Clinton County Court operates as the judicial seat of Pennsylvania’s 25th Judicial District from its historic courthouse at 230 East Water Street in Lock Haven, PA 17745. President Judge Craig P. Miller and Judge Michael F. Salisbury preside over the Court of Common Pleas General, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Expungement divisions from this Clinton County courthouse address. Operating hours run 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with Wednesday hours ending at 12:30 pm. The combined Clerk of Courts Clinton County office holds case files dating back to 1839 and processes every civil and criminal filing in the county. Visitors needing ADA accommodation, language access services, or a hearing-impaired relay can dial 7-1-1. The published Clinton County court calendar, local rules, and 2026 Clinton County court schedule help visitors plan a trip, confirm Clinton County court hours, review Clinton County court proceedings, or verify Clinton County jury service requirements before arrival.
Clinton County Court records cover civil actions, criminal dockets, divorce decrees, custody orders, mortgage foreclosures, equity judgments, U.S. tax liens, municipal liens, mechanics liens, writs, executions, and Protection from Abuse petitions. Users can perform a Clinton County court case search through Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System Web Portal or call the Prothonotary at 570-893-4007 for certified copies and document retrieval. The dual office accepts Clinton County court e-filing submissions, maintains passport services, and processes Right to Know requests. Published Clinton County court fees include $144.25 for a civil action, $154.75 for custody, and $0.50 per page for copies. Self-represented filers can download Clinton County court forms for civil, criminal, juvenile, domestic relations, and expungement matters from the official site. Visitors seeking direction on Clinton County family court, Clinton County small claims court, Clinton County probate court, or Clinton County traffic court cases can use the Law Library at the courthouse. Pro se litigants needing extra help beyond forms should contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association for attorney referrals.
Search Clinton County Court Cases and Records
Anyone needing a Clinton County Court case search can start with the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal, which is the official source for statewide docket information. The portal shows civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ business filings for every county, including Clinton County’s 25th Judicial District. Users can search by party name, docket number, or case caption without creating an account or paying a fee.
Official Case Search Portal
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal is hosted and feeds real-time docket data from county Prothonotaries and Clerks of Courts. The portal covers Clinton County Court of Common Pleas filings dating back to 1839, making it the most complete online index for older records as well. Visitors can print the docket sheet or save the page as a PDF for personal reference.
Steps Searching Method
Follow these steps to complete a Clinton County court case lookup on the official portal:
- Open the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal at https://www.pacourts.us/.
- Click the “Web Docket Sheets” link on the home page.
- Select “Court of Common Pleas” from the Court Type drop-down menu.
- Choose “Clinton” from the County drop-down list.
- Enter the search criteria (party name, docket number, or case type) and confirm the captcha.
- Click “Search” to view the matching docket entries and open individual cases for full detail.
What You Can Find in the Docket
The docket view shows filing date, case type, party names, attorney of record, hearing schedule, judgment entries, and financial balances. Users performing a Clinton County court case status check can also see the next scheduled event, the assigned judge, and any active bench warrants. Printable sheets are accepted by most local agencies as proof of a case’s current posture.
Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Divisions and Jurisdiction
The Clinton County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction for the 25th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. President Judge Craig P. Miller and Judge Michael F. Salisbury preside over every division housed in the Lock Haven courthouse. The Prothonotary’s office and the Clerk of Courts share the same public counter and handle all paperwork for the divisions listed below.
Divisions and Case Types
| Division | Case Types Handled | Typical Hearing Location |
|---|---|---|
| General Civil | Contract disputes, equity actions, mortgage foreclosures, civil appeals | Courtroom 1, Main Courthouse |
| Criminal | Felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, post-conviction relief | Courtroom 1, Main Courthouse |
| Domestic Relations | Divorce, custody, support, paternity | Courtroom 2, Main Courthouse |
| Juvenile | Delinquency, dependency, adoption | Courtroom 2, Main Courthouse |
| Orphan’s (Probate) | Estates, wills, guardianships | Probate Office, Suite 202 |
| Expungement | Record sealing petitions, limited access orders | Clerk Counter, First Floor |
Civil, Criminal, and Traffic Case Flow
Civil actions begin when a plaintiff files a complaint with the Prothonotary and pays the filing fee. Criminal cases start with an information or indictment filed by the District Attorney’s office and are assigned a docket number. Traffic and summary offenses that need a hearing are routed to the same criminal division calendar for scheduling. Every filing is then searchable through the state portal within one business day.
