Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinPARecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include divorce petitions, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division judgments, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and any applicable court-ordered restrictions.
Divorce records in Franklin County may be searched through official resources including the Prothonotary's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online court portals. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Franklin County Prothonotary's Office maintains the official index of civil cases, including divorce proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Basic case information is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The UJS Web Portal case search allows members of the public to search court dockets across Pennsylvania jurisdictions. This consolidated database provides docket entries, case status, and party information for cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas statewide.
3. State Vital Records
Pennsylvania does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records system in the same manner as birth or death certificates. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce verification records for dissolutions finalized from January 1, 1946 to the present. A verification letter confirming that a divorce occurred may be obtained through this office for a fee.
In-Person Searches
Prothonotary's Office – Franklin County Courthouse
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Prothonotary's Office during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating case files, and public access terminals are available for self-service searches.
Franklin County Prothonotary's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3872
Prothonotary – Franklin County
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching active and archived case files
- Viewing filed documents
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Using public access terminals
- Receiving staff assistance with index searches
Historical and archived divorce records are maintained by the Franklin County Archives & Records Management office, which preserves county records pursuant to the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Franklin County Archives & Records Management
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3812
Archives & Records Management – Franklin County
By Mail
Written Request:
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Prothonotary's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Prothonotary's Office: (717) 261-3872
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists in the index, provide a case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date.
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information that is subject to confidentiality restrictions by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request copies of documents, and, where appropriate, petition the court for access to sealed or restricted materials. The Pennsylvania Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date the petition was filed
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Franklin County
- Names of children, if any
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under § 3104 of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, venue is proper in the county where either party resides.
Pennsylvania requires that at least one spouse have been a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. The divorce is filed in the county of that spouse's residence, not necessarily the county where the marriage took place.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are typically available within days to a few weeks after the final decree is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be reviewed in person.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Prothonotary's Office at (717) 261-3872
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search index
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records for a divorce verification letter
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. These records constitute part of the public court record and are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office, which serves as the official custodian of civil case files including all family law matters.
Court Case Files
A complete divorce case file may contain the following categories of documents:
- Petition for divorce or complaint in divorce
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Proposed or agreed-upon marital settlement agreements
- Parenting plans and custody stipulations
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings (where prepared)
- Final decree in divorce
Final Decree
The final decree in divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support obligations, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Prothonotary's Office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure forms, property inventories, appraisals, and post-divorce modification orders. These documents form part of the permanent case file.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting property transfer and title proceedings
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are governed by 23 Pa. C.S. § 3101 et seq., the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 509, which establishes the presumption of public access to court records while providing for specific categories of protected information.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Franklin County are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under Pennsylvania law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction under applicable court rules and state statutes.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to members of the general public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509
- Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial disclosure statements may have restricted portions
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted or restricted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children are restricted
- Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may result in sealing include cases involving allegations of abuse, cases with confidential settlement terms, and cases where disclosure would endanger a party or child. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public absent a court order.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Restrictions on Use
Members of the public who obtain divorce records are prohibited from using that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and personal verification of one's own records.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted materials must file a motion with the Court of Common Pleas demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court applies a balancing test weighing the interest in disclosure against the privacy interests of the affected parties. Certain governmental entities, including child protective services and law enforcement agencies, have statutory access to restricted family law records under 23 Pa. C.S. § 6340.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Prothonotary's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 21082, which governs fees charged by prothonotaries in Pennsylvania courts of common pleas.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification stamp/seal | $5.00 |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Variable; contact office for current schedule |
| Divorce verification letter (via PA Dept. of Health) | $20.00 per request |
Members of the public may inspect records at the public access terminals in the Prothonotary's Office at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order made payable to "Franklin County Prothonotary"
- Credit and debit cards (subject to a processing fee)
Fee Waivers:
Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waive certain filing and copy fees. A petition for in forma pauperis status must be filed with the court and approved prior to the waiver taking effect.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Viewing case docket entries online through the UJS Web Portal
- Inspecting physical case files at the courthouse public access terminal
- Confirming case existence and status by telephone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete Franklin County divorce case file is organized chronologically and indexed by document type. The following categories of documents are included in a standard divorce case file.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Assigned case number
- Court name: Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Pennsylvania
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date the complaint or petition was filed
- Filing fees paid
- Case type designation
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Complaint in Divorce:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Pennsylvania's no-fault standard, or fault grounds where applicable)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims for equitable distribution of marital property
- Requests for alimony, child support, and custody
- Relief requested from the court
Answer and Counterclaim:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterclaims for relief, if any
- Respondent's independent requests for equitable distribution, support, or custody
Financial Affidavits:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Marital and separate assets
- Marital and separate liabilities
- Standard of living during the marriage
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatory questions and sworn answers, requests for production of documents, responses to document requests, and deposition notices. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, and retirement account statements are filed as exhibits and become part of the case record.
