Adams County Court Records
What Is Adams County Court Records
Court records in Adams County, Pennsylvania, are official documents generated and maintained by the judicial system in connection with legal proceedings filed within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a broad range of materials, including case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Each document type serves a distinct function: docket sheets provide a chronological index of all filings and proceedings in a case, while pleadings and motions reflect the arguments and requests submitted by parties. Orders and judgments represent the court's official rulings, and transcripts capture verbatim accounts of hearings and trials.
Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained at the county level. Property records, for example, are held by the Adams County Assessment Office and Recorder of Deeds, while vital records such as birth and death certificates are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Court records, by contrast, are generated exclusively through judicial proceedings and are custodied by specific court offices.
The following courts in Adams County currently maintain official court records:
- Court of Common Pleas – handles civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters
- Magisterial District Courts – handle summary offenses, traffic matters, minor civil claims, and preliminary hearings
- Orphans' Court Division – handles probate, guardianship, and estate matters
- Family Court Division – handles domestic relations, custody, support, and juvenile matters
Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 1722, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has authority to prescribe general rules governing the practice and procedure of all courts, including the maintenance and accessibility of court records across the Commonwealth.
Are Court Records Public In Adams County
Court records in Adams County are generally open to the public under Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, codified at 65 P.S. § 67.101, establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including judicial records not otherwise protected by court rule or statute. Members of the public may inspect the following categories of records without demonstrating a specific legal interest:
- Most civil case files, including complaints, answers, and supporting documents
- Criminal case files following the filing of formal charges
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets reflecting case activity
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
It is important to distinguish between Pennsylvania state court records and federal court records. Records from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which has jurisdiction over federal matters arising in Adams County, are maintained separately through the federal PACER system and are governed by federal rules rather than Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Pennsylvania Rules of Court and applicable statutes. These include juvenile delinquency records, mental health commitment records, adoption files, and records sealed by judicial order. The Adams County Clerk of Courts administers access to criminal court records and applies applicable exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
How To Find Court Records in Adams County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Adams County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the type of case and the court in which it was filed.
In-Person Access:
- Identify the appropriate court office based on the case type (civil, criminal, family, probate, or traffic).
- Visit the Prothonotary's Office for civil records or the Clerk of Courts for criminal records during public counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- Provide the case number, party name, or filing date to staff to locate the record.
- Review the record at the public access terminal or request certified or uncertified copies.
- Pay applicable copy fees at the time of the request.
By Mail:
- Submit a written request identifying the case by name, docket number, or approximate filing date.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Direct requests to the appropriate office at the Adams County Courthouse.
Online:
Members of the public may search available docket information through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal, which provides access to docket sheets for Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts statewide, including Adams County.
How To Look Up Court Records in Adams County Online?
Several online portals currently provide access to Adams County court records, depending on the court level and case type.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal
The UJS Web Portal is the primary statewide platform for searching court dockets. Members of the public may use the UJS case search portal to locate docket sheets for:
- Court of Common Pleas cases (civil and criminal)
- Magisterial District Court cases (summary offenses, traffic, minor civil)
- Appellate court cases
Search steps:
- Navigate to the UJS Web Portal.
- Select the court type (Common Pleas, Magisterial District, or Appellate).
- Enter the party's name, docket number, or date range.
- Review the docket sheet results, which include filing dates, charges or claims, scheduled hearings, and dispositions.
- Download or print docket sheets at no charge.
Adams County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Records
All criminal records maintained by the Adams County Clerk of Courts are open to the public. Members of the public may access criminal record information through the Adams County Clerk of Courts public records page, which also provides e-filing information for authorized users.
Adams County Prothonotary – Civil Records
The Adams County Prothonotary maintains the civil record of the Court of Common Pleas. An online index is available through the county's official website, allowing users to search civil case dockets by party name or docket number.
How To Search Adams County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law currently guarantees members of the public the right to inspect court records without charge. Under 65 P.S. § 67.301, agencies may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records; fees apply only to duplication or certification services.
The following resources are available at no cost:
- UJS Web Portal docket searches – Free statewide docket sheet searches for Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts, including Adams County cases
- In-person public access terminals – Available at the Adams County Courthouse for on-site record inspection at no charge
- Adams County Prothonotary online index – Free name and docket number searches for civil cases
- Adams County Clerk of Courts online access – Free access to criminal docket information
Fees are assessed only when a requester seeks printed copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies) or certified copies, which carry a separate certification fee established by the court.
What's Included in a Adams County Court Record?
The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following components:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint and summons
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Court orders and opinions
- Judgment entries
- Proof of service documents
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
Criminal Case Records:
- Criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Bail and bond orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts
- Verdict and sentencing orders
- Probation and parole conditions
Family Court Records:
- Petitions for custody, support, or divorce
- Domestic relations orders
- Protection from abuse (PFA) orders
- Hearing transcripts and judicial findings
Probate and Orphans' Court Records:
- Wills and letters testamentary
- Inventory and appraisement filings
- Guardianship orders
- Estate accounting documents
Traffic and Summary Offense Records:
- Citation and complaint
- Hearing notices
- Disposition and fine records
How Long Does Adams County Keep Court Records?