Court Calendar, Schedule, and Daily Proceedings
The Clinton County court calendar is published weekly on the Prothonotary’s section of the county website. The calendar lists the date, time, courtroom, judge, case caption, and type of proceeding for every event. Visitors can review the schedule before coming to the courthouse to avoid waiting in an empty hallway.
Reading the Daily List
Each daily list shows three sections: pre-trial conferences, guilty pleas, and bench trials. The left column lists the docket number, and the right column lists the moving party and the type of motion. A small “H” next to a case signals a Clinton County court virtual hearing scheduled over video, while an “I” marks an in-person appearance. Arraignments appear at the top of every list and run in numerical order from 9:00 a.m.
Confirming a Hearing Before You Travel
Call the Prothonotary at 570-893-4007 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on any business day to confirm a hearing time. After 4:30 p.m., the daily list on the county website is the final authority on courtroom assignments. Settlement conferences and protection from abuse hearings can be added at the last minute, so checking the calendar on the morning of your visit is always a safe move.
Court Fees and Filing Costs
The Clinton County court fees are set by state rule and posted on the Prothonotary’s public counter. Fees cover filing, service, copies, and certification. The Clerk accepts cash, money order, or attorney’s check; credit cards are not accepted for in-person filings. The published fee schedule is updated every January and applies through the end of that year.
Standard Filing and Copy Fees
| Service or Document | Posted Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (general civil complaint) | $144.25 |
| Custody complaint or modification | $154.75 |
| Divorce complaint (no minor children) | $130.75 |
| Divorce complaint (with minor children) | $165.00 |
| Protection from Abuse petition | No fee |
| Motion to reopen or strike judgment | $75.00 |
| Passport execution service | $35.00 |
| Plain copy, per page | $0.50 |
| Certified copy, per page | $1.00 plus copy fee |
| Returned check processing | $30.00 |
Fee Waivers and In Forma Pauperis Status
Self-represented filers who cannot pay the filing cost may apply for in forma pauperis status by submitting a verified poverty affidavit. The court reviews the affidavit within ten days and either grants the request or schedules a brief hearing. Approved applicants pay no upfront filing fee and receive free copies of any order entered in the case. The affidavit form is on the county website under the “Prothonotary Forms” page.
Clinton County Court Forms and Document Library
The Clinton County court forms library hosts every local rule, motion, petition, and order used in the courthouse. Forms are grouped by division and supplied as fillable PDFs that can be saved, typed, and printed. Local versions of statewide forms include extra fields required by the 25th Judicial District, so the state form alone is not always accepted at the filing counter.
Civil and Criminal Forms
- Civil complaint (general civil)
- Civil complaint (mandamus action)
- Petition to open default judgment
- Motion for summary judgment
- Motion for continuance
- Criminal omnibus pretrial motion
- Motion to suppress evidence
- Motion for modification of bail
Family, Juvenile, and Orphans’ Forms
- Custody complaint and counterclaim
- Complaint for divorce (with or without children)
- Petition for support modification
- Petition to vacate protection order
- Juvenile dependency petition
- Petition for adoption
- Petition for guardianship of a minor
- Inventory and inheritance tax return (estate)
Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Procedures
The Clinton County court e-filing system runs on the statewide File & Serve platform, which is mandatory for attorney-filed civil and criminal documents. The Prothonotary’s office accepts self-represented filer submissions through the same portal with a free account. Filings are date- and time-stamped at the moment of upload, which removes the need to wait in line at the courthouse.
Setting Up a Filer Account
Visit the Pennsylvania File & Serve site and create a new account using a working email address. Add a payment method for filings that carry a fee, or skip the payment step if you are a self-represented filer with a granted fee waiver. Account approval is automatic for attorneys with a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ID, while self-represented users are reviewed within two business days.
Submitting a Filing
- Log in to the File & Serve portal and select “New Filing.”
- Choose “Court of Common Pleas – Clinton” from the court list.
