Allegheny County Divorce Records

What Are Allegheny County Divorce Records?

Allegheny County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Department of Court Records that chronicle the dissolution of marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and preserved pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301, which governs the grounds and procedures for divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. Divorce records constitute a comprehensive documentation of the legal process through which a marriage is terminated by court decree.

Divorce records in Allegheny County typically include:

• Petition for divorce
• Service documentation
• Financial disclosures
• Property settlement agreements
• Child custody and support arrangements
• Final divorce decree

These records serve multiple essential functions for citizens, including:

• Providing legal proof of marital status change
• Enabling remarriage
• Supporting legal name changes
• Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
• Documenting status for loan applications
• Establishing marital history for immigration matters

The Allegheny County Department of Court Records maintains these documents as part of its official responsibilities to preserve judicial proceedings related to family law matters.

Are Allegheny County Divorce Records Public?

Allegheny County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.101 establishes the general framework for public records access, while specific provisions in the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Code § 5329 govern family court records.

Court divorce case files are generally accessible to the public with notable exceptions:

• Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, and filing dates are publicly available
• Court proceedings are typically open to public attendance
• Final divorce decrees (without financial details) are accessible through the Department of Court Records

However, certain components of divorce records maintain restricted access:

• Records containing sensitive financial information
• Documents with minor children's personal information
• Records sealed by judicial order for privacy or safety concerns
• Psychological evaluations and similar confidential reports
• Cases involving allegations of domestic violence under Protection From Abuse Act § 6101

Certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to:

• Former spouses named in the divorce
• Legal representatives with proper authorization
• Individuals with court orders permitting access
• Government agencies performing official functions

The Allegheny County Department of Court Records balances the public's right to information with individual privacy protections in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Allegheny County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Allegheny County may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The Department of Court Records provides multiple access points for divorce record retrieval.

To obtain divorce records in person:

Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Civil/Family Division
City-County Building
414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5727
Department of Court Records

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding county holidays)

The procedure for in-person requests includes:

1. Completing a Records Request Form available at the public counter
2. Providing the names of both parties to the divorce
3. Supplying the approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
4. Presenting valid government-issued photo identification
5. Paying applicable search and copy fees ($20.00 search fee plus $0.50 per page for copies)

For mail requests, individuals must:

1. Submit a written request including names of parties, approximate divorce date, and contact information
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
3. Provide a check or money order for applicable fees payable to "Allegheny County Department of Court Records"
4. Mail the complete package to the Department of Court Records address listed above

Telephone requests are not accepted for privacy and security reasons. All requests require proper identification and payment of established fees pursuant to the Allegheny County Fee Schedule.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Allegheny County Online?

Allegheny County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through its electronic case management system. The online search capabilities allow for preliminary research while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards.

To conduct an online search for divorce records:

1. Visit the Allegheny County Department of Court Records Civil/Family Division website
2. Select "Case Search" from the available options
3. Create a free user account if you don't already have one
4. Choose "Family Division" from the case type options
5. Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
   • Party name (last name, first name)
   • Case number (if known)
   • Filing date range
6. Review the search results showing basic case information
7. Note that complete case documents are not available for download online
8. Record the docket number for any relevant cases found

The online system provides:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Party names
• Attorney information
• Docket entries showing case activity
• Scheduled hearing dates

For comprehensive case documents, individuals must:

1. Note the case number from the online search
2. Visit the Department of Court Records in person or submit a mail request
3. Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal also provides a statewide search function that includes Allegheny County cases, though with more limited information than the county-specific system.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Allegheny County?

While comprehensive divorce records typically involve fees for retrieval and copying, Allegheny County residents may access certain divorce information at no cost through several public resources.

Free access options include:

1. Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
   Allegheny County Department of Court Records
   City-County Building
   414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
   Pittsburgh, PA 15219

   These terminals allow visitors to:

   • Search basic case information
   • View docket entries
   • Identify case numbers and filing dates
   • Note scheduled court appearances

   No fee is charged for terminal use, though printing documents incurs standard copy fees.

