Court records in Indiana County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. IndianaCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Beyond that, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides statewide docket searches, while the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office maintains both civil and criminal records available in person or through online services. Public terminals at the Indiana County Courthouse offer another access point.
Indiana County Court System & Jurisdictions
Indiana County's court structure follows Pennsylvania's unified judicial system. Knowing which court handled a case is the fastest way to locate the right docket.
Court of Common Pleas
The Indiana County Court of Common Pleas is the county's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. It operates through several divisions:
- Civil Division — lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, appeals from Magisterial District Courts, and equity actions. The Prothonotary serves as custodian of civil records.
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from the magisterial courts. The Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files.
- Family Division — custody, divorce, protection-from-abuse orders, and support matters.
- Orphans' Court Division — probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters. The Clerk of Orphans' Court manages these records.
Magisterial District Courts
Indiana County has several Magisterial District Judge offices that handle:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims (civil cases up to $12,000)
- Summary criminal offenses and traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases bound over to the Court of Common Pleas
Dockets from these courts are searchable through the UJS Portal case search by selecting the appropriate search criteria.
Indiana County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Indiana County, use the UJS Web Portal's calendar event search:
- Go to the UJS Portal case search.
- Select "Calendar Event" as the search type.
- Choose Indiana County from the county dropdown.
- Enter a date or date range and select the court type (Common Pleas, Magisterial District, etc.).
- Results will display scheduled proceedings, courtroom assignments, and case numbers.
The Court of Common Pleas forms and documents page may also post court schedules and local administrative orders affecting the calendar. For specific hearing details not available online, contact the appropriate clerk's office at the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Indiana County Court Document
The process depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and whether the record is civil, criminal, or orphans' court.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the court seal and an officer's signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
How to Request
Online: The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts provides online access for civil division record searches. Criminal division records can also be searched online, and the E-Pay system allows defendants to pay court costs and fees electronically. To obtain copies, follow the prompts on the office's website.
In Person: Visit the appropriate office at the Indiana County Courthouse. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
By Mail: Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), full names of parties, the type of document needed, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Mail requests to:
For orphans' court records (wills, estate filings, guardianships), direct requests to:
Indiana County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document searches, copies, and certifications in Pennsylvania are generally established by statute and local fee schedules. The table below reflects common fee categories. Contact the appropriate clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil case docket search (online via UJS Portal) | Free | Basic docket information viewable at no charge |
| Uncertified photocopy | $0.25–$1.00 per page | Varies by document type; confirm with clerk |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$10.00+ per document | Includes court seal; additional per-page charges may apply |
| Certification fee (added to copy cost) | Varies | Set by Prothonotary fee schedule |
| Criminal record search (PATCH — statewide) | $22.00 | Submit through Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History |
| Criminal record search (volunteer, via PATCH) | Free | For qualifying volunteer positions under PA law |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts accepts payments for criminal fines, costs, and fees through the E-Pay online system. In-person payments at the courthouse are typically accepted by cash, check, or money order. Contact the office to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted for document requests.
For statewide criminal background checks, the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system processes requests online with results often available within minutes. Notarized copies of criminal record checks must be submitted by mail.