Divorce records in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, can be accessed through several channels. BucksCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the decree, the Bucks County Prothonotary's office, or the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. The type of document you need — a court filing versus a vital record certificate — determines which office to contact.
Bucks County Divorce Records Search
In Bucks County, divorce cases are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, and the official court documents are maintained by the Bucks County Prothonotary. The Prothonotary serves as the custodian of all civil and family division records, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property distribution orders, and related filings. Many of these court records are publicly accessible through free online portals or available upon request subject to fees set by statute.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, maintains a separate index of divorces granted statewide. However, this office handles birth and death certificates — Pennsylvania does not issue divorce certificates through its vital records office. For divorce documentation, the county Prothonotary is the primary source.
Bucks County Prothonotary
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Bucks County
In Pennsylvania, divorce actions are filed in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either spouse resides. In Bucks County, all divorce complaints, motions, agreements, and final decrees are filed with the Prothonotary's office — not the Clerk of Courts, which handles criminal matters.
Here is how the filing structure works:
- Court of Common Pleas — Civil/Family Division: Handles all divorce proceedings. The judge signs the divorce decree, and the Prothonotary enters it on the docket.
- Prothonotary's Office: Maintains the official case file, including the complaint, decree, property settlement, support orders, and custody arrangements. This is where you request copies of divorce court records.
- Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records: Maintains a statewide divorce index but does not issue divorce certificates. For proof of divorce, you need the decree from the Prothonotary.
If you need a copy of the divorce decree or settlement agreement, contact the Prothonotary. You can search for case docket information through the county's docket lookup portal, which includes civil case search tools.
For formal records requests, Bucks County follows the fee schedule adopted by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
Bucks County Prothonotary (Divorce Court Records)
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records (Statewide Divorce Index)
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Bucks County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prothonotary — standard copy (per page) | $0.25 | Same day to several business days |
| Prothonotary — certified copy | $6.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page | Same day to several business days |
| Online docket search (Civil Prothonotary portal) | Free | Immediate |
| Right-to-Know request (per Office of Open Records fee schedule) | $0.25 per page for standard copies | 5 business days (may be extended) |