Delaware County Court: PA

Delaware County Court serves as the 32nd Judicial District of Pennsylvania’s Court of Common Pleas, anchored by the historic courthouse at 201 West Front Street in Media, PA 19063. Under President Judge Linda A. Cartisano, the court system spans 12 departments with an operating budget of nearly 58 million dollars, handling civil, criminal, family, and probate matters for county residents each year. The Court Administrator’s Office manages case assignments, scheduling, and arbitration panels, while the Office of Judicial Support processes filings from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Magisterial District Courts operate under this umbrella for summary offenses, traffic citations, landlord-tenant hearings, and small claims disputes. Self-represented litigants access divorce and custody packets through the Family Court Self-Represented Litigant resource, and the Delaware County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects residents with attorneys at 610-566-6625. Free language interpreters, ADA accommodations, parenting coordination programs, and a public access portal open broad entry to judicial services—protection from abuse filings, custody conciliation, juvenile dependency hearings, expungement help, and Orphans’ Court probate support for every community member across Delaware County.

Delaware County Court docket records remain searchable online through the Public Access portal on the county website, where residents can review civil case dockets, criminal dockets, and judgment indexes at no charge. The Electronic Filing system launched July 30, 2018, for civil cases and expanded to family law filings on October 15, 2025, accepting petitions, motions, and fee payments through a secure login at delcoefile.co.delaware.pa.us. Users must register for a username and password before submitting legal papers in PDF format under Local Rule 205.4, with filing fees processed through PayPal. Jurors respond to summonses through the Juror eResponse system, and attorneys schedule arbitration hearings, motions, summary appeals, and license suspension reviews through the same platform. For certified copies, exemplified copies, and apostille requests, contact the Office of Judicial Support at 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063, or call 610-891-4550 during business hours. Local rules, fee schedules, ADA accommodation forms, language access request documents, protection from abuse petition packets, and parenting coordination forms stay posted on the official site for quick reference by litigants and counsel across every court department serving county residents.

Delaware County Court Case Search and Records Lookup

Residents can search Delaware County Court case records online through the official Public Access portal. The portal covers civil dockets, criminal dockets, family court records, and judgment indexes at no charge to the public. Searches run by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. From the homepage, click “Public Access” under the Courts section. Users land on a search screen where they select a docket type from a drop-down menu.

Steps Searching Method

• The official https://www.delcopa.gov/courts.
• Click the “Public Access” link in the main navigation menu.
• Choose a docket type: Civil, Criminal, Family, or Orphans’ Court.
• Type the party’s last name and first name in the search fields.
• Enter the case number if available, using the format YY-XXXXX.
• Press “Search” to view the docket sheet, hearing dates, and filing history.
• Print or save the results for personal records or attorney review.

Records available include divorce decrees, custody orders, protection from abuse petitions, civil complaint filings, and criminal dispositions. For certified copies, contact the Office of Judicial Support at the courthouse during operating hours.

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Departments and Divisions

The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas sits as the 32nd Judicial District of Pennsylvania. President Judge Linda A. Cartisano leads the bench under the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. The courthouse operates at 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. The court runs twelve departments that cover criminal trials, civil litigation, family law, juvenile matters, and probate actions. Court Administration sits on the second floor of the courthouse and manages scheduling, arbitration panels, and jury operations.

Departments at the Courthouse

Each department answers phone calls during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Court Administrator’s Office assigns judges to cases and maintains the master calendar.

Delaware County Magisterial District Court Offices

Magisterial District Courts handle summary offenses, traffic citations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims matters across the county. Each district court falls under the 32nd Judicial District umbrella but operates at separate locations. District judges hear preliminary arraignments in criminal cases and issue search warrants. Civil claims up to $12,000 fall within small claims jurisdiction. Landlords file eviction complaints through the district court where the rental property sits.

Magisterial District Court Directory

• https://delcopa.gov/courts/district-judges/courts-list
• District Court 32-1-20, Wilden H. Davis, City of Chester
• District Court 32-2-48, Jennifer M. DiPillo (elected November 2025)
• Multiple additional districts cover the county’s 49 municipalities

A full list of all Delaware County Magisterial District Courts with addresses and phone numbers. Residents can confirm the correct district by zip code on the same page.