- Pick the case type and add an existing docket number or start a new case.
- Upload the lead document and any exhibits in PDF format.
- Pay the filing fee or attach a fee waiver order.
- Click “Submit” to receive an electronic confirmation with a file stamp.
Courtroom Technology, Live Stream, and Virtual Hearings
Courtrooms in the Lock Haven courthouse are equipped with evidence displays, audio recording, and video links for remote testimony. Clinton County court Zoom hearing links are issued by the court administrator and shared through the party’s attorney or the self-represented filer’s email of record. All virtual hearings are recorded for the official transcript, and the same recording is posted to the docket once the hearing ends.
Joining a Virtual Hearing
Test your device before the scheduled start time using the link provided in the hearing notice. A working camera, microphone, and the latest version of the Zoom client are required. Mute your microphone when not speaking and stay in a quiet room with no other people on camera. If the connection drops, call the Prothonotary at 570-893-4007 for a dial-in number to rejoin by phone.
Live Stream Access
Selected proceedings, including sentencings and high-profile trials, are streamed live on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s YouTube channel. The stream is captioned and archived so anyone can review the recording after the event. The same channel covers appellate arguments from the Superior Court, which hears direct appeals from Clinton County criminal court and Clinton County civil court rulings.
Jury Service in Clinton County Court
Potential jurors receive a Clinton County jury summons by mail roughly one month before their service date. The summons lists the reporting date, time, courthouse address, and a juror ID number used to check in at the front door. Failing to respond to a summons can lead to fines, contempt findings, or a court order to appear.
Grand and Petit Jury Differences
| Jury Type | Selection Method | Typical Service Length | Common Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Jury | Drawn from voter registration and driver’s license lists | One term of 18 months | Reviews criminal evidence, returns indictments |
| Petit Jury | Random draw from the same master list | One day or one trial | Listens to evidence, decides facts, returns verdicts |
Responding to a Summons
Confirm or postpone your service online using the juror portal link on the summons, or call the Prothonotary at 570-893-4007. Most one-time postponements are granted within a twelve-month window without documentation. Permanent excuses require a written request with a doctor’s note, military orders, or other proof.
Self-Help Center, Pro Se Resources, and Legal Aid
The Clinton County court self-help center is staffed by trained volunteers in the law library on the second floor of the courthouse. The center helps self-represented filers pick the right form, fill it out, and understand the next steps. The center does not give legal advice or speak to a judge on a visitor’s behalf.
Free Help Available at the Courthouse
- Form review for civil, custody, and expungement filings
- Computer access for e-filing and docket searches
- Copier access for document assembly
- Printed local rules and standing orders
- Referrals to the Clinton County Law Library
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
MidPenn Legal Services operates a free hotline for low-income residents of Clinton County. The hotline screens callers for income eligibility and matches them with a staff attorney or a pro bono partner. For private attorney referrals, the Clinton County Bar Association runs a referral service that charges a small consultation fee for the first thirty minutes.
Language Access, ADA Accommodations, and Interpreter Services
Court users with limited English proficiency or a disability can request Clinton County court interpreter services at no cost. Requests should be filed with the Prothonotary at least five business days before a scheduled hearing to allow the court to schedule a certified interpreter. Same-day requests are honored whenever an interpreter is available.
How to Request Support
- Call 570-893-4007 to request an interpreter by phone.
- Email the court administrator with the case caption and date of the hearing.
- Submit a written motion for ADA accommodation through the Prothonotary.
- Dial 7-1-1 for hearing-impaired relay through Pennsylvania TRS.
What the Court Will Provide
Approved requests produce a certified court interpreter for the hearing, large-print court forms on request, sign language interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing, and accessible courtroom seating. The court will also move a hearing to a wheelchair-accessible courtroom on the first floor when the second-floor rooms cannot be reached. Service animals are welcome in every public area of the courthouse.
Court Security, Parking, and Visitor
Every visitor to the Clinton County courthouse address at 230 East Water Street passes through a magnetometer at the main entrance. The sheriff’s office staffs the security checkpoint and runs a small scanner for bags, laptops, and umbrellas. Pocketknives, mace, and outside food or drink are not allowed past the checkpoint.
