Delaware County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Delaware County in 2026
DelawareCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Delaware County. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders.
Divorce records in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, may be searched through the Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal, and in-person at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking access to these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides online access to civil and family court dockets, including divorce cases filed in Delaware County. Basic docket information is available at no charge. Copies of filed documents may require a fee.
2. State Court System Portal
The UJS Web Portal allows searches across Pennsylvania jurisdictions, including Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. Users may search by party name, case number, or filing date to locate divorce proceedings.
3. Pennsylvania Vital Records
Pennsylvania does not issue divorce certificates through the Division of Vital Records for divorces finalized after January 1, 1980. For divorces finalized before that date, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains limited records. Current divorce verification is obtained directly from the Court of Common Pleas.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division (Delaware County Court of Common Pleas)
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files
Records Department
The Prothonotary's Office maintains civil and family court records, including divorce filings. Historical and archived cases may be retrieved upon written request. Certified copy requests are processed through this office.
Delaware County Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Prothonotary
By Mail
Written Request
Mail requests to:
Delaware County Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Include the following with each written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is at present two to four weeks, depending on record age and volume.
By Phone
Limited Information Available
- Clerk of Court: (610) 891-4370
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may retain legal counsel to access records, including sealed documents, through proper court procedures. The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with qualified family law attorneys.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses during marriage
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are filed in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public may need to search multiple counties if the residence county is uncertain. Under § 3104 of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, venue is proper in the county where either party resides.
Residency Requirement: Pennsylvania requires that at least one spouse be a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce, as established under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online systems
- Allow processing time following the final hearing before searching
- Records are at present available within days to a few weeks of finalization
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Special retrieval requests may be required for records older than ten to fifteen years
- Non-digitized records require additional processing time
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Prothonotary's Office at (610) 891-4370
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records for pre-1980 divorces
- Consult a licensed Pennsylvania family law attorney
What Are Delaware County Divorce Records?
Delaware County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed throughout the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support terms, child custody and support arrangements, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Prothonotary's Office.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Verification for immigration proceedings
- Evidence for Social Security benefit claims
- Estate planning and property transfer documentation
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal verification of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Prothonotary's Office of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. Records are indexed by party name and case number. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains limited divorce records for proceedings finalized prior to January 1, 1980.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are governed by the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, 23 Pa. C.S. § 3301, which establishes grounds for dissolution, procedural requirements, and the legal framework for equitable distribution of marital property. Public access to court records is governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.
Are Delaware County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas are public court records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of sensitive information are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled proceedings
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record.
Privacy Protections
Pennsylvania law provides specific protections for sensitive information in family law proceedings. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs medical information submitted in court proceedings. Pennsylvania's child protection statutes restrict disclosure of information identifying minor children in custody matters.
Who Can Access Records
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information
- Attorneys of Record: Have access to all case documents and may petition for access to sealed materials upon proper showing
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization
Restrictions on Use
Access to divorce records may not be used for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of existing protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected under the First Amendment, and personal verification.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Court of Common Pleas demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Law enforcement agencies, child protective services investigators, and court-appointed evaluators may have statutory access to otherwise restricted materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Delaware County?
The Delaware County Prothonotary's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 1725, which governs court costs and fees in Pennsylvania.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00–$15.00 (varies by document length) |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies; contact office |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by case |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Copies obtained through the public access terminal may carry a per-page fee
- Certified copies of the final decree of divorce carry an additional certification fee
- Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order made payable to the Delaware County Prothonotary
- Credit card acceptance varies; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (610) 891-4370
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a waiver should inquire with the Prothonotary's Office
Basic docket information viewed through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal is available at no charge. Document downloads through the portal may carry a per-page fee depending on the case type and filing date.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Delaware County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Delaware County Prothonotary's Office contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information
The case caption identifies the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date filed, filing fees paid, case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce under Pennsylvania law, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, liabilities including debts and loans, and the standard of living maintained during the marriage.
Discovery Documents
Financial disclosure materials may include recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, and business financial statements where applicable. Interrogatories consist of written questions and sworn answers providing background, financial, and custody-related information. Requests for production generate document submissions including property inventories and financial records.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory describes and values real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles. The debt inventory identifies mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, personal loans, business debt, and tax obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property are filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents
Where minor children are involved, the case file contains a Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, summer, and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support documentation includes the calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare costs, the support amount ordered, and the payment schedule. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the case file, though they may be sealed.
Support Documents
Alimony or spousal support provisions identify the type of support ordered, the amount and duration, the payment schedule, modification and termination conditions, and applicable tax treatment. Calculation worksheets reflect income information, standard of living analysis, and the need and ability to pay.
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax provisions, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where applicable, are incorporated into the settlement agreement or filed separately.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders may address interim custody, support, use of marital property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the proceeding. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division awards, spousal support orders, child custody and support orders, name restoration if requested, and the judge's signature and seal. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately where retirement accounts are divided and instruct plan administrators on the division of benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents
Following entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions including liens.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Delaware County?
Proof of divorce in Delaware County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Dissolution issued by the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Prothonotary's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number using the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal or by contacting the Prothonotary's Office at (610) 891-4370.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or through the court's document request process.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Delaware County Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For divorces finalized prior to January 1, 1980, members of the public may also contact the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records for available records. For current divorces, the Court of Common Pleas remains the sole official source of certified proof of dissolution.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Delaware County?
Divorce proceedings in Delaware County are presumptively public, but Pennsylvania law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.
Records that may be confidential or sealed include:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, personal address and contact information may be withheld from public filings
- Cases involving child abuse allegations: Psychological evaluations, child interviews, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed to protect minor children
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical and treatment records submitted as exhibits carry confidentiality protections under state and federal law
- Mediation communications: Under Pennsylvania law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the Court of Common Pleas to seal all or part of a case file upon demonstrating that privacy interests outweigh the public interest in access
- Confidential settlement terms: Settlement provisions not incorporated into the final judgment may remain outside the public record
The legal basis for sealing family court records in Pennsylvania is found in the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. A motion to seal must be filed with the assigned judge, and opposing parties receive notice and an opportunity to respond.
How Long Does Delaware County Keep Divorce Records?
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Pennsylvania court record retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Retention periods for divorce records currently in effect include:
- Final decrees and judgments: Retained permanently as part of the official court record
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of twenty years following the close of the case
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following finalization
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable case retention period
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained permanently as amendments to the original judgment
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time
Pennsylvania court record retention requirements are governed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Records Retention Schedule for courts of common pleas. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact the Prothonotary's Office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Delaware County Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Prothonotary