2. Allegheny County Law Library
   Allegheny County Law Library
   City-County Building
   414 Grant Street, 9th Floor
   Pittsburgh, PA 15219
   412-350-5353

   The law library provides:

   • Public access computers for legal research
   • Assistance from law librarians
   • Access to legal databases that may contain case information
   • Reference materials on family law

3. Basic Online Case Search
   The initial search function on the Department of Court Records website is available without charge, providing:

   • Confirmation of case existence
   • Case numbers
   • Filing dates
   • Party names

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessed without cost, obtaining copies of actual divorce documents requires payment of established fees pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 1951, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Allegheny County

Divorce records in Allegheny County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final decree. These records are maintained by the Department of Court Records in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

A complete divorce file typically contains:

1. Initial Filings

   • Complaint for Divorce stating grounds under Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301
   • Verification statements signed by filing parties
   • Notice to Defend informing respondent of legal rights
   • Proof of service documentation

2. Financial Documentation

   • Income and Expense Statements
   • Asset and Liability Inventories
   • Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
   • Property valuation reports
   • Pension and retirement account information

3. Child-Related Documents (when applicable)

   • Custody agreements or orders
   • Child support calculations and orders
   • Parenting plans
   • Guardian ad litem reports

4. Procedural Documents

   • Motions and petitions filed throughout the case
   • Court orders on temporary matters
   • Hearing notices and continuances
   • Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)

5. Settlement Documents

   • Property settlement agreements
   • Marital settlement agreements
   • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
   • Deed transfers for real property

6. Final Documents

   • Divorce Decree
   • Certificate of Divorce
   • Judge's opinion (in contested cases)
   • Final court orders on all matters

The Department of Court Records maintains these documents in both physical and electronic formats, with certain sensitive information redacted from public versions in accordance with Pennsylvania Public Access Policy.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Allegheny County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Allegheny County may obtain this documentation through established procedures administered by the Department of Court Records. Official proof of divorce is often necessary for remarriage, name changes, benefit applications, and immigration matters.

To obtain certified proof of divorce:

Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Civil/Family Division
City-County Building
414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5727
Department of Court Records

The following methods are available:

1. In-Person Requests

   • Complete a "Request for Certified Copy" form at the public counter
   • Provide the divorce case number (if known) or names of both parties
   • Present valid government-issued photo identification
   • Pay the certification fee ($10.00 per certificate)
   • Certified copies are typically provided same-day for in-person requests

2. Mail Requests

   • Submit a written request including:
     • Names of both parties to the divorce
     • Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
     • Case number (if known)
     • Requestor's relationship to the case
     • Return address
   • Include a copy of government-issued photo identification
   • Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
   • Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope

3. Attorney Requests

   • Attorneys of record may request certified copies on behalf of clients
   • Requests must be on firm letterhead with attorney identification
   • Standard certification fees apply

The certified proof of divorce typically includes:

• A certification page with court seal
• Copy of the final divorce decree
• Filing date and case number
• Names of parties
• Judge's signature

Expedited service is available for an additional fee in urgent situations such as imminent remarriage or visa applications. All certification requests are processed in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 236.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Allegheny County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings in Allegheny County may receive confidential treatment through established legal mechanisms. While Pennsylvania maintains a presumption of openness for court records under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, specific provisions exist to protect sensitive information.

Divorce records may be confidential through:

1. Sealing of Records

   • Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of divorce records
   • Judges evaluate requests based on:
     • Risk of harm to individuals
     • Privacy interests that outweigh public access
     • Protection of business information or trade secrets
     • Prevention of serious embarrassment
   • Complete sealing requires demonstration of compelling circumstances
   • Partial sealing of specific documents is more commonly granted

2. Confidential Information Protection

   • Under Pennsylvania Public Access Policy § 213.81, certain information is automatically protected:
     • Social Security numbers
     • Financial account numbers
     • Minor children's names and dates of birth
     • Driver's license numbers
     • State identification numbers
   • These details are redacted from public versions of documents

3. Protection From Abuse Cases

   • Divorce cases involving active Protection From Abuse orders
   • Cases with documented domestic violence concerns
   • Matters where safety risks exist for parties or children

