Luzerne County Divorce Records
What Are Luzerne County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Luzerne County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial complaint, financial disclosures, custody arrangements, property settlement agreements, and the final decree.
Luzerne County divorce records serve several important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas maintains these records as part of its official duties. Under Pennsylvania law, divorce records are considered judicial records and are subject to specific regulations regarding access and confidentiality.
Are Luzerne County Divorce Records Public?
Luzerne County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, but with significant exceptions.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Luzerne County is governed by:
- Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
- Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration § 509
- Pennsylvania Divorce Code
- Federal privacy laws
Basic divorce decree information (names of parties, date of divorce, case number) is generally available to the public. However, access to complete divorce files may be restricted in cases involving:
- Child custody matters
- Domestic violence concerns
- Financial information of the parties
- Sensitive personal information (SSNs, bank account numbers)
- Cases specifically sealed by judicial order
Certified divorce certificates with restricted access are typically only available to:
- The parties to the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with a court order
- Government agencies with legitimate need
Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that while basic information may be accessible, sensitive personal details are often redacted or restricted to protect privacy interests while balancing the public's right to access court records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Luzerne County in 2026
Locating divorce records in Luzerne County requires contacting the appropriate county offices that maintain these documents. The primary repositories for divorce records are:
Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Prothonotary
To obtain divorce records, follow these steps:
- Determine the type of divorce record needed (decree, full case file, certified copy)
- Gather necessary information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Submit a request using one of these methods:
- In-person at the Prothonotary's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Mail a written request with required information
- Use the county's online records portal if available
- Pay the required fees:
- Search fee: $5-20 (varies based on search parameters)
- Copy fees: $0.50-$1.00 per page
- Certification fee: $5-10 per document
For older divorce records (generally pre-1970), contact:
Luzerne County Archives
Penn Place Building
20 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 825-1793
Luzerne County Archives
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code § 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323, divorce decrees must be properly recorded and maintained by the county where the divorce was granted.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Luzerne County Online?
Luzerne County provides limited online access to divorce record information through its electronic case management system. The online search capabilities allow users to verify basic case information but typically do not provide access to full document images or sensitive information.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office website
- Navigate to the "Online Records Search" or similar section
- Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
- Select "Civil/Family Court Records" or "Divorce Records" from the search options
- Enter search criteria:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range (filing or disposition dates)
- Review search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Party names
- Filing date
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned
- Basic docket entries
Important limitations of online searches include:
- Full document images are rarely available online
- Sensitive information is redacted
- Older records may not be included in the electronic system
- User fees may apply for certain search functions
- Some records may require in-person requests
For comprehensive divorce record information, users are often directed to visit the Prothonotary's Office in person or submit a written request for certified copies.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Luzerne County?
Several options exist for accessing basic divorce record information in Luzerne County without payment, though comprehensive records typically involve fees:
-
Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:
- Located in the Luzerne County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide basic case information without charge
- Printing fees may apply ($0.25-$1.00 per page)
-
Luzerne County Law Library:
- Located in the Luzerne County Courthouse
- Contains public legal records including divorce indices
- Available to the public during regular business hours
- Research assistance may be available from library staff
-
Basic Online Docket Search:
- Limited information available through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Provides case status and basic docket information
- No cost for basic searches
-
Local Public Libraries:
- May provide access to newspaper archives containing legal notices
- Some libraries maintain historical court record indices
- May offer free access to genealogical research databases
While basic information may be available without cost, fees typically apply for:
- Document copies
- Certified records
- Comprehensive searches
- Records requiring staff research time
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, courts may charge reasonable fees for providing public access to official records.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Luzerne County
Divorce records in Luzerne County typically contain multiple documents that chronicle the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. The contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.