Civil Court Filings and Procedures

The Civil Division accepts new lawsuits, complaints, motions, and counterclaims at the Office of Judicial Support. Filings cover contract disputes, personal injury actions, property damage claims, and debt collection suits. Plaintiffs pay a filing fee at the time of submission. Cases proceed through arbitration when damages fall below $50,000. Three arbitrator panels hear evidence and issue awards within strict deadlines. Either party can appeal an arbitration decision to a judge for a de novo review.

Civil Filing Checklist

• Prepare the complaint in PDF format with caption and signature blocks.
• Calculate the filing fee based on the amount in controversy.
• Submit the filing through E-File or in person at the clerk’s window.
• Serve the defendant using certified mail or the sheriff’s office.
• File proof of service within thirty days of the complaint date.
• Attend the arbitration hearing or jury trial as scheduled.

Civil cases often resolve through mediation or settlement conferences before trial. The court offers a free Alternative Dispute Resolution program through trained volunteer mediators.

Criminal Court Process and Felony Hearings

The Criminal Division handles felonies, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings transferred from Magisterial District Courts. The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes all cases on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Defendants appear for arraignment, pretrial conferences, plea hearings, and trials. Sentencing follows guilty pleas or jury verdicts. The court issues orders for probation, restitution, fines, or incarceration.

• https://www.delcopa.gov/district-attorney

Criminal Case Stages

The District Attorney’s Office sits at the Government Center and coordinates with local police agencies.

Family Court Services and Custody Matters

The Family Division handles divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and paternity cases. Parents seeking custody must attend a parenting education class before the first hearing. The court orders conciliation conferences to resolve disputes without trial. Protection from Abuse petitions receive same-day review by a judge. Emergency PFA orders are issued outside regular hours through the on-call magisterial district judge. Custody modifications require a showing of changed circumstances.

Family Court Phone Directory

The Domestic Relations section handles child support establishment, enforcement, and modification. Email contact for caseworker questions goes to delawarecaseworker@co.delaware.pa.us per the official county portal.

Orphans’ Court and Probate Services

The Orphans’ Court Division handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. The Register of Wills accepts filings for decedent estates and issues letters testamentary after the will admission process. Petitioners must file a petition for probate along with the original will and a certified death certificate. Heirs receive formal notice before the court enters a decree. Small estates under $50,000 qualify for a simplified process.

Probate Filing Requirements

• https://delcopa.gov/row/ocforms
• Original last will
• Certified copy of the Death Certificate
• Completed Petition for Probate form
• Payment of probate fees and surcharges
• Inventory of estate assets (filed later)

The Register of Wills Office sits at the courthouse with phone access at (610) 891-4400. Email inquiries route to RegOfWills@co.delaware.pa.us.

E-Filing System and Electronic Filing Procedures

Delaware County launched electronic filing on July 30, 2018, for civil cases. The system accepts new complaints, motions, petitions, and fee payments through a secure online portal. Filings stay in PDF format and require an attorney or self-represented litigant account. Family law filings joined the E-File platform on October 15, 2025. Users register a username and password before submitting documents. Local Rule 205.4 governs the technical format and signature requirements for all electronic submissions.

E-Filing Step-by-Step Process

• The E-Filing portal at https://www.delcopa.gov/ojs/efile.
• Register a new account with email and password credentials.
• Select the case type and court department from the menu.
• Upload the document in PDF format with a proper caption page.
• Pay the filing fee through PayPal or a credit card.
• Receive an email confirmation with the stamp and case number.

Technical support runs during office hours at the E-Filing Help Desk. Rejected filings receive a notice with the specific deficiency to correct.

Court Fees, Filing Costs, and Payment Methods

Filing fees vary by case type and the amount in controversy. Civil complaints start with a base filing fee plus surcharges for the Judicial Computer Project, the Access to Justice Fund, and the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Probate fees follow a tiered structure based on the estate value. Payment options include cash, check, money order, credit card, and PayPal through the E-File portal. Some courts add a technology fee to cover electronic filing infrastructure. Certified copies cost an additional fee per page.

• https://www.delcopa.gov/courts/administration

Common Court Fees and Costs

Exact dollar amounts for each fee change periodically. Refer to the official fee schedule on the Court Administration page for current rates.

Court Forms and Local Rules

Standardized forms cover family court petitions, civil complaints, custody motions, and protection from abuse requests. The forms comply with statewide rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Local forms reflect Delaware County’s procedural preferences. Local Rules govern filing deadlines, motion practice, discovery exchange, and courtroom conduct. The current Delaware County Local Rules sit on the official courts website. Attorneys must review these rules before submitting any filing.

