Prothonotary


        EFFECTIVE MONDAY,  OCTOBER 17, 2022, THE LANCASTER COUNTY PROTHONOTARY WILL BE ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS FOR ANY TRANSACTION; EXCLUDING U.S DEPARTMENT OF STATE PASSPORT FEES. A CONVENIENCE FEE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE CREDIT CARD PROCESSOR WILL BE APPLIED AT THE RATE OF 2.19% FOR CREDIT CARD AND 1.79% FOR DEBIT.             

                           

List of Cases that are going to be terminated on October 30, 2023 is published. Please feel free to click this link to view information about the termination and the list.


NOTICE:

The AOPC has advice our office that the JCP (Judicial Computer Project) fee of $40.25 will change to $19.00.  This is regarding the expiration of the temporary authorized surcharge of $21.25, which is set to expire on August 1, 2023. 

This  fee change will affect initial (new) Civil/Family Filings and additional counts of Divorce.

Please Subtract $21.25 from the filing fee for initial (new) filings, and divorce counts.

* The temporary Surcharge fee of $21.25 can be reauthorized at anytime which will change the fee back to $40.25. *    [THERE IS AN EXAMPLE DOWN BELOW]


                                                       
PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE PROTHONOTARY OFFICE, PLEASE REFER TO THE PA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE AND LANCASTER LOCAL RULES OF COURT FOR APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS AND RULES.


About the Prothonotary

The Office of Prothonotary is responsible for the recording and filing of legal papers for the civil side of the court system. These legal papers and documents can include topics and issues such as:


  • Accepts passport applications
  • Administers oaths
  • Appeals
  • Change of names
  • Civil actions
  • Conducts ceremonies for naturalization
  • Custody
  • Divorce
  • Issues certificates
  • Judgments
  • Mechanical, municipal, county, and state and federal income tax liens
  • Mental commitments
  • Mortgage foreclosures
  • Petitions for opening ballot boxes on recounts
  • Power of attorney registrations
  • Protection from abuse
  • Quiet titles
  • School audit reports
  • Treasurer sale deed records


Mission: To fulfill the statutory responsibilities in as efficient, cost effective manner as possible, while focusing on providing exemplary customer service and utilizing automation to achieve both efficiencies as well as improved public access to the civil record of the court.
  1. Where is the Prothonotary's Office located?
  2. Do you have forms for all the filings?
  3. Can you help me fill out my forms?
  4. How do I appeal a magisterial district judge judgment for money?
  5. How do I appeal a magisterial district judge judgment for a landlord / tenant judgment for possession?
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