500.
Northampton Court System Overview
Northampton County is part of the 3rd judicial district of Pennsylvania and is served by the Court of Common Pleas, which is a court of general jurisdiction. This judicial district covers only Northampton County. The Court of Common Pleas is located in the Northampton County Courthouse building.
At the magistrate level, Magisterial District Judges handle minor cases, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and traffic violations. More detailed information about the county court can be found on the Northampton County page of the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System.
Courts Serving Northampton
Northampton County Court of Common Pleas
Magisterial District Courts
Several magisterial district courts operate in Northampton County, located in various municipalities. Specific addresses and phone numbers can be found through the court page on the UJS portal.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
The Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handles federal civil and criminal cases involving Northampton County residents. Bankruptcy cases are also heard in this federal district.
What Types of Cases Northampton Courts Hear
The courts serving Northampton County hear a wide range of cases. Briefly:
- Criminal cases: felonies, misdemeanors, infractions
- Civil cases: claims of any amount, small claims
- Family law: divorce, custody, support, protective orders
- Probate cases: estate administration, guardianship, trusts
- Juvenile matters: juvenile offenses, child protection, adoptions
- Traffic violations and DUI
Each category is detailed below.
District Court Cases in Northampton
The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas hears serious criminal cases after a magisterial judge finds sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing. The court's criminal division maintains records of all criminal cases in the county. Civil cases exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the magisterial court are filed through the prothonotary's office—it accepts divorce filings, name changes, appeals of district judge decisions, federal tax liens, and other civil documents. Cases are assigned to judges of the Court of Common Pleas according to internal rules. The court also hears appeals from magisterial judges and post-conviction proceedings.
Magistrate Court Cases in Northampton
Magisterial District Judges in Northampton County conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases and fully hear misdemeanors and minor offenses. They accept civil claims up to $12,000 according to Pennsylvania law. Small claims are limited to $12,000.
Traffic violations, including speeding tickets and parking violations, are also handled at this level. DUI cases begin with a preliminary charge before a magisterial judge. If the volume of cases is large, individual magistrates may specialize in specific types of cases.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Northampton
Family Law. Divorce, child custody, support, paternity, and protective orders (PFA) are handled by the Court of Common Pleas. Documents are filed through the prothonotary's office. The county's official website has a special PFA Help section for those in need of a protective order.
Probate and Guardianship. The Orphans' Court and Register of Wills division is responsible for estate matters, guardianship, trust management, and issuing marriage certificates. This division also handles adoptions and termination of parental rights.
Juvenile Matters. Proceedings involving juveniles—offenses, child protection—are confidential. Access to these records is strictly limited by Pennsylvania law.
How Cases Move Through the Northampton Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with the filing of a complaint with a magisterial judge. A civil suit is filed through the prothonotary, and a family or probate case through the appropriate court division.
- Judge Assignment. After registration, the case is assigned to a specific judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
- Initial Hearings. In criminal cases—arraignment. In civil cases—a preliminary scheduling conference.
- Pre-trial Stage. Parties file motions, exchange evidence. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur.
- Substantive Hearing. The case is resolved at trial, through a plea, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-Decision. Sentencing in criminal cases, enforcement of judgment in civil cases, possibility of appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Northampton
Court administration in Northampton County is carried out by the administrative judge of the 3rd judicial district and the court administrator. Local court rules can be found on the court page on the UJS portal.
Regarding public access—most court records in Pennsylvania are public according to the rules of the Unified Judicial System and the Right-to-Know Law. However, some records have restrictions: juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family proceedings.
- The UJS Public Records Portal allows free access to court case information and docket sheets.
- The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records handles appeals regarding denied public documents.
Hearings are generally open to the public. You can visit the court in person at the courthouse at 669 Washington Street, Easton. For information on remote participation in hearings, contact the court office directly at 610-829-6500.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Northampton
- Case Search. Free docket sheet search is available through the Docket Sheets portal of the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System.
- Criminal Records. The court's criminal division maintains records of criminal cases in the county. For state-level criminal history checks, use the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) system. A full check can be ordered through the State Police.
- Civil Records and Forms. The prothonotary accepts and maintains civil documents, including divorce, custody, name changes, and appeals.
- Property Records. The Recorder of Deeds maintains property transfer documents and allows registration for notifications of changes in property records.
- Marriage Certificates and Probate Cases. The Register of Wills and Orphans' Court issues marriage licenses and certificates and handles probate cases.
- County Archives. The Northampton County Archives preserves records from over 30 different county departments, including historical court documents.
- Inmate Search. Information about individuals held in the Northampton County correctional facility. For state-level inmate searches—use the Inmate Locator of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. You can also find an inmate or parolee through the state portal.
- Sheriff's Office. The Northampton County Sheriff's Department is responsible for serving court documents, executing warrants, and court security.
- Property Assessment and Taxes. The Assessment Office provides information on property values and tax exemptions (homestead/farmstead). Taxes can be paid through the online payment portal.
- Vital Records. General information on accessing Pennsylvania vital records—birth, marriage, death certificates—can be found on the Vital Records page of the State Library.