Delaware County Public Records /Delaware County Divorce Records

Delaware County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Delaware County in 2026

DelawareCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find case summaries, docket entries, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution filings, final judgments, support orders, and parenting plans. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality rules.

Divorce records in Delaware County may be searched through official resources including the Court of Common Pleas, the Prothonotary's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.

Online Searches

1. Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal provides online access to civil and family court dockets, including divorce cases filed in Delaware County. This is the most common method for locating basic case information at no cost. Detailed documents may require in-person retrieval or a fee.

Free basic docket information
Search by party name or case number
Covers cases across all Pennsylvania counties
Document images may require additional steps to obtain

2. Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Prothonotary

The Delaware County Prothonotary maintains the official index of civil and family court cases, including divorce proceedings. Online access to case dockets is available through the UJS portal linked above.

3. Pennsylvania Vital Records – Divorce Verification

The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records issues divorce verifications for dissolutions granted in Pennsylvania. These are not full court records but serve as official confirmation of a divorce. A fee applies.

Divorce verifications available for dissolutions finalized in Pennsylvania
Useful for legal and administrative purposes
Does not replace the full court record or certified decree

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court – Delaware County Prothonotary (Family Division)

Delaware County Courthouse – Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Prothonotary

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records

By Mail

Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Prothonotary's Office. Requests should include:

Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of request (may be required for certain records)
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Mail requests to:
Delaware County Prothonotary
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and volume.

By Phone

The Prothonotary's Office may confirm limited information by telephone, including whether a case exists, the case number, filing date, and general case status. Detailed document contents and copies cannot be provided by phone.

Phone: (610) 891-4370
Available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a formal showing to obtain. The Pennsylvania Bar Association's lawyer referral service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Delaware County
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 cannot locate a record in Delaware County should consider whether the case may have been filed in an adjacent county. Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104, venue for divorce actions lies in the county of residence of either party.

Residency Requirement:

At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for a minimum of six months prior to filing, pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

May not appear in online systems immediately after the final hearing
Allow several business days to weeks for processing and indexing
Contact the Prothonotary's Office to confirm availability

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
Not all historical records have been digitized

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Record filed in a different county
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
Try alternate name spellings and both spouses' names
Search the UJS web portal using partial name searches
Request a divorce verification from the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
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 divorce proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office and constitute part of the permanent civil court file. They document the legal dissolution of a marriage and all related orders entered by the court.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:

Complaint in divorce (petition)
Affidavit of consent or grounds
Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
Final decree in divorce

Final Decree in Divorce

The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the primary document sought for legal and administrative purposes and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support, if awarded
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Prothonotary's Office.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
Financial disclosure statements
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan details
Post-divorce modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration and naturalization proceedings
Social Security and pension benefit claims

Personal Purposes

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

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. The office indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records issues divorce verifications but does not maintain the full court record.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania are governed by the Divorce Code, 23 Pa. C.S. § 3101 et seq., 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 and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.

Are Delaware County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Pennsylvania's open courts doctrine and applicable rules of judicial administration. However, certain categories of information within those records are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing by court order.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status and disposition

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Specific account balances (may have limited access)

Children's Information

Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
Schools children attend
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records of either party

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to their own sealed records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Pennsylvania courts operate under a presumption of public access to court records. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and their children.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket entries, 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 portions
Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials
Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.

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 copies of divorce records. Current fees are established by the court and subject to change; members of the public should confirm current rates directly with the office prior to submitting a request.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25–$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00–$10.00 (plus per-page copy fee)
Certification stamp	$5.00
Divorce verification (via PA Vital Records)	$20.00 per verification
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies

Fees for plain copies are set at the rate established by the court's fee schedule
Certified copies require the Prothonotary's seal and signature
The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records charges $20.00 for a divorce verification, which confirms that a divorce was granted but does not constitute a full court record

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to "Delaware County Prothonotary"
Credit or debit card (availability should be confirmed with the office)

