Northampton County court records in Pennsylvania are available through several channels. NorthamptonCourt.us allows you to search for public information about county court cases. Additionally, records can be found through official court resources — including the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal — as well as directly at court offices and public terminals in the courthouse at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
Northampton Court System & Jurisdictions
Northampton County is part of the 3rd Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The primary court of general jurisdiction here is the Court of Common Pleas, which is divided into several divisions.
- Criminal Division — handles felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from magisterial courts. The Criminal Division keeps records of all criminal cases in the county.
- Civil Division (Prothonotary) — responsible for lawsuits, name changes, divorces, guardianships, appeals from magisterial judges, driver's license suspensions, and federal tax liens. More details can be found on the Prothonotary page.
- Orphans' Court — deals with adoptions, termination of parental rights, guardianships of incapacitated persons, and other estate-related matters. This division operates under the Register of Wills.
- Family Court — cases regarding child custody, support, and protection from abuse orders (PFA). Divorce and custody documents are filed through the Prothonotary.
Magisterial District Judges handle minor civil disputes up to $12,000, traffic violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and arrest warrants. Several such judges serve the county, each covering a designated area.
Northampton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use several sources.
- Visit the Northampton County page on the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal — links to the Court of Common Pleas schedule are published there.
- On the official county website, click "Court Case Info" to access case searches and the calendar.
- Call the court office at 610-829-6500 during business hours (usually 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon–Fri) to confirm a specific hearing date.
The criminal calendar can also be checked through the Criminal Division. Magisterial courts publish their own schedules — contact the specific magisterial judge in your area.
How to Get a Copy of a Northampton Court Document
The type of copy depends on the purpose. An ordinary (uncertified) copy is suitable for review, while a certified copy is needed for submission to another court, government agency, or employer.
Online
Docket sheets are available for free through the UJS portal. You can view case information there, but downloading a certified copy of a document online is generally not possible.
In Person
Contact the appropriate office depending on the type of case:
- Civil cases, divorces, guardianships — Prothonotary
- Criminal cases — Criminal Division
- Estate cases, adoptions — Register of Wills / Orphans' Court
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, parties' names, and the type of document needed to the appropriate department (Prothonotary, Criminal Division, or Register of Wills) at the address above. Include a check or money order payable to "Northampton County" to cover the cost of copies. If the exact amount is unknown, call ahead.
Archived documents are maintained by the Northampton County Archives, which serves over 30 different county departments.
Northampton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to court orders and Pennsylvania law. The approximate rates are listed below — confirm the current amounts directly with the relevant office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary document copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 | Depends on the department |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$10.00+ | Added to the copying cost |
| Criminal record search (PATCH, PA state) | $22.00 | Through the PATCH system of the State Police |
| Criminal history check (by mail) | $22.00 | Through the Pennsylvania State Police |
| Docket sheets via UJS portal | Free | Online viewing only |
Payments at court offices are usually accepted in cash, checks, and money orders. Some payments can be made online through the county payment portal. Before visiting, confirm whether the specific department accepts credit or debit cards.
For requests under the Right-to-Know Law, contact the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records — it describes the procedure for submitting requests and appealing denials.