Security Checkpoint Rules
- Bring a government-issued photo ID for entry.
- Remove belts, jackets, and large jewelry before walking through the scanner.
- Leave cell phones on silent and take calls in the lobby.
- Wear business-casual attire out of respect for the court.
- Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled hearing.
Parking and Public Transit
Public metered parking is available on East Water Street and adjacent side streets. The lot behind the courthouse offers free parking for jurors and witnesses with a valid summons. The Clinton County Transit Authority runs a downtown loop with a stop two blocks from the main entrance for riders without a car.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Clinton County court contact number for the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts is 570-893-4007. Staff answer calls between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday, the office closes at 12:30 p.m. for in-person service.
Office Hours and Locations
| Service Window | Days Open | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prothonotary public counter | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Prothonotary public counter | Wednesday | 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Clerk of Courts criminal counter | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Probate (Orphans’) Office | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Law Library (self-help) | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Verified Contact Directory
- Official Website: https://www.clintoncountypa.com/
- State Court Portal: https://www.pacourts.us/
- Prothonotary Phone: 570-893-4007
- Hearing-Impaired Relay: 7-1-1
- Physical Address: 230 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Map Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinton County Court serves Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region through the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office. First, residents use this court for civil cases, criminal filings, custody disputes, divorce actions, and Protection from Abuse orders. Next, the office holds records dating back to 1839, when the county first formed. Then, visitors can search dockets online, request certified copies, file new cases, and apply for passports. Finally, these FAQs answer common questions about hours, fees, locations, and record access.
How do I search for Clinton County Court case records online?
First, search for Clinton County Court case records through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal at pacourts.us. This free portal shows civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ business filings for Clinton County’s 25th Judicial District. Next, search by party name, docket number, or case caption without creating an account. For older records or scanned documents dating back to 1839, use the Infocon County Web Access service, which charges a usage fee. Finally, the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office at 230 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745, helps with in-person record searches during business hours.
What are the Clinton County Court office hours and contact details?
The Clinton County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office sits at 230 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Phone lines stay open at 570-893-4007, and email goes to Prothonotary@ClintonCountyPA.Gov. Regular hours run 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday hours run 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The office stays closed on weekends and major holidays. For hearing-impaired callers, dial 7-1-1 through PA Relay. Since courthouse staff cannot give legal advice, contact an attorney for legal questions about your case.
What types of cases does the Clinton County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts handle?
The Clinton County Prothonotary’s office handles civil cases like divorces, custody disputes, mortgage foreclosures, civil judgments, mechanic liens, municipal liens, name changes, and Protection from Abuse orders. Next, the Clerk of Courts’ side manages criminal filings, arrests, judgments, and court records. Together, this dual office handles passport applications, maintains the law library, and certify notary documents. Records date back to 1839, when Clinton County was first formed. For a full list of services, check the official Clinton County website or call the office directly.
How much does the Clinton County Court charge for filing fees and copies?
Filing fees at the Clinton County Court vary by case type. First, a civil action costs $144.25. A divorce complaint costs $155.75, plus $26.00 for each extra count. A custody filing costs $154.75. Subpoenas cost $5.50. Writs like execution or possession cost $29.50. Copies run $0.50 per page. A certified copy of a judgment costs $23.50. Next, for a complete list, refer to the fee schedule on the Prothonotary page at the Clinton County website. Finally, pay with cash, check, or credit card.
Where is the Clinton County Courthouse located, and what parking options exist?
The Clinton County Courthouse sits at 230 East Water Street in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts’ office occupies the first floor. Public parking spots surround the courthouse along Water Street and nearby side streets. Metered parking applies in some downtown areas. Before entering the building, visitors must pass through security screening. Bring a valid photo ID for entry. For specific directions, use GPS or call the office at 570-893-4007 before your visit.
How do I request access to court records or filed documents in Clinton County?
To request court records, start with the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal for free online searches. For older records or scanned documents, use the Infocon County Web Access service, which charges a usage fee. Next, for certified copies, visit the Prothonotary’s office in person or send a written request by mail. Include the case name, docket number, and document type. Then, pay fees by cash, check, or credit card. Finally, Right-to-Know requests go through the RTK Officer listed on the county website.