Fee Waivers:

Individuals who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees. A completed in forma pauperis petition must be submitted and approved by the court prior to the waiver taking effect.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Viewing case docket entries through the UJS web portal is free
Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the courthouse is generally free; copies incur the standard per-page fee

What's Included in Divorce Records in Delaware County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Delaware County Prothonotary contains all documents filed by the parties and entered by the court from the initiation of the proceeding through post-judgment matters.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption (case number, court, division, party names)
Judge assigned to the matter
Attorneys of record for each party
Filing date and case type

Initial Pleadings:

Complaint in divorce, including grounds asserted, marriage date and location, date of separation, and relief requested
Affidavit of consent (in no-fault cases under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3301(c))
Answer and counterclaim, if filed by the respondent
Financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities

Discovery Documents:

Interrogatories and answers
Requests for production of documents and responses
Deposition transcripts, if taken
Subpoenas and returns

Property-Related Documents:

Inventory of marital assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, personal property)
Inventory of marital debts (mortgages, loans, credit card obligations)
Appraisals and expert valuations
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheet
Income information for both parties
Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Support Documents:

Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Income deduction orders for support enforcement

Settlement Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement addressing all issues including property division, support, and child-related matters
Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed)

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
Interim orders entered during the proceeding
Final Decree in Divorce, which is the court's conclusive order dissolving the marriage and resolving all ancillary matters

Post-Judgment Documents:

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement actions
Income deduction orders and liens

What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per court rules)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Mental health and substance abuse records
Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
Mediation communications (confidential and not part of the public record)
Settlement negotiations (not filed with the court)

How the File Is Organized:

Documents are filed in chronological order and indexed by the Prothonotary. Each document carries a filing date and document number. Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system; older paper files may require retrieval from storage.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Delaware County?

Proof of divorce in Delaware County is obtained through the Prothonotary's Office of the Court of Common Pleas or, for a summary verification, through the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records.

Certified Copy of the Final Decree (Primary Method):

A certified copy of the Final Decree in Divorce is the most widely accepted form of proof of divorce for legal, administrative, and personal purposes. To obtain a certified copy:

Identify the case number using the UJS web portal or by contacting the Prothonotary's Office
Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the office
Provide the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known
Pay the applicable certification and copy fees
Receive the certified copy bearing the Prothonotary's seal and signature

Delaware County Courthouse – Prothonotary's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Prothonotary

Divorce Verification (Alternative Method):

The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records issues divorce verifications for dissolutions granted in Pennsylvania. A verification confirms that a divorce was granted and provides the date and county of the decree. It does not contain the full terms of the divorce and is not a substitute for the certified court record.

Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Phone: (724) 656-3100
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records

Fee: $20.00 per verification
Processing time varies; expedited service may be available
Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a designated location

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 portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:

Court order sealing the case: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive personal information, ongoing safety concerns, or the involvement of minor children whose welfare requires protection
Domestic violence cases: Information that could identify the location or contact details of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access pursuant to applicable protective order statutes
Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment, substance abuse, or medical conditions are restricted under state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and other identifying information about minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible documents
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record
Custody evaluations: Reports prepared by court-appointed evaluators or guardians ad litem may be sealed by court order

Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly sealed or improperly disclosed may raise the matter with the court. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does Delaware County Keep Divorce Records?

Delaware County divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office in accordance with Pennsylvania's records retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and applicable court rules.

Retention Periods:

Final decrees and permanent court orders: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely
Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum period established by the court's retention schedule; many case files are retained permanently given their legal significance
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that case type
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule
Archived paper records: Older cases that predate electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be stored off-site; retrieval may require additional time

Practical Considerations:

Records from recent decades are accessible through the UJS web portal or at the courthouse
Very old records may require a special retrieval request and extended processing time
The Prothonotary's Office can advise on the availability and location of specific historical records
Pennsylvania's retention requirements for court records are established under the authority of the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101