Standard components of Luzerne County divorce records include:
-
Initial Filings:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons and proof of service
- Notice of Right to Counseling
- Vital Statistics Form
-
Financial Documentation:
- Income and Expense Statements
- Asset and Liability Disclosures
- Tax Returns (if submitted as evidence)
- Property Valuations
-
Custody and Support Documents (if applicable):
- Child Custody Agreements
- Child Support Calculations
- Parenting Plans
- Visitation Schedules
-
Legal Proceedings:
- Hearing Transcripts
- Deposition Records
- Court Orders
- Master's Reports
-
Settlement Documents:
- Property Settlement Agreements
- Marital Settlement Agreements
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
-
Final Documents:
- Divorce Decree
- Certificate of Divorce
- Name Change Orders (if applicable)
- Final Court Orders
The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was:
- Contested (typically more extensive documentation)
- Uncontested (usually contains minimal required documents)
- Settled through mediation (includes mediation agreements)
- Litigated through trial (includes extensive court proceedings)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information related to minor children.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Luzerne County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Luzerne County requires securing a certified copy of the divorce decree from the appropriate county office. This document serves as legal verification that a marriage has been dissolved.
To obtain proof of divorce:
- Contact the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office:
Luzerne County Prothonotary
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Prothonotary
-
Provide required information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if available)
- Your relationship to the case (party, attorney, authorized representative)
-
Submit proper identification:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Authorization documents if requesting on behalf of someone else
- Court order if requesting sealed records
-
Pay the applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5-20
- Certification fee: $5-10 per document
- Copy fees: $0.50-$1.00 per page
- Expedited service fee (if applicable): $25-50
-
Choose delivery method:
- In-person pickup (same day or next day service possible)
- Mail delivery (processing time: 5-10 business days)
- Expedited mail service (additional fees apply)
For divorces finalized before 1970, contact:
Luzerne County Archives
Penn Place Building
20 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 825-1793
Luzerne County Archives
Certified copies of divorce decrees are typically required for:
- Remarriage
- Name change on government documents
- Immigration proceedings
- Retirement benefit claims
- Insurance purposes
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Luzerne County?
While divorce proceedings in Luzerne County are generally matters of public record, Pennsylvania law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Pennsylvania Code § 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323 and court administrative rules.
Circumstances where divorce records may be confidential include:
-
Sealed Records by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal records
- Judge must find compelling privacy interests outweigh public access
- Requires specific legal grounds and formal motion
- Rarely granted except in extraordinary circumstances
-
Automatic Confidentiality Protections:
- Records containing information about victims of domestic violence
- Documents revealing the identity of confidential informants
- Records containing information that would compromise personal safety
- Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifiers
-
Redacted Information:
- Sensitive personal information is routinely redacted from public versions
- Child-related information may be protected under family privacy laws
- Medical and mental health information typically redacted
- Financial account details removed from public documents
-
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation proceedings are generally confidential
- Settlement negotiations may remain private
- Only final agreements become part of the public record
Parties seeking confidentiality must typically:
- File a formal motion with the court
- Demonstrate specific harm that would result from disclosure
- Identify particular documents requiring protection
- Propose the least restrictive means of protecting sensitive information
The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records when determining whether to grant confidentiality requests.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Luzerne County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Luzerne County varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce filed, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Pennsylvania law, different waiting periods apply to various divorce grounds.
Timeframes for different types of divorce:
-
Mutual Consent Divorce (§ 3301(c)):
- Minimum waiting period: 90 days after filing and service
- Typical timeframe with agreement: 3-6 months
- Required elements: Both parties file affidavits consenting to divorce
-
Irretrievable Breakdown (§ 3301(d)):
- Minimum separation period: 1 year
- Additional processing time: 3-6 months after separation period
- Total typical timeframe: 15-18 months
-
Fault-Based Divorce:
- Typical timeframe: 1-2 years
- May extend to 3+ years if heavily contested
- Requires court hearings and evidence presentation
Factors affecting divorce timeline in Luzerne County:
-
Court Congestion:
- Current case backlog in family court
- Judge availability for hearings
- Scheduling of required conferences
-
Complexity Factors:
- High-value assets requiring valuation
- Business ownership interests
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Real estate in multiple jurisdictions
- Child custody disputes
-
Cooperation Level:
- Uncontested matters proceed faster
- Contested issues require additional hearings
- Discovery disputes extend timeframes
- Settlement negotiations may reduce or extend time
According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, the average contested divorce case in Pennsylvania takes approximately 14-16 months from filing to finalization, while uncontested cases average 4-6 months.
