Court records in Adams County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. AdamsPACourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal, the offices of the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary at the Adams County Courthouse, and public terminals available on-site during business hours.
Adams Court System & Jurisdictions
Adams County's court structure follows the Pennsylvania unified judicial system. Cases are divided among several courts based on type and severity.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's general trial court, organized into divisions:
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, summary appeals, and contempt cases. The Clerk of Courts maintains these records.
- Civil Division — Lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and equity actions. The Prothonotary is the custodian of civil records.
- Family Division — Divorce, custody, support, and protection-from-abuse matters. Divorce filings and pro se resources are available through Court Administration.
- Orphans' Court Division — Estates, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters. The Register of Wills manages related filings.
Magisterial District Courts
Adams County has several magisterial district judges who handle:
- Summary offenses and traffic citations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Docket sheets for both Common Pleas and magisterial district court cases can be searched through the UJS Web Portal.
Adams Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Adams County are published through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the UJS Web Portal.
- Select the court calendar option for Common Pleas or Magisterial District Courts.
- Choose Adams County and the desired date range.
The portal displays scheduled hearings for both criminal and civil matters. Magisterial district court calendars are listed separately. Calendar information is also available by contacting the Clerk of Courts or Court Administration directly at the courthouse.
Keep in mind that schedules can change on short notice. Confirm hearing times with the appropriate office before traveling to the courthouse, especially for non-party attendees.
How to Get a Copy of a Adams Court Document
The office you contact depends on the type of record you need.
Criminal Records
The Clerk of Courts handles criminal docket sheets, case files, and certified copies. All criminal records are generally open to the public. You can:
- Search online — Use the UJS Web Portal to view and print docket sheets at no charge.
- Visit in person — Request copies at the Clerk of Courts office in the Adams County Courthouse.
- Mail a request — Send a written request with the case number, defendant name, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
Civil Records
Civil case files, judgments, and liens are maintained by the Prothonotary's office. Certified copies of divorce decrees can also be obtained there. The Prothonotary FAQ page explains common requests, including how to get a certified copy of a divorce decree.
Land and Estate Records
- Deeds and land records — The Recorder of Deeds records documents related to real estate. An online search is available through the Adams County eSearch portal for estate and land records.
- Property information — The Tax Parcel Viewer provides parcel boundary and assessment data.
Criminal Background Checks
For a formal criminal history report, use the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. PATCH results cover statewide records, not just Adams County.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Suitable for personal reference. Docket sheets printed from the UJS portal are uncertified.
- Certified copies — Required for legal proceedings, official filings, or submission to other courts. These bear the court seal and an officer's signature. Request them directly from the appropriate clerk's office.
Adams Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Adams County are set by Pennsylvania statute and local administrative orders. The following table lists common fees. Contact the relevant office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Docket sheet (online via UJS Portal) | Free | UJS Web Portal |
| Photocopy of court document (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 – $10.00 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | Contact office for current fee | Prothonotary |
| PATCH criminal background check | $22.00 (standard online) | Pennsylvania State Police |
| Land record search (online eSearch) | Registration may be required; per-page fees may apply | Recorder of Deeds |
| Deed recording fee | Varies by document type and page count | Recorder of Deeds |
Accepted payment methods vary by office. In-person requests typically accept cash, checks, and money orders. Mail requests usually require a check or money order payable to the appropriate office. The UJS portal and PATCH accept credit and debit cards for online transactions. Ask the specific office about accepted forms of payment before mailing a request.
Fee amounts are based on Pennsylvania statutory schedules (including 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 for Prothonotary fees and related provisions). Offices may update fees when statutes change, so verify directly with the clerk's office or check the county website for the most current schedule.