Adams County courts retain records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Judicial Records Retention Schedule, established under the authority of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and administered by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Retention periods vary by record type and court level:
- Criminal case files (felony and misdemeanor): Retained permanently or for a minimum of 20 years following final disposition
- Civil case files: Generally retained for 10 years following final disposition; longer periods apply to judgments
- Family court orders (custody, support): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the youngest child reaching majority
- Orphans' court and probate records: Retained permanently
- Traffic and summary offense records: Retained for a minimum of 5 years following final disposition
- Magisterial District Court records: Retained for periods ranging from 2 to 10 years depending on case type
Records subject to expungement orders are destroyed or sealed pursuant to court order and applicable Pennsylvania statute. The AOPC publishes the official retention schedule, which governs all courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Types of Courts In Adams County
Adams County's judicial system operates within the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. The court hierarchy proceeds from Magisterial District Courts at the local level through the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court at the intermediate appellate level, and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as the court of last resort.
Adams County Court of Common Pleas
Adams County Court of Common Pleas 111 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 337-9846 Adams County Court of Common Pleas
Public counter hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Court of Common Pleas is the principal trial court of general jurisdiction in Adams County. It maintains divisions for civil litigation, criminal matters, family court (including domestic relations and juvenile), and the Orphans' Court.
Adams County Prothonotary
Adams County Prothonotary 111 Baltimore Street, Room 103, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 337-9846 Adams County Prothonotary
Public counter hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Prothonotary serves as the clerk of the civil division of the Court of Common Pleas and is responsible for maintaining all civil case files and providing public access to the civil record.
Adams County Clerk of Courts
Adams County Clerk of Courts 111 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 337-9846 Adams County Clerk of Courts
Public counter hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Clerk of Courts maintains all criminal court records for the Court of Common Pleas, processing over 1,500 new criminal court records and over 2,000 contempt cases annually, in addition to summary appeals and juvenile matters.
Magisterial District Courts
Adams County is served by several Magisterial District Courts, which function as the entry-level courts of limited jurisdiction. These courts handle summary criminal offenses, traffic violations, minor civil claims up to $12,000, and preliminary arraignments and hearings in criminal matters. Magisterial District Judges are elected to six-year terms.
Pennsylvania Superior Court (Intermediate Appellate) 530 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Philadelphia location; also offices in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg) (215) 560-5800 Pennsylvania Superior Court
Pennsylvania Supreme Court 601 Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-6181 Pennsylvania Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Adams County Courts Hear?
Each court within Adams County's judicial structure handles a defined category of cases.
Court of Common Pleas – Civil Division:
- Contract disputes and commercial litigation
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Real property disputes
- Equity and injunctive relief matters
- Appeals from Magisterial District Court civil decisions
Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division:
- Felony and misdemeanor criminal prosecutions
- Drug offenses
- DUI cases above the summary level
- Appeals from Magisterial District Court summary convictions
Court of Common Pleas – Family Division:
- Divorce and equitable distribution
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Protection from abuse (PFA) petitions
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency matters
Orphans' Court Division:
- Probate of wills and administration of decedents' estates
- Guardianship of incapacitated persons and minors
- Adoptions
- Trust accountings
Magisterial District Courts:
- Summary criminal offenses (including most traffic violations)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Preliminary arraignments and bail hearings
- Preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor cases
How To Find a Court Docket In Adams County
A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a specific case. Members of the public may locate Adams County court dockets through the following methods:
Online Search via UJS Web Portal:
- Access the statewide UJS case search portal.
- Select the appropriate court type: Common Pleas, Magisterial District, or Appellate.
- Enter the party name, docket number, or date range in the search fields.
- Review the docket sheet, which lists all filings, scheduled events, and dispositions.
- Download or print the docket sheet free of charge.
In-Person at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Prothonotary's Office (civil matters) or the Clerk of Courts (criminal matters) at the Adams County Courthouse, 111 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
- Request access to the public index terminal or provide case information to staff.
- Review the docket on-screen or request a printed copy for the applicable per-page fee.
By Telephone: Members of the public may call the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary at (717) 337-9846 during business hours to obtain basic docket information or confirm case status.
Which Courts in Adams County Are Not Courts of Record?
A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented and preserved, whose acts and judicial proceedings are enrolled for perpetual memory and testimony, and which has the power to fine or imprison for contempt. Courts not of record, by contrast, do not maintain a permanent verbatim transcript of proceedings and have more limited jurisdiction and authority.
Under Pennsylvania law, Magisterial District Courts are currently classified as courts not of record. Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 1515, Magisterial District Courts exercise limited jurisdiction over summary offenses, minor civil claims, and preliminary proceedings in criminal matters, but their proceedings are not transcribed verbatim as a matter of course.
Because Magisterial District Courts are not courts of record, a party dissatisfied with a Magisterial District Judge's decision has the right to a de novo appeal — meaning a completely new hearing on the merits — before the Court of Common Pleas, rather than an appellate review of the lower court's record. This distinction is significant for parties seeking to challenge outcomes in landlord-tenant cases, summary criminal convictions, or minor civil judgments originating at the magisterial level.
The Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Superior Court, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are all courts of record under Pennsylvania law.