Records of divorce in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. WestmorelandCourt.us allows quick access to public information on divorce cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision — through the Prothonotary's office, as well as the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. Depending on the type of document — court decision, certificate, or related case materials — different institutions need to be contacted.
Westmoreland Divorce Records Search
In Westmoreland County, divorce cases are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, and all documents are stored by the Prothonotary's office. The Prothonotary is responsible for the registration of civil and family cases, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and other related documents. The online system iJEMS provides 24/7 access to civil and family records, but divorce and custody cases from 2018 and later are currently unavailable through this portal. To obtain copies of such cases, one must contact the office in person or by mail.
Separately, the state of Pennsylvania, through the Division of Vital Records, maintains divorce certificates — abbreviated documents that confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain the full text of the court decision.
Westmoreland County Prothonotary
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Westmoreland
Divorce in Pennsylvania is a civil case handled by the Court of Common Pleas of the respective county. In Westmoreland County, once a decision is made by a judge, the divorce decree is registered with the Prothonotary's office. This is the main place to obtain a full copy of the decree, as well as any related documents — property division agreements, alimony or child custody orders.
If you need a divorce certificate — a short document confirming the fact and date of divorce — it is issued by the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. Such a certificate is often required for remarriage or name change.
Where to Contact Depending on Your Needs
- Full copy of the divorce decree or case materials — Westmoreland County Prothonotary's office. The page with instructions on obtaining the decree contains additional details.
- Divorce certificate (vital record) — Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.
Westmoreland County Prothonotary
Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records
For online search by case number or participant's last name, you can use the Case Lookup system on the county's website, as well as the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal, which covers cases of general jurisdiction courts across the state. The Prothonotary's e-filing system allows electronic document submission.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Westmoreland
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of divorce decree (Prothonotary, non-certified) | $0.25 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Prothonotary) | $6.00 per document | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (PA Division of Vital Records) | $20.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |