Lackawanna County, PA Courts and Public Records
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- Federal Dockets
The Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction. The county's Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary keeps court records, depending on the case type.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County |
| Court Type | Trial court of general jurisdiction |
| Records Kept By | Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary, depending on case type |
| Online Case Search | UJS Web Portal (statewide) |
How to Search Lackawanna County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Lackawanna County records are kept by the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.
Online
Go to the UJS Web Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us.
Search statewide case records by name or docket number.
Review the case details shown for each matching case.
Best for: Looking up a case from home
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary office in person.
Bring the party names and case number, if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office holds your case type.
Best for: Records not found online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary to confirm record access.
Ask how to request copies of a record.
Confirm the office address on the official Pennsylvania courts website.
Best for: Confirming where a record is kept
Search by Name on PennsylvaniaCourts.org
Go to PennsylvaniaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Lackawanna County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Lackawanna County's Court of Common Pleas received 9,746 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of 14,283. Filings rose 4.7% from CY 2023.
9,746
Total filings in CY 2024
14,283
Total dispositions in CY 2024
1,083
Filings per judicial position
+4.7%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 9,746 | 9,309 | +4.7% |
| Total Dispositions | 14,283 | 11,525 | +23.9% |
| Criminal Filings | 2,018 | 2,032 | -0.7% |
| Civil Filings | 2,812 | 2,322 | +21.1% |
| Family Law Filings | 4,327 | 4,339 | -0.3% |
| Probate Filings | 250 | 216 | +15.7% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~37 | ~36 | ~+2.8% |
| Juvenile Filings | 339 | 400 | -15.2% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | 9 | 9 | +0.0% |
The largest change was in civil filings, which rose by 490 (+21.1%).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lackawanna County?
Total filings in Lackawanna County rose over the last five years, from 8,392 in CY 2020 to 9,746 in CY 2024. Dispositions are shown next to filings for each year.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | 9,746 | 14,283 | +4.7% |
| CY 2023 | 9,309 | 11,525 | +0.3% |
| CY 2022 | 9,278 | 8,864 | +8.5% |
| CY 2021 | 8,549 | 10,830 | +1.9% |
| CY 2020 | 8,392 | 8,666 | -25.5% |
Filings changed +16.1% between CY 2020 and CY 2024. The largest annual increase was +8.5% in CY 2022, and the largest decrease was -25.5% in CY 2020. In the latest year, civil filings drove the change. Years are calendar years, as reported by the AOPC.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lackawanna County?
Family law cases are the largest category in Lackawanna County, at 44.4% of 9,746 filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 2,018 | 20.7% | -0.7% |
| Civil | 2,812 | 28.9% | +21.1% |
| Family law | 4,327 | 44.4% | -0.3% |
| Probate | 250 | 2.6% | +15.7% |
| Juvenile | 339 | 3.5% | -15.2% |
| Mental health | 38 | 0.4% | +4.7% |
Civil filings grew fastest (+21.1%) and juvenile delinquency filings fell fastest (-15.2%).
How Does Lackawanna County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
Lackawanna County accounted for 1.85% of the 526,789 cases filed in Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas in CY 2024.
| Metric | Lackawanna County | Pennsylvania | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 9,746 | 526,789 | 1.85% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +4.7% | +1.7% | 3.0 points above state |
| Filings per judicial position | 1,083 | 1,140 | 5.0% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | 1,587 | 1,172 | 35.4% above state |
| Criminal share of filings | 20.7% | 23.6% | 2.9 points below state |
| Civil share of filings | 28.9% | 28.8% | 0.1 points above state |
| Family law share of filings | 44.4% | 42.1% | 2.3 points above state |
Each judicial position in Lackawanna County handled fewer new cases than the statewide average (1,083 vs 1,140), and criminal cases made up 20.7% of its filings compared with 23.6% statewide. Statewide figures use the same categories and the same counties' exclusions as the county figures.
