Lehigh County Divorce Records are official legal documents that show the end of a marriage for couples who filed in Allentown, Pennsylvania. These records include the original divorce complaint, the final divorce decree, child-support schedules, property division details, and the marriage-termination certificate. The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas keeps these files safe and organized by case number, filing date, and the last names of both parties. Anyone can get copies in person at the courthouse, by mail with a notarized form, or online using the county’s portal. You’ll need the case number and a valid Pennsylvania state ID. Certified copies cost $10 per page, with an extra $15 for faster service. These records are public unless a judge has sealed them to protect children.
What Are Lehigh County Divorce Records?
Lehigh County Divorce Records are more than just a piece of paper. They are complete legal files that prove a marriage has ended. Each record includes the initial complaint filed by one spouse, all court orders about money and property, child custody and support plans, and the final decree signed by a judge. These documents are stored in the Clerk of Judicial Records office and are kept private only if a court order protects minors or sensitive family matters. Most records are open to the public, which means anyone can view or copy them as long as they follow the right steps and pay the required fees.
Who Manages Lehigh County Divorce Records?
The Clerk of Judicial Records, Andrea E. Naugle, is in charge of all civil and family law documents in Lehigh County. Her office is located in Room 122 of the Lehigh County Courthouse at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call (610) 782-3000 or fax (610) 782-3456. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. A $5 processing fee applies for each document request. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15. If you need same-day service and file before noon, there’s an extra $10 charge. The clerk’s website also offers a self-help portal with forms, checklists, and a hotline at (610) 782-1600 for questions about procedures.
How to Search for Lehigh County Divorce Records
You can search for Lehigh County Divorce Records in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. For in-person requests, go to Room 122 at the courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID and payment. For mailed requests, send a notarized request form with a check or money order. The online portal lets you enter a case number and your Pennsylvania ID to view or download records. The system is available 24/7, but documents are only processed during office hours. Most searches take 1–3 business days. If you don’t know the case number, you can look it up using the parties’ names and approximate filing date on the county’s public docket.
Online Access to Lehigh County Divorce Records
Lehigh County offers an online records search tool that covers documents from 1812 to today. This includes divorce filings, deeds, liens, and court judgments. You can search by name, case number, or document type. Results show a thumbnail image of the original file. The system does not do searches for you—you must do it yourself. If you need a physical copy, you can request it online or by mail. Standard processing takes 10–12 business days. Each scanned page costs an extra $7. Military discharge records (DD214) are not available online due to privacy laws. The website gives clear steps for self-service and has a downloadable form for mailed requests.
Fees and Payment Options
Getting Lehigh County Divorce Records comes with set fees. A basic document request costs $5. Certified copies are $10 per page. Divorce decrees are $15 each. Same-day service adds $10 if filed before noon. Expedited mail service costs $15 extra. Payments can be made by cash, check, or money order in person. Online payments use a secure portal with credit or debit cards. There is a $25 fee for electronic filing of new divorce cases. All fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found. The clerk’s office does not accept payment plans or waivers unless ordered by a judge.
Marriage and Divorce Records in Allentown
Two offices handle marriage and divorce records in Lehigh County. The Lehigh County Clerk’s office at 455 Hamilton Street provides certified copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees. Call (610) 782-3000. The Allentown City Hall office at 435 Hamilton Street helps with older records dating back to 1900. Their number is (610) 437-7539. Both require a written request with full names, dates, and a photo ID. Marriage certificates cost $12. Divorce decrees cost $15. Same-day service is $10 extra if done before noon. These offices do not offer phone searches—you must visit or mail your request.
Self-Help Resources for Divorce in Lehigh County
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas has a free self-help portal for people filing divorce without a lawyer. It explains the rules for no-fault divorces. If you’ve lived apart for two years (before December 5, 2016) or one year (after that date), you may not need your spouse’s consent. You must file an affidavit of separation, your marriage certificate, and any custody agreements. The site has printable forms, a checklist, and a hotline at (610) 782-1600 open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This service is for procedural help only—it does not give legal advice.
Divorce Forms and Filing Requirements
The court provides a free packet of divorce forms online. It includes the Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage, Financial Statement, Child-Support Guidelines Worksheet, and Request for Order. All forms follow Pennsylvania civil procedure rules. File them at the civil docket at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The filing fee is $180. You can get help completing forms by calling (610) 782-3000. Once filed, you can order a certified copy of the final decree for $12. Forms must be typed or printed clearly. Handwritten forms may be rejected.
Civil Division and Prothonotary’s Office
The Civil Division, also called the Prothonotary’s Office, handles all non-criminal court files in Lehigh County. This includes divorce cases, custody disputes, and property judgments. The office starts new civil cases, indexes filings, scans documents, and processes liens. You can file in person at 455 West Hamilton Street, by mail, or online. Filing fees range from $150 for small claims to $300 for complex cases. Certified copies of docket entries cost $8 per page. The staff can provide a full index of family court cases from 1975 onward upon request.
