BucksCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Beyond that starting point, you can search dockets through the county's official online lookup tools, visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary offices in person, or use public terminals at the Bucks County Justice Center. Many court records are accessible through free online portals, while others may require a visit or a formal records request.
Bucks Court System & Jurisdictions
Bucks County's court system operates under the Court of Common Pleas, which is the general trial court for Pennsylvania counties. Several divisions and lower courts handle different case types:
- Court of Common Pleas — Criminal Division: Felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from the magisterial district courts. The Clerk of Courts maintains these case files.
- Court of Common Pleas — Civil Division: Lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and civil appeals. The Prothonotary serves as custodian of civil and family division records.
- Family Division: Divorce, custody, support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders. Dockets are maintained by the Prothonotary, though some family records are restricted.
- Orphans' Court Division: Probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court handles these filings.
- Magisterial District Courts: Preliminary hearings in criminal cases, summary offenses (including most traffic citations), landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims up to $12,000. Bucks County has multiple magisterial district judges spread across the county.
If you are unsure which court handled a case, the county's Docket Lookup Information page links to search tools for civil, criminal, magisterial district, and orphans' court records.
Bucks Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Bucks County are managed by Court Administration. To find scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Docket Lookup Information page and select the appropriate case search portal (civil, criminal, or magisterial district).
- Search by party name or case number to pull up the docket, which typically lists future hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and judge information.
- For same-day or next-day schedules, contact Court Administration directly or check posted schedules at the Justice Center.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal also provides statewide docket searches, including Bucks County cases, and may display upcoming hearing dates on individual case dockets.
Bucks County Justice Center — Court Administration
How to Get a Copy of a Bucks Court Document
The office you contact depends on the type of case:
- Criminal case documents: Request from the Clerk of Courts.
- Civil and family case documents: Request from the Prothonotary.
- Orphans' court and probate documents: Request from the Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court.
- Magisterial district court documents: Contact the specific magisterial district court where the case was filed.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy of a court document — useful for personal reference. A certified copy bears the court seal and an official signature, which is typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in another jurisdiction. Certified copies cost more than uncertified ones.
How to Request
- Online: Some docket information and documents can be viewed or printed through the county's online portals. Check the Court Records page for available online services.
- In person: Visit the appropriate office at the Bucks County Justice Center. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request to the appropriate office with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Mailing Address — Clerk of Courts
Mailing Address — Prothonotary
Some records — such as juvenile cases, certain family matters, and sealed or expunged files — are restricted and not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is publicly accessible before submitting payment.
Bucks Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Bucks County follow schedules set by statute and the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The table below lists common fees. Contact the specific office for current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$10.00 per document | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Record search (name-based) | Varies; contact office | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Statewide criminal history check (PATCH) | $22.00 | PA State Police (online) |
| Orphans' Court certified copy | Varies by document type | Register of Wills |
Payment methods: Most offices accept cash, checks, and money orders in person. Online portals may accept credit or debit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods before mailing a request.
For formal records requests under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, fees follow the official schedule adopted by the PA Office of Open Records. You can also submit general government records requests through the county's Records Requests page.