Lehigh County Divorce Records
What Are Lehigh County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Lehigh County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, orders, and decrees that chronicle the legal process of terminating a marriage.
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas maintains these records as part of its official duties. These documents serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change proceedings
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for certain immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records are categorized as vital records, similar to birth, death, and marriage certificates. However, unlike other vital records that are primarily maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, divorce records are primarily maintained by the judicial system where the divorce was granted.
Are Lehigh County Divorce Records Public?
Lehigh County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.101, but with significant exceptions.
The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by several factors:
- Basic divorce decree information (names, date of divorce, case number) is generally public
- Detailed financial disclosures within divorce filings may be redacted or sealed
- Records containing information about minor children are subject to privacy protections
- Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access
- Certain sensitive personal information is protected under Pennsylvania Public Access Policy § 204
While court divorce case files are generally accessible to the public through the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts office, certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Certain government agencies for official purposes
Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that while basic information may be readily available, access to complete files may require demonstration of legitimate interest or legal standing.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lehigh County in 2026
Individuals seeking divorce records in Lehigh County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts office, which maintains these records as part of its official duties.
To obtain divorce records, requestors may follow these steps:
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Prepare necessary information including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
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Contact or visit the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts:
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3550
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
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Complete a records request form, which can be obtained in person or downloaded from the county website.
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Submit the required identification. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Court Records Access Policy § 213, requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees. The current fee structure includes:
- Record search: $20.00 per name
- Copies of documents: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 per document plus copy fees
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For older records (typically pre-1970), contact:
Lehigh County Historical Records Center
Lehigh County Government Center
17 South 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3280
Lehigh County Archives
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal, which provides electronic access to certain court records.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lehigh County Online?
Lehigh County offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides electronic access to certain court records, including basic divorce case information.
To search for divorce records online, individuals may utilize the following resources:
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Access the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal, which serves as the central online repository for court records throughout the Commonwealth.
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Select "Public Web Docket Sheets" from the available options.
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Choose "Common Pleas Courts" as the court type.
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Select "Lehigh" as the county.
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Under case category, select "Civil" and then "Divorce" as the case type.
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Enter available search criteria such as:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range
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Review search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case status
- Basic docket entries
For more comprehensive records that may not be available online, users are directed to contact the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts directly. The Case Search system maintained by Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides public information but does not contain complete case files or documents.
Online access is subject to the limitations established by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which restricts certain sensitive information from online viewing.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lehigh County?
While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, there are several methods to access basic divorce record information in Lehigh County at no cost:
- Visit the Lehigh County Law Library, which provides public access terminals for searching court records:
Lehigh County Law Library
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 105
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3114
Lehigh County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Utilize the public access terminals at the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts office, which allow free on-site searches of basic case information.
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Access the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal from any internet-connected device. Basic case information is available without charge, though detailed documents may require fees.
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Visit local public libraries, which often provide free access to public computers and may offer assistance with navigating public records databases:
Allentown Public Library
1210 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-820-2400
Allentown Public Library
It should be noted that while basic record searches may be conducted without cost, obtaining copies, certified documents, or comprehensive case files will typically involve standard fees. Additionally, free access is generally limited to public information only, with confidential or sealed records remaining restricted regardless of the access method.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lehigh County
Divorce records in Lehigh County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.
The standard divorce record file includes:
- Divorce Petition/Complaint: The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Proof of Service: Documentation showing the non-filing spouse received legal notice
- Response/Answer: The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the divorce petition
- Financial Disclosures: Statements detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses of both parties
- Property Settlement Agreement: Document outlining the division of marital property and debts
- Child Custody Agreement: Terms regarding legal and physical custody of minor children
- Child Support Order: Determination of financial support obligations for minor children
- Alimony/Spousal Support Orders: Terms of financial support from one spouse to another
- Final Decree of Divorce: The court's final judgment legally terminating the marriage
In accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure § 1920.33, certain financial information must be included in divorce filings when property division is at issue. However, sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's identifying information is typically redacted from public versions of these records pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System.
The specific contents of divorce records may vary based on the complexity of the case, whether children were involved, and if the divorce was contested or uncontested.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lehigh County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Lehigh County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
To obtain official proof of divorce, requestors may:
- Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts:
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3550
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
- Purpose for which the document is needed
- Return address and contact information
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Provide proper identification as required by Pennsylvania Court Records Access Policy § 213.
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Pay the required fees:
- Certified copy of divorce decree: $10.00 plus $0.50 per page
- Exemplified copy (for use in another state): $20.00 plus certification fee
For divorces finalized after 1968, verification certificates may also be obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
844-228-3516
Pennsylvania Vital Records
The verification certificate confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain the detailed information found in the full divorce decree. This simpler document is often sufficient for name changes, remarriage licenses, and certain benefits applications.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lehigh County?
While divorce proceedings in Lehigh County are generally matters of public record, Pennsylvania law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Confidentiality provisions in divorce proceedings may include:
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Sealing of Records: Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure § 1930.1, a judge may order entire case files sealed upon showing of good cause.
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Redaction of Sensitive Information: The Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System requires the redaction of confidential information from public court filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names and dates of birth
- Driver's license numbers
- State identification numbers
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Protection from Abuse Cases: When divorce proceedings involve domestic violence or Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, additional confidentiality protections may apply.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation sessions and settlement conferences are typically confidential, with only the final agreements becoming part of the public record.