Electronic Filing (e-Filing) System
Lehigh County allows attorneys and self-represented individuals to file divorce and civil documents online. The e-filing system runs 24/7, but documents are only processed during business hours. A $25 fee applies per case. For technical help, call File & Serve support at 1-800-297-5377. Questions about procedures can be sent to the Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division via email. The system requires PDF files with electronic signatures. Service of process must follow state rules. This option saves time and reduces errors compared to paper filing.
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Most Lehigh County Divorce Records are public. Anyone can view or copy them unless a judge has sealed the file. Sealed records usually involve minors, domestic violence, or sensitive financial issues. If a record is sealed, you must file a motion with the court to request access. The judge will decide based on privacy and public interest. Military discharge records are never public. The county does not redact names or dates from divorce files unless ordered by the court. Always check the docket first to see if a case is sealed.
Historical Context of Lehigh County Records
Lehigh County was created on March 6, 1812, from part of Northampton County. The Recorder of Deeds has kept continuous records since then. Divorce records before 1900 are rare because divorce was uncommon and heavily restricted. Most early records are handwritten and stored in archives. Modern records from 1975 onward are digitized and searchable online. The county began electronic filing in 2015, making access faster and more reliable. Today, over 90% of divorce filings are processed digitally.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Records
People request Lehigh County Divorce Records for many reasons. Some need them to prove marital status for remarriage. Others use them for child custody hearings or Social Security benefits. Genealogists study them to trace family history. Lawyers use them in legal cases involving alimony or property. Insurance companies may ask for them to verify claims. Employers rarely request them, but some government jobs require proof of divorce. Always bring a valid reason and ID when requesting records.
Tips for a Successful Record Request
To get your Lehigh County Divorce Records quickly, follow these tips. First, know the case number or have both spouses’ full names and the filing year. Second, bring a government-issued photo ID. Third, pay the correct fee in advance. Fourth, use the online portal if you have internet access. Fifth, call ahead if you need same-day service. Avoid mailing cash—use checks or money orders. If you’re unsure, visit the self-help portal or call (610) 782-1600 for guidance.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 782-3000
Fax: (610) 782-3456
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Clerk-of-Judicial-Records
Self-Help Hotline: (610) 782-1600 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Lehigh County Divorce Records. Each answer gives clear, direct information based on current county rules and Pennsylvania law. If you have more questions, call the clerk’s office or visit the self-help portal.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes, you can still get a divorce record without the case number. Use the online docket search to find the case by entering both spouses’ last names and the approximate filing year. The system will show matching cases with docket numbers. Write down the correct number and use it for your request. If you can’t find it online, visit the courthouse in person. The staff can search the index using names and dates. Bring your ID and be ready to pay the $5 search fee. This method works for most cases filed after 1975.
Are divorce records free to view in Lehigh County?
No, Lehigh County does not offer free viewing of divorce records. There is a $5 processing fee for each request, plus $10 per page for certified copies. Online viewing is free, but downloading or printing costs extra. The county charges fees to cover staffing, storage, and system maintenance. These fees are set by state law and cannot be waived unless a judge orders it. Low-income individuals may ask for a fee reduction, but this is rare and requires court approval.
How long does it take to get a divorce record by mail?
Mail requests for Lehigh County Divorce Records take 10–12 business days to process. This includes time for the clerk to locate the file, copy it, and mail it back. Add extra days for postal delivery. If you need it faster, use the online portal or visit in person. Same-day service is available for $10 extra if filed before noon. Expedited mail service costs $15 and cuts delivery time by half. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
Can someone else request my divorce record?
Yes, another person can request your divorce record, but they must follow the same rules. They need the case number, both spouses’ names, and a valid photo ID. If requesting by mail, they must sign a notarized form. The county does not verify relationships, so anyone can ask. However, if the record is sealed, only the parties or their lawyers can access it. The clerk will not release sealed files without a court order. Always check the docket first to see if the case is public.
What if my divorce was filed in another county?
If your divorce was filed outside Lehigh County, you must contact that county’s court. Each Pennsylvania county manages its own records. For example, if you divorced in Northampton County, call their clerk’s office. Lehigh County cannot provide records from other jurisdictions. Use the Pennsylvania Courts website to find the right county. Once you have the correct location, follow their process for requests. Some counties offer online access, while others require in-person visits.
Are online divorce records legally valid?
Yes, online divorce records from Lehigh County are legally valid if they are certified. The digital copy must have an official seal and signature from the clerk. Uncertified prints from the portal are for reference only. To get a certified copy online, pay the $10 per-page fee and request certification. The clerk will email or mail a stamped version. This document can be used in court, for remarriage, or with government agencies. Always check with the receiving party to confirm they accept digital certifications.
What happens if a record is missing or damaged?
If a Lehigh County Divorce Record is missing or damaged, the clerk will search backup files and microfilm archives. Most records since 1975 are digitized, so a replacement can be made. For older cases, staff may need to reconstruct the file from court minutes or docket entries. This process can take 2–4 weeks. There is no extra charge for reconstruction. If the record is lost forever, the court may issue a replacement decree based on testimony or other evidence. Contact the clerk immediately if you suspect a record is missing.