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution

   • Mediation proceedings remain confidential
   • Collaborative divorce processes maintain privacy
   • Settlement negotiations generally remain private

To request confidentiality:

1. File a "Motion to Seal Record" with the Family Division
2. Provide specific reasons justifying confidentiality
3. Identify precise documents or information requiring protection
4. Attend a hearing where the judge will evaluate the request

Even when records are sealed, certain information remains accessible to:

• Parties to the case and their attorneys
• Court personnel with legitimate need for access
• Law enforcement agencies with proper authorization
• Government agencies performing statutory functions

The court balances individual privacy concerns with the public's right to information in accordance with established legal standards.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Allegheny County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Allegheny County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. The Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301 establishes different grounds for divorce, each with distinct timeframes.

Typical timeframes for Allegheny County divorces include:

1. Mutual Consent Divorce (§ 3301(c))

   • Minimum waiting period: 90 days after service of complaint
   • Typical completion time: 4-6 months
   • Requirements: Both parties file affidavits consenting to divorce
   • Factors affecting timeline:
     • Prompt filing of consent documents
     • Completion of property settlement agreements
     • Court processing times

2. Irretrievable Breakdown (§ 3301(d))

   • Statutory separation requirement: 1 year
   • Typical completion time after separation period: 3-5 months
   • Requirements: Affidavit stating marriage is irretrievably broken
   • Factors affecting timeline:
     • Contested vs. uncontested status
     • Responsiveness of parties to filings

3. Fault-Based Divorce

   • Typical completion time: 8-18 months
   • Requirements: Proof of statutory grounds such as adultery, cruelty, etc.
   • Factors affecting timeline:
     • Evidentiary hearings
     • Witness testimony
     • Contested allegations

4. Complex Divorce Cases

   • Typical completion time: 1-3 years
   • Factors extending timeline:
     • High-value or complex asset division
     • Business valuation requirements
     • Pension and retirement division
     • Child custody disputes
     • Expert witness involvement

According to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Annual Report, the average processing time for uncontested divorces is approximately 5 months from filing to decree, while contested matters average 14 months. Cases involving economic claims (property division, alimony) typically extend these timeframes by 30-60%.

Expedited processing may be available in limited circumstances such as:

• Military deployment of a party
• Terminal illness
• Relocation necessities
• Pregnancy or recent childbirth

The court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods including mediation and collaborative divorce to reduce timeframes and court congestion.

How Long Does Allegheny County Keep Divorce Records?

Allegheny County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509 and the County Records Act § 5. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage requirements.

The retention schedule for divorce records includes:

1. Final Divorce Decrees

   • Retention period: Permanent
   • Storage method: Original paper records and electronic format
   • Accessibility: Maintained indefinitely in county archives
   • Historical records (pre-1970): Transferred to Pennsylvania State Archives

2. Case Files with Economic Claims

   • Retention period: 25 years after final disposition
   • Includes: Property division, alimony, pension distribution cases
   • Storage method: Combination of paper and electronic records
   • After retention period: Selected for archival sampling or destruction

3. Case Files without Economic Claims

   • Retention period: 10 years after final disposition
   • Includes: Simple divorce cases without property division
   • Storage method: Primarily electronic with paper backup
   • After retention period: Selected for archival sampling or destruction

4. Exhibits and Evidence

   • Retention period: 5 years after final disposition
   • Return procedure: Parties may request return of original documents
   • Unclaimed items: Destroyed after retention period expires

5. Confidential or Sealed Records

   • Retention period: Same as standard records in respective categories
   • Special handling: Maintained with restricted access protocols
   • Review process: Sealing orders reviewed periodically

The Department of Court Records has implemented a digitization program for historical records, with divorce cases from 1980 forward available in electronic format. Records from 1788-1979 exist in paper format with ongoing conversion to digital archives.

Individuals seeking older records may need to:

1. Submit specialized research requests
2. Pay additional retrieval fees for archived materials
3. Allow extended processing time for historical document retrieval

The county's retention practices comply with state archival requirements while balancing public access needs with storage limitations.

