Bucks County Court Records
What Is Bucks County Court Records
Court records in Bucks County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of cases filed, heard, and adjudicated within Bucks County courts. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax assessment records
- Voter registration information
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains records across multiple court levels operating within Bucks County:
- Court of Common Pleas
- Magisterial District Courts
- Orphans' Court
- Domestic Relations Court
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to 42 Pa.C.S. § 4301, court records are defined as "all documents, information, data, or other items filed with or maintained by the court as part of the official record of a case."
Are Court Records Public In Bucks County
Court records in Bucks County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's constitutional principle of open courts and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Under 65 P.S. § 67.301, "a public record, legislative record or financial record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication in accordance with this act."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
It is important to note that Bucks County courts operate within the state judicial system, distinct from federal courts. Access to records is governed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Public Access Policy, which establishes uniform standards for public access to court records throughout the Commonwealth.
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:
- Juvenile records
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records containing confidential personal identifiers
- Cases under active investigation
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has implemented specific rules regarding confidential information in court filings through the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which balances transparency with privacy protections.
How To Find Court Records in Bucks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Bucks County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, depending on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court office based on the case type
- Visit during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case identification information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6000
Bucks County Courts
For written requests:
- Download the appropriate request form from the court's website
- Complete all required fields with specific case information
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate court office
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
For electronic requests:
- Access the Bucks County Court Records portal
- Select the appropriate court or record type
- Create an account if required
- Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, date ranges)
- Pay any required access fees
- Download available documents
Pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, requesters must adhere to established procedures for accessing court records, which may include verification of identity for certain sensitive records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Bucks County Online?
Bucks County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote searches of various court documents without visiting county offices in person.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal offers access to multiple court record databases:
-
Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access PA UJS Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose the appropriate court type (Common Pleas, Magisterial District)
- Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, date ranges)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
- Download available docket sheets
-
Bucks County Prothonotary Records
- Visit the Bucks County Prothonotary E-Services
- Register for an account if conducting detailed searches
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Access civil case filings, judgments, and related documents
- Pay applicable fees for document downloads
-
Criminal Case Information
- Access the PA Court Case Information portal
- Select "Common Pleas Court Case Information" or "Magisterial District Court Case Information"
- Search by defendant name, case number, or complaint/incident number
- Review docket information for criminal proceedings
- Note that document attachments may require in-person requests
-
Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Records
- Navigate to the Register of Wills Online Services
- Search probate records, wills, and estate administration documents
- Access marriage license applications and records
- Review guardianship proceedings
When using these online systems, users should note that pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 213.77, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court documents.
How To Search Bucks County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under 65 P.S. § 67.1307, "a public record shall be accessible for inspection by any requester during the regular business hours of an agency."
Free access options in Bucks County include:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate court office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site without charge
- Take notes on case information
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6000
Bucks County Courts -
Free Online Docket Searches
- Access the PA UJS Web Portal Docket Sheets
- Search criminal, civil, and family court dockets without fees
- View basic case information, party names, and procedural history
- Note that document downloads may incur charges
-
Public Access Terminals
- Use computer terminals available at the Bucks County Law Library
- Access court databases without online access fees
- Search case information across multiple court systems
- Print documents for standard copy fees
Bucks County Law Library
Bucks County Justice Center, 1st Floor
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6190
Bucks County Law Library -
Magisterial District Court Docket Information
- Access Docket Lookup Information
- Search minor criminal and civil cases
- View basic case status and scheduling information
- Access without registration or fees
What's Included in a Bucks County Court Record?
Court records in Bucks County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Court orders and opinions
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
For Criminal Cases:
- Criminal complaint or information
- Arrest warrant and return
- Bail determination documents
- Preliminary hearing transcripts
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Discovery materials (with restrictions)
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict or plea documentation
- Sentencing orders
- Post-conviction relief petitions
For Family Court Matters:
- Divorce complaints and decrees
- Child custody petitions and orders
- Support calculations and orders
- Protection from abuse filings
- Paternity determinations
- Property division agreements
- Qualified domestic relations orders
For Orphans' Court:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Inheritance tax returns
- Guardianship petitions and reports
- Adoption petitions and decrees (with confidentiality restrictions)
Pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 213.76, certain confidential information is excluded from public access, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, minors' names, and victim identifiers in sensitive cases.
How Long Does Bucks County Keep Court Records?
Bucks County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by 204 Pa. Code § 213.51, which establishes uniform record retention policies for courts throughout the Commonwealth.