Lackawanna County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Pennsylvania statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lackawanna County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 7.7% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.5% of Pennsylvania's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
29,726
Violent crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025
176,359
Property crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
227.6
Violent crime rate per 100K, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 (population 13,059,432)
-7.7%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (206,085 vs 223,384)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 546 | 4.2 | 685 | -20.3% |
| Rape | 3,510 | 26.9 | 3,928 | -10.6% |
| Robbery | 5,889 | 45.1 | 6,779 | -13.1% |
| Aggravated assault | 19,781 | 151.5 | 21,301 | -7.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 29,726 | 227.6 | 32,693 | -9.1% |
| Burglary | 13,934 | 106.7 | 15,398 | -9.5% |
| Larceny-theft | 136,448 | 1044.8 | 148,774 | -8.3% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 24,699 | 189.1 | 24,901 | -0.8% |
| Property crimes total | 176,359 | 1350.4 | 190,691 | -7.5% |
Rates use the Pennsylvania 2025 population of 13,059,432. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Lackawanna County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Lackawanna County Courthouse Locations
Lackawanna court proceedings are held at the Lackawanna Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lackawanna Courthouse | 200 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 | 570-963-6773 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Lackawanna County?
In Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, local matters are handled by the magisterial district courts and the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Magisterial District Court serving Lackawanna | Summary traffic citations are handled at the magisterial district court that covers where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | The city, borough, or parking authority that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are usually paid or contested through the issuing local agency, not a county court. |
| Misdemeanor | Magisterial District Court, then Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna | Misdemeanors start with a preliminary stage at the magisterial district court and move to common pleas if held for court. |
| Felony | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna | Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing at a magisterial district court and are tried in common pleas. |
| DUI | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna | DUI charges that are misdemeanors or felonies are heard in common pleas after the preliminary stage. |
| Domestic violence | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna, Family Division | Protection from abuse petitions are filed with the county prothonotary or family court office; a criminal charge follows the criminal track. |
| Civil lawsuit | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna | Larger civil claims are filed with the prothonotary of the county common pleas court. |
| Small claims | Magisterial District Court serving Lackawanna | Civil claims for smaller amounts are filed at the magisterial district court. |
| Eviction | Magisterial District Court serving Lackawanna | Landlord and tenant complaints are filed at the magisterial district court for the rental property. |
| Divorce | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna, Family Division | Divorce is filed with the county prothonotary and handled in common pleas. |
| Child custody or support | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna, Domestic Relations | Custody and support matters are handled by the county court of common pleas. |
| Probate or estate | Register of Wills and Orphans' Court of Lackawanna | The Register of Wills handles estates, and contested matters go to the Orphans' Court Division of common pleas. |
| Juvenile case | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna, Juvenile Division | Juvenile delinquency and dependency matters are heard in common pleas. |
| Appeal | Court of Common Pleas, Superior Court, or Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania | Summary appeals go to common pleas; most other appeals go to the appellate courts. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Lackawanna County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Pennsylvania court records are public, with exceptions set by law, court rules, and court orders. The Unified Judicial System's Public Access Policy governs case records of the courts and Magisterial District Courts.
Public records
Most case records of the courts and Magisterial District Courts are open to the public, subject to the policy's exceptions.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that a law, court rule, or court order makes confidential or sealed are not open to the public. Do not expect sealed records to appear in any search.
Online access
The UJS Web Portal is the statewide case search. Results show case information, but not every document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary office to view or request records. Confirm which office holds your case type before you go.
Fees
Fee amounts are not listed on this page. Ask the clerk's office what it charges for copies or certified records.
How to Search Lackawanna County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Lackawanna through the statewide Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal and county offices.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family.
- Open the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal for statewide docket searches.
- Search by participant name, docket number, or citation number.
- Review the docket sheet for hearing dates, charges, and dispositions.
- Request documents that are not online from the court or county office in Lackawanna.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal | Docket sheets for common pleas and magisterial district court criminal cases, searchable by name or docket number. | Docket information is shown online, but filed documents are generally obtained from the clerk of courts. |
| Traffic | Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal | Magisterial district court traffic and summary dockets, including dispositions. | Not every document is online; contact the magisterial district court for copies. |
| Civil | Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal | Magisterial district court civil dockets are searchable in the portal. | Common pleas civil cases are generally not in the statewide portal; check the Lackawanna prothonotary for those records. |
| Small claims | Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal | Civil and landlord-tenant dockets from magisterial district courts. | Case information only; judgments and filings may need a request to the court. |
| Family law | Prothonotary or Domestic Relations office of Lackawanna | Contact the county office for divorce, custody, and support case status. | Family cases are generally not in the statewide docket search and are often restricted. |
| Probate | Register of Wills of Lackawanna | Estate files are maintained by the county Register of Wills. | Probate records are not part of the statewide docket search; request copies from the Register of Wills. |
| Juvenile | Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna (restricted access) | Juvenile records are confidential and not publicly searchable. | Only parties and authorized persons can obtain juvenile case information from the court. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lackawanna County
Fines and citations are paid to the court office named on your citation or notice.
