Under the guidance of Judicial Administrative Order No. A.D. 40-2020, dated August 14, 2020, the Lancaster County Office of the Prothonotary will reopen on a limited basis as of Monday, August 24, 2020. 

Pursuant to the Administrative Order, Court filings shall be by means other than in-person delivery whenever possible.  Court users and the public are requested to conduct any business they have in the Courthouse by telephone, mail, email, or any other advanced communication technology whenever possible to avoid in-person contact with Courthouse personnel.

The purpose of this limited reopening is to permit counter service for individuals who are unable to conduct their official business by means other than in person or for genuine emergency/time-sensitive matters.  For all other matters continued use of US mail, overnight service or e-filing through www.fileandservexpress.com is encouraged and preferred.

Passport applications will be processed by appointment only.  Walk-in processing will not be accepted. To schedule, please call 717-299-8282, option 6.

When filing in-person all paperwork shall be fully completed prior to entering the office.  Questions for the clerical staff must be brief.  Individuals will not be permitted to remain in the office longer than is necessary to effectuate the filing.  In addition, entrance into the office will be limited.  If there are individuals at the counter additional filers will need to wait in the hallway.

Individuals permitted access to any Court facility shall be required to maintain appropriate social distancing of at least six feet, to wear protective face masks or appropriate face coverings in common areas, and to comply with all safety directives provided by the Court or County staff.

Andrew E. Spade, Esq.

Lancaster County Prothonotary

IMPORTANT NOTICE

                RE: ACTION OF DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

RULE 1920.42— Obtaining Divorce Decrees Under Section 3301(c) or Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code

EFFECTIVE — OCTOBER 1, 2019 —AMENDED PRAECIPE TO TRANSMIT RECORD  http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-4294/file-4572.pdf?cb=ab3649

  
                                                Notice:  

 Effective January 6, 2018, all documents filed in the Lancaster County Prothonotary Office must follow and comply with the AOPC’s Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 

PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE PROTHONOTARY OFFICE, PLEASE REFER TO THE PA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE AND LANCASTER LOCAL RULES OF COURT FOR APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS AND RULES.

About the Prothonotary

The Office of Prothonotary is responsible for the recording and filing of legal papers for the civil side of the court system. These legal papers and documents can include topics and issues such as:

Accepts passport applications Administers oaths Appeals Change of names Civil actions Conducts ceremonies for naturalization Custody Divorce Issues certificates Judgments

Mechanical, municipal, county, and state and federal income tax liens Mental commitments Mortgage foreclosures Petitions for opening ballot boxes on recounts Power of attorney registrations Protection from abuse Quiet titles School audit reports Treasurer sale deed records