Common retention periods include:
Civil Court Records:
- Active civil case files: Maintained until case closure plus 7 years
- Civil judgments: 20 years from entry date
- Discontinued cases: 2 years after discontinuance
- Civil dockets: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period or maintained for 1 year
Criminal Court Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years from final disposition
- Summary offense records: 3 years after final disposition
- Criminal dockets: Permanent retention
- Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order
Family Court Records:
- Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
- Child custody orders: Until child reaches age 25
- Support orders: 20 years after case closure
- Protection from abuse orders: 5 years after expiration
Orphans' Court Records:
- Wills: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: 20 years after estate closure
- Guardianship records: 25 years after termination
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (with access restrictions)
Magisterial District Court Records:
- Civil judgments: 7 years
- Criminal case records: 7 years for misdemeanors, 3 years for summary offenses
- Traffic citations: 3 years after disposition
Historical records of significant legal or cultural value may be transferred to the Bucks County Archives for permanent preservation. Researchers seeking older records should contact the Archives directly for assistance.
Types of Courts In Bucks County
Bucks County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System.
Bucks County Court of Common Pleas
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6000
Bucks County Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Court of Common Pleas is the county's primary trial court with general jurisdiction over major civil and criminal matters. It is organized into specialized divisions:
Civil Division
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Civil Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Criminal Division
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Criminal Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Family Court Division
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6800
Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Orphans' Court Division
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6265
Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Magisterial District Courts
Bucks County has 18 Magisterial District Courts distributed geographically throughout the county. These courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic cases, and civil disputes under $12,000. A complete listing of Magisterial District Courts with addresses and contact information is available on the Bucks County Magisterial District Courts website.
The Pennsylvania court hierarchy proceeds from Magisterial District Courts to the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania or Commonwealth Court (depending on case type), and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for matters of significant legal importance.
What Types of Cases Do Bucks County Courts Hear?
Bucks County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Pennsylvania law.
The Court of Common Pleas divisions handle:
Civil Division:
- Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury cases
- Property disputes
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Criminal Division:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Serious misdemeanor cases
- Criminal jury trials
- Sentencing proceedings
- Probation and parole violations
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Criminal appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Family Division:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child and spousal support cases
- Protection from abuse matters
- Paternity establishment
- Name change petitions
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases (child welfare)
Orphans' Court Division:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Trust management
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
- Marriage license issuance
- Nonprofit corporation oversight
Magisterial District Courts handle:
- Summary criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings for felonies and misdemeanors
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Municipal code violations
- Small claims proceedings
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by 42 Pa.C.S. § 931 for the Court of Common Pleas and 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Bucks County
Court dockets in Bucks County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select the appropriate court type (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
- Enter search criteria (party name, case number, filing date)
- Review search results and select specific dockets to view
- Download or print docket sheets as needed
For Common Pleas dockets:
- Access the Bucks County Docket Lookup Information
- Select the appropriate division (Civil, Criminal, Family, Orphans')
- Enter required search parameters
- Review docket information showing case status, scheduled events, and filed documents
For Magisterial District Court dockets:
- Visit the PA Minor Judiciary Case Information portal
- Select "Magisterial District Judge" search option
- Enter defendant/plaintiff name or docket number
- Review chronological listing of case events
In-person docket requests:
- Visit the appropriate court office during business hours
- Complete a docket request form with case information
- Submit to clerk for processing
- Review docket information on-site or request copies (fees apply)
Bucks County Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Clerk of Courts
Bucks County Prothonotary (Civil)
Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6191
Prothonotary
Current court schedules and hearing lists are also available through the Bucks County Court Calendar, which provides daily listings of proceedings by courtroom and judge.
Which Courts in Bucks County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pennsylvania's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are recorded verbatim and whose decisions may serve as legal precedent. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, courts of record maintain complete transcripts of proceedings and have the authority to punish contempt.
In Bucks County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Magisterial District Courts:
- These courts handle minor civil disputes, summary offenses, and preliminary proceedings in criminal cases
- Proceedings are not transcribed verbatim
- Decisions do not establish binding precedent
- Appeals from these courts receive de novo review (completely new proceedings) in the Court of Common Pleas
There are 18 Magisterial District Courts throughout Bucks County, each serving specific geographic areas. These courts provide accessible forums for resolving minor disputes without the formality and expense of proceedings in courts of record.
When cases from Magisterial District Courts are appealed to the Court of Common Pleas, they receive a completely new hearing rather than a review of the record from the lower court. This distinction is important for litigants to understand when considering their appeal rights.
The Court of Common Pleas and all its divisions (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Orphans' Court) are courts of record, maintaining verbatim transcripts of proceedings and issuing decisions that may establish precedent within their jurisdiction.
Lookup Court Records in Bucks County
Docket Lookup Information for Bucks County courts