How Long Does Luzerne County Keep Divorce Records?
Luzerne County maintains divorce records according to Pennsylvania's record retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage requirements.
Retention periods for different types of divorce records:
-
Active Court Records:
- Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention
- Case Files: Minimum 7 years after final disposition
- Docket Entries: Permanent retention
- Court Orders: Permanent retention
-
Financial Records:
- Support Payment Records: 7 years after case closure
- Fee Payment Records: 7 years after payment
- Financial Affidavits: 7 years after final disposition
-
Procedural Documents:
- Notices and Summonses: 3 years after final disposition
- Proof of Service Documents: 7 years after final disposition
- Scheduling Orders: 3 years after final disposition
-
Historical Records Transfer:
- Records older than 25 years: Transferred to Luzerne County Archives
- Records with historical significance: Permanent retention
- Microfilmed/Digitized Records: Original paper may be destroyed after verification
The Pennsylvania Record Retention Schedule governs these timeframes, with specific provisions for court records under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509.
For research purposes, older divorce records may be accessed through:
Luzerne County Archives
Penn Place Building
20 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 825-1793
Luzerne County Archives
Digital preservation efforts are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format, though this process is ongoing and not all historical records may be digitally available.
How To Get a Divorce In Luzerne County
Obtaining a divorce in Luzerne County requires following specific legal procedures established by Pennsylvania law. The process varies depending on the grounds for divorce and level of agreement between parties.
To initiate a divorce in Luzerne County:
-
Determine Eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for 6 months
- File in Luzerne County if either spouse resides there or both parties agree to venue
-
Select Appropriate Grounds:
-
Prepare and File Documents:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Notice to Defend
- Verification
- Filing fee (approximately $200-300) or fee waiver request
-
File at:
Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Prothonotary
-
Serve Documents:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Acceptance of service if spouse cooperates
- Alternative service methods if approved by court
-
Additional Proceedings:
- Mandatory waiting periods (90 days for mutual consent)
- Economic claims require filing of Income and Expense Statement
- Custody matters require separate custody complaint
- Property division requires inventory of assets and liabilities
-
Finalization Process:
- File appropriate affidavits after waiting period
- Submit proposed divorce decree
- Request final hearing if required
- Receive signed decree from judge
For assistance with divorce proceedings:
North Penn Legal Services
33 North Main Street, Suite 200
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 299-4100
North Penn Legal Services
Self-represented litigants can access forms and information through the Pennsylvania Courts Self-Help Center.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Luzerne County
Obtaining divorce papers in Luzerne County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on individual circumstances and needs. These documents are the necessary forms to initiate and complete the divorce process.
Methods to obtain divorce papers:
- Luzerne County Courthouse:
Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Basic divorce packet: $10-25 (fee varies based on included forms)
- Individual forms available for photocopying: $0.25-$1.00 per page
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can identify required forms
-
Online Resources:
- Pennsylvania Courts Self-Help Center
- PALawHelp.org - Free downloadable forms
- Forms must be printed and properly completed
-
Legal Aid Services:
North Penn Legal Services
33 North Main Street, Suite 200
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 299-4100
North Penn Legal Services
- Free assistance for income-eligible individuals
- Form completion guidance
- Limited representation may be available
- Law Library Resources:
Luzerne County Law Library
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500 ext. 3240
- Reference materials and form books available
- Public computers for accessing online resources
- Research assistance from library staff
Essential divorce forms typically include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Notice to Defend and Claim Rights
- Verification
- Certificate of Service
- Vital Statistics Form
- Income and Expense Statement (if economic claims)
- Property Inventory (if property division requested)
- Affidavit of Consent (for mutual consent divorce)
- Waiver of Notice (if applicable)
- Proposed Divorce Decree
Individuals should determine which type of divorce they are pursuing before obtaining forms, as different procedures require different documentation. All forms must be completed accurately and filed according to court rules to avoid delays or rejection.