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating that the harm resulting from public access would outweigh the public interest in open court records. Such requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with courts generally favoring transparency unless compelling privacy interests are demonstrated.
It should be noted that even when records are sealed or redacted, basic case information (parties' names, case number, and general case type) typically remains accessible through public docket searches.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lehigh County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Lehigh County varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce filed, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Pennsylvania law establishes different timeframes for various divorce grounds under Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301.
Approximate timeframes for different types of divorce in Lehigh County are:
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Mutual Consent Divorce (§ 3301(c)): 90-120 days from filing
- Requires both parties to consent to the divorce
- 90-day mandatory waiting period after filing
- Additional time for processing final decree
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Irretrievable Breakdown with Separation (§ 3301(d)): 12-18 months
- Requires 1-year separation period before filing
- Additional 20-90 days for processing after filing
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Fault-Based Divorce: 12-24 months or longer
- Requires proving grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion
- Often involves hearings and testimony
- Typically contested, extending timeframes
Factors that may extend these timeframes include:
- Complex property division issues
- Child custody disputes
- High-conflict cases requiring multiple court appearances
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Discovery disputes and motions practice
According to statistics from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Lehigh County is approximately 8.5 months for uncontested cases and 14.7 months for contested cases, though individual cases may vary significantly from these averages.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional backlogs in the court system, potentially extending these timeframes further in some cases.
How Long Does Lehigh County Keep Divorce Records?
Lehigh County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the County Records Act § 13-3. This schedule determines how long different types of court records must be preserved.
The retention periods for divorce records in Lehigh County are:
- Active Case Files: Maintained in the Clerk of Courts office for 5 years after final disposition
- Inactive Case Files: Transferred to the County Archives after the active period
- Permanent Records: Divorce decrees, final judgments, and docket entries are preserved permanently
- Supporting Documentation: May be subject to disposal after 7-25 years, depending on document type
- Exhibits: Typically returned to parties or destroyed after appeal periods expire
For records management purposes, divorce files are categorized as follows:
- Current Records (less than 5 years old): Maintained in the Clerk of Courts office
- Semi-Current Records (5-25 years old): May be transferred to off-site storage
- Historical Records (over 25 years old): Transferred to the Lehigh County Historical Records Center
Lehigh County Historical Records Center
Lehigh County Government Center
17 South 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3280
Lehigh County Archives
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
It should be noted that while some supporting documentation may be disposed of after the minimum retention period, the fundamental record of the divorce (the decree and docket entries) is maintained permanently. This ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the divorce occurred.
How To Get a Divorce In Lehigh County
Obtaining a divorce in Lehigh County requires following specific legal procedures established by Pennsylvania law. The process varies depending on the type of divorce sought and the level of agreement between parties.
To initiate divorce proceedings in Lehigh County, individuals must:
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Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least six months prior to filing, pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3104.
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Select appropriate grounds for divorce:
- Mutual consent (§ 3301(c))
- Irretrievable breakdown with one-year separation (§ 3301(d))
- Fault-based grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, etc.)
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Prepare and file required documents with:
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3550
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
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Pay filing fees (currently $382.75 for divorce complaint without additional claims).
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Serve divorce papers on the other spouse according to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
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Complete mandatory waiting periods:
- 90 days for mutual consent divorces
- 20-day response period after service
- Additional waiting periods for specific divorce grounds
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File additional required documents, which may include:
- Affidavit of Consent (for mutual consent divorces)
- Praecipe to Transmit Record
- Waiver of Notice
- Proposed Divorce Decree
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Address related issues such as:
- Property division
- Child custody and support
- Alimony/spousal support
For individuals unable to afford filing fees, the court provides a fee waiver process through an In Forma Pauperis petition. Additionally, legal assistance may be available through:
North Penn Legal Services
65 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 903
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-317-8757
North Penn Legal Services
The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides access to standardized divorce forms and additional information about the divorce process.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Lehigh County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Lehigh County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce case and must be properly prepared according to Pennsylvania court rules.
Divorce papers may be obtained through several methods:
- In-person at the Lehigh County Courthouse:
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3550
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Online through the Pennsylvania Judiciary's website, which provides standardized forms for various types of divorce proceedings.
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Through the Lehigh County Law Library, which maintains reference copies of divorce forms and procedural guides:
Lehigh County Law Library
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 105
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3114
Lehigh County Law Library
- Through legal aid organizations serving Lehigh County residents:
North Penn Legal Services
65 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 903
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-317-8757
North Penn Legal Services
The basic divorce packet typically includes:
- Complaint in Divorce
- Notice to Defend
- Verification
- Certificate of Compliance
- Proof of Service forms
- Affidavit of Consent (for mutual consent divorces)
- Waiver of Notice forms
- Praecipe to Transmit Record
- Proposed Divorce Decree
Additional forms may be required for cases involving:
- Child custody and support
- Spousal support/alimony
- Property division
- Protection from abuse
Individuals should select the appropriate forms based on their specific circumstances and the type of divorce being pursued. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania provides guidance on form selection and completion, though specific requirements may vary by county.