Common Court Forms Available

• Petition for Protection from Abuse (PFA)
• Complaint for Divorce with or without children
• Custody Complaint and Counterclaim
• Motion for Continuance
• Petition for Name Change
• Petition for Expungement
• Orphans’ Court Estate Forms

The Orphans’ Court forms page at https://delcopa.gov/row/ocforms includes the latest versions as of April 2026. Always download forms directly from the official source.

Jury Duty Service and Juror Responsibilities

Jurors receive a summons by mail with the date, time, and reporting location. Service typically lasts one day for petit juries or several weeks for trials that extend. Employers must allow time off for jury service under Pennsylvania law. The Juror eResponse portal lets jurors confirm service, request postponement, or claim exemption online. Failure to appear without an approved excuse may result in contempt charges. Parking at the courthouse requires a valid ticket from the on-site garage.

Jury Duty Checklist

• Check the summons for the reporting date and juror number.
• Confirm attendance through the eResponse portal online.
• Bring the summons and a valid photo ID.
• Dress in business casual attire without hats.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to pass security screening.
• Leave cell phones in your vehicle or use the lockers provided.

Jurors receive mileage reimbursement and a daily stipend set by state statute. Employers cannot fire or penalize workers for serving on a jury.

Protection from Abuse Orders and Emergency Filings

Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions protect victims of domestic violence from abusers. Filings happen at the courthouse during business hours or through the on-call magisterial district judge after hours. Emergency petitions receive same-day review. A judge may issue a temporary PFA order pending a full hearing within ten days. The final order can include no-contact provisions, eviction of the abuser from a shared residence, and custody arrangements. Violations carry arrest and criminal charges.

PFA Petition Information Needed

• Full name and address of the abuser
• Description of recent incidents with dates
• Relationship history and household status
• Names and ages of any minor children
• Requested relief (no contact, eviction, custody)
• Any prior PFA orders from other jurisdictions

Petitioners can complete forms with help from the Victim Assistance program. The District Attorney’s Office also files PFA petitions on behalf of victims through its Special Victims Unit.

Self-Help Resources and Pro Se Litigants

Self-represented parties can access court services without an attorney. The Self-Help Center at the courthouse provides form packets, procedural guidance, and limited assistance. Staff cannot give legal advice, but can help with paperwork and filing procedures. The Delaware County Bar Association operates a Lawyer Referral Service for residents who need attorney representation. The service screens callers and matches them with lawyers based on the case type. Reduced-fee consultations are available for qualifying low-income residents.

Self-Help Contact Numbers

The Court Administration page sits at https://www.delcopa.gov/courts/administration for additional resource listings.

Public Defender and Legal Aid Services

Delaware County Defenders represents indigent criminal defendants at the courthouse. Applications open to any defendant who cannot afford private counsel. Income eligibility follows the state Public Defender. Applicants visit the Public Defender’s Office at 220 N Jackson St., Media, PA 19063, between business hours Monday through Friday. Phone status updates run through the main office line. The office handles adult criminal cases and juvenile delinquency matters.

Public Defender Contact Details

• Main Office Phone: (610) 891-4100
• Office Address: 220 N Jackson St., Media, PA 19063
• Application Inquiries: Available weekdays during regular hours
• Eligibility Screening: Income-based verification required

The Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania offers free civil legal help for low-income residents in housing, public benefits, and consumer matters. Regional legal aid branches cover Delaware County residents who qualify.

ADA Accommodations and Language Access

The court provides reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Visitors can request sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, wheelchair access, and large-print forms. Requests should happen at least three business days before the hearing. Limited English Proficiency (LEP) litigants receive free interpreter services through the Language Access Plan. Spanish interpreters sit on staff with on-call coverage for other languages. Translated forms cover the most common court documents.

Accommodation Request Process

• Download the ADA or Language Access request form from the court’s website.
• Complete the form with the specific accommodation needed.
• Submit the form to the Court Administration Office by mail or email.
• Allow three business days for processing and confirmation.
• Contact the judge or clerk on the hearing date for last-minute needs.

The Language Access Plan stays posted on the official Court Administration page for full details.

Court Security, Screening, and Visitor Policies

Security screening takes place at every courthouse entrance. Visitors pass through metal detectors and X-