Court records of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. WestmorelandCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online tools of the Unified Judicial System of the state, directly at court offices — particularly at the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary offices — as well as through public terminals in the courthouse in Greensburg.
Westmoreland Court System & Jurisdictions
The Court of Common Pleas operates in Westmoreland County — a court of general jurisdiction that handles civil, criminal, family, and probate (Orphans' Court) cases. The Clerk of Courts maintains the records and files of criminal cases in this court.
Below are the main divisions and types of cases:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations
- Civil Division — lawsuits, contract disputes, debt collections; records are kept by the Prothonotary
- Family Division — divorces, child custody, alimony, protective orders
- Orphans' Court — probate cases, guardianship, trust management
Minor cases and traffic violations are handled by Magisterial District Judges — magistrates located in various municipalities of the county. Their decisions can be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas. Federal cases involving county residents fall under the jurisdiction of the Western District of Pennsylvania, not the local court.
Westmoreland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The hearing schedule for the Court of Common Pleas is published on the court's page on the county's official website. To check the date of a specific hearing, use the Case Lookup page, where you can find a civil or criminal case by number or participant's last name.
An additional method is the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal. Through the UJS web portal, you can search docket sheets for both the Court of Common Pleas and the Magisterial District Courts. The PAeDocket® mobile app allows you to do this from your smartphone.
Some practical tips:
- Visit the Case Lookup page on the county's website and select Civil or Criminal Case Lookup.
- Enter the case number or party's last name.
- The results will display information about scheduled hearings and their dates.
If you need information about court holidays or the annual report, the same page has links to Court Holidays and Courts Annual Report.
How to Get a Copy of a Westmoreland Court Document
The type of copy you receive depends on the purpose of use. A regular (uncertified) copy is suitable for review, while a certified copy is required for submission to another court, government agency, or employer.
Civil and Family Cases
Records are maintained by the Prothonotary's office. Online search is available through the iJEMS system, which operates 24/7 and provides access to civil and family records. Note: Divorce and custody cases from 2018 are currently unavailable in iJEMS.
For electronic document filing, the Prothonotary's e-filing system is used.
Criminal Cases
Criminal records are part of the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. To obtain copies, contact the Clerk of Courts.
Methods of Obtaining Copies
- In person — visit the appropriate office in the courthouse
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, parties' names, and type of document
- Through an open records request — submit a form via Open Records Request by mail or fax
Mailing address for requests to the Clerk of Courts:
Address for open records requests:
Westmoreland Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and record searches are determined by state regulations and court internal orders. Below are approximate fees applicable in Pennsylvania courts of general jurisdiction. It is recommended to verify the exact amount directly with the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary, as individual fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular document copy | $0.25–$1.00 per page | Depends on the office |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$10.00+ per document | In addition to copying cost |
| Criminal record search (PATCH) | $22.00 | Via PATCH system online |
| Access to iJEMS (civil records) | Free | 24/7 online viewing |
| Case search on UJS portal | Free | Docket sheets online |
| Open records request submission | Copying fees may apply | According to PA Right-to-Know Law |
For state-level criminal history checks, the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) is used, administered by the Pennsylvania State Police. Payment is accepted online.
If you need records of property or deeds, contact the Recorder of Deeds — a separate office with its own fee schedule. Document search is available through the Recorder of Deeds online portal.