Payment methods for Lackawanna County are not listed on this page, so ask the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary which options are accepted.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them. Follow the payment instructions printed on the ticket.
Lackawanna County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Lackawanna County court records?
Use the UJS Web Portal to search statewide case records by name or docket number, or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.
Are Lackawanna County court records public?
Most are, under the Unified Judicial System's Public Access Policy, but records that a law, court rule, or court order makes confidential are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the UJS Web Portal by name or docket number, or ask the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary to confirm the case.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice, or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for the scheduled date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Follow the payment instructions on your citation or notice, or ask the court office which payment methods it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Lackawanna County each year?
Yearly filing counts for Lackawanna County are not published on this page, so no annual total is given.
What is the most common type of case in Lackawanna County?
Case-type counts for Lackawanna County are not published on this page, so no most-common category is given.
Is crime in Lackawanna County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 9.1% to 29,726 in 2025 from 32,693 in 2024, and property crimes fell 7.5% to 176,359 from 190,691, as reported to the FBI. These are Pennsylvania statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Lackawanna County Common PleasMore Info
| Address: | 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA, 18503 |
| Phone Number: | 570-963-6773 |
| Fax: | 570-963-6477 |
| Website: | http://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/lackawanna-county |
Scott County CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 Lindsay Road, Scott Township, PA, 15106 |
| Phone Number: | (412) 276-7887 |
| Website: | https://scott-twp.com/departments/magistrate/ |
Useful Links
- Lackawanna County Court - Departments & Agencies - Main page for court departments and agencies with detailed information and contact details.
- Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas - Official site with court schedules, opinions, and general information about the Common Pleas.
- Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania - Docket Sheets - Search for docket sheets and case details in all Pennsylvania counties, including Lackawanna.
- Public Records - Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania - Information on accessing public records from Pennsylvania courts and understanding records services.
- Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records - Details on judicial record services, filings, and search capabilities for public documents.
- PALawHelp.org - Legal Aid Help - Assistance with understanding legal rights and finding legal aid resources in Pennsylvania.
- Lackawanna County Magisterial District Courts - Provides contact details and locations for district courts across Lackawanna County.
- Lackawanna County Public Records Search - A service for searching public records in Lackawanna County, including criminal and civil records.
- Pennsylvania Association of Court Management - Offers resources for understanding court management and accessing related information in Pennsylvania.
- Finding Legal Services in Lackawanna County - Helps users find local legal services and assistance programs available within Lackawanna County.
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc - Statewide voice for fair access to justice, offering pro bono legal services and resources.
- Lackawanna County Legal Services - Educational resources and legal assistance available to residents of Lackawanna County.
- Lackawanna County Library System - Provides access to legal information, forms, and access to library resources for research.
- Pennsylvania Health Law Project - Offers legal services and advocacy solutions related to healthcare issues, supporting residents of Pennsylvania.
- North Penn Legal Services - Provides free civil legal aid to low-income families and individuals in Northeast Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association - Offers resources for legal professionals and the public, including professional standards and legal guides.
- Pennsylvania Victim Services - Information and resources to assist victims of crime in Pennsylvania, including legal advice and advocacy.
- Pennsylvania DMV - Court Records - Details on driving records, court cases related to driving offenses, and how to access these records.
- Lackawanna Bar Association - Organization providing professional development for lawyers and public outreach within the legal community.
- ACLU of Pennsylvania - Advocacy group fighting for individual rights and liberties and providing legal services in Pennsylvania.
Table of Contents
- Lackawanna County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lackawanna County Court Records
- Lackawanna County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lackawanna County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lackawanna County?
- How Does Lackawanna County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
- Lackawanna County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lackawanna County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lackawanna County?
- Are Lackawanna County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lackawanna County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lackawanna County
- Lackawanna County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links