Property-Related Documents
Marital Asset Inventory:
- Real property descriptions and estimated values
- Motor vehicles and values
- Bank and investment account balances
- Retirement and pension account values
- Business interests and valuations
- Personal property, jewelry, and collectibles
Debt Inventory:
- Mortgage balances
- Vehicle loan balances
- Credit card obligations
- Personal and business loans
- Tax liabilities
Appraisals and Expert Reports:
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals
Children-Related Documents
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody designation (sole or shared decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence
- Regular timesharing schedule
- Holiday, school break, and summer schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Communication protocols between parents and with children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Pennsylvania child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnights with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Support amount ordered and payment schedule
- Income withholding order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations: Where ordered by the court, psychological evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports are filed as part of the case record. These documents may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents
Alimony Pendente Lite and Alimony:
- Type and duration of support ordered
- Amount and payment schedule
- Modification and termination provisions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement: A comprehensive written agreement executed by both parties resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. The agreement is incorporated into the final decree upon court approval.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary Orders: Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address interim custody, support, use of the marital residence, and restraining orders.
Final Decree in Divorce:
- Date of dissolution of the marriage
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
- Alimony provisions, if any
- Child custody and support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of former name, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): Where retirement accounts are divided as part of the equitable distribution, a separate QDRO is entered directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.
Post-Judgment Documents
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions for non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These documents are filed in the original case and become part of the permanent record.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be sealed)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation correspondence (not filed with the court)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through the Prothonotary's Office of the Court of Common Pleas. A certified copy of the final decree in divorce serves as the primary legal proof that a marriage has been dissolved. Members of the public may obtain this document through the following methods.
In Person:
Members of the public may appear at the Prothonotary's Office, provide the names of the parties and the approximate date of divorce, and request a certified copy of the final decree. Staff will locate the case in the index and prepare the certified copy upon payment of applicable fees.
Franklin County Prothonotary's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3872
Prothonotary – Franklin County
By Mail:
A written request including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment for copy and certification fees may be mailed to the Prothonotary's Office at the address above.
Through the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
For divorces finalized from January 1, 1946 to the present, a divorce verification letter may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records office. This letter confirms that a divorce occurred but does not contain the full terms of the decree. The current fee is $20.00 per request.
Pennsylvania Department of Health – Division of Vital Records
101 South Mercer Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 656-3100
Vital Records – Pennsylvania Department of Health
A certified copy of the final decree is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, property transfer, and benefit determinations.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Divorce proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public under Pennsylvania court rules; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, an entire case may be made confidential by court order.
The following circumstances may result in confidential treatment of divorce records:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protection from abuse order or where disclosure of an address would endanger a party, the court may restrict access to identifying information pursuant to the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be filed under seal upon motion and court approval.
- Children's records: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children may be sealed to protect the children's privacy and best interests.
- Confidential settlements: Where parties reach a confidential settlement agreement, the terms may be incorporated by reference into the decree without being disclosed in the public record.
- Mediation communications: Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5949, mediation communications are privileged and confidential and are not part of the public court record.
A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Court of Common Pleas demonstrating good cause. The court balances the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
Franklin County retains divorce records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. The Franklin County Archives & Records Management office oversees the preservation of historical court records pursuant to these guidelines.
Retention periods for divorce records in Franklin County are as follows:
- Final decrees and permanent court orders: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed.
- Complete case files (active and recently closed): Maintained in the Prothonotary's Office for a period of years following case closure before transfer to archives.
- Archived case files: Transferred to the Franklin County Archives for long-term preservation. Paper records predating electronic filing are maintained in archival storage.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system indefinitely.
- Financial disclosure documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to the case type.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Franklin County Archives & Records Management office directly, as retrieval of archived materials may require additional processing time.