How To Get a Divorce In Allegheny County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Allegheny County must follow established procedures under Pennsylvania law. The divorce process involves multiple steps and varies based on the selected grounds for divorce.

To initiate a divorce proceeding:

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas - Family Division
440 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5600
Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania

The divorce process includes:

1. Determine Eligibility

   • At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for 6 months
   • File in Allegheny County if either spouse resides there or both parties agree
   • Identify appropriate grounds under Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301

2. Prepare and File Documents

   • Complete Complaint for Divorce
   • File Notice to Defend
   • Submit Verification statement
   • File at Department of Court Records with filing fee ($201.75)
   • Fee waivers available through In Forma Pauperis petition for qualifying individuals

3. Serve Documents

   • Serve the non-filing spouse within 30 days of filing
   • Acceptable service methods:
     • Personal service by sheriff or process server
     • Certified mail, return receipt requested
     • Acceptance of service signed by respondent
   • File proof of service with the court

4. Waiting Period and Response

   • 90-day mandatory waiting period for mutual consent divorces
   • Respondent has 20 days to file an Answer
   • Parties may negotiate settlement during this period

5. Economic Claims and Discovery

   • File Income and Expense Statement if economic claims exist
   • Complete Inventory and Appraisement of property
   • Exchange financial information through discovery
   • Attend conciliation conference with court officer

6. Finalization Options

   • Consent divorce: File affidavits after 90 days
   • Uncontested: Request entry of decree if no response filed
   • Contested: Attend hearings before master or judge
   • Settlement: Submit Property Settlement Agreement for approval

7. Obtain Final Decree

   • Submit Praecipe to Transmit Record
   • Include all required supporting documents
   • Judge reviews and signs Final Decree
   • Receive certified copies from Department of Court Records

Self-represented litigants may obtain assistance from:

Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
400 Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-261-5555
Allegheny County Bar Association

Neighborhood Legal Services Association
928 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-6700
Neighborhood Legal Services

How To Get Divorce Papers In Allegheny County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Allegheny County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce case and must be prepared in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

Divorce papers may be obtained through several methods:

1. In-Person at the Courthouse

   Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Civil/Family Division
   City-County Building
   414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
   Pittsburgh, PA 15219
   412-350-5727
   Department of Court Records

   Services available:

   • Blank form packets for various divorce types
   • Filing fee schedule
   • Procedural information sheets
   • Notary services for completed documents (fee applies)
   • Staff assistance with form identification (not legal advice)

2. Online Resources

   The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania website provides:

   • Downloadable PDF forms
   • Self-help procedural guides
   • Checklists for required documents
   • Instructions for completion
   • Filing fee information

   Required forms typically include:

   • Complaint for Divorce
   • Notice to Defend
   • Verification
   • Certificate of Compliance
   • Vital Statistics Form
   • Income and Expense Statement (if economic claims)
   • Inventory and Appraisement (if property division)

3. Legal Assistance Programs

   Allegheny County Bar Association Pro Bono Center
   400 Koppers Building
   436 Seventh Avenue
   Pittsburgh, PA 15219
   412-402-6677
   Pro Bono Center

   Services include:

   • Monthly divorce clinics
   • Form completion assistance
   • Procedural guidance
   • Income-based eligibility requirements

4. Law Library Resources

   Allegheny County Law Library
   City-County Building
   414 Grant Street, 9th Floor
   Pittsburgh, PA 15219
   412-350-5353

   Resources available:

   • Reference materials on divorce procedure
   • Form books with templates
   • Computer access for online forms
   • Research assistance from law librarians

All divorce papers must be completed accurately with required information including:

• Full legal names of both parties
• Date and place of marriage
• Current addresses
• Grounds for divorce under Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301
• Statement regarding children of the marriage
• Requested relief (divorce, property division, etc.)

Completed forms must be filed with the Department of Court Records along with the required filing fee ($201.75) or an approved In Forma Pauperis petition for fee waiver.

Lookup Divorce Records in Allegheny County

Department of Court Records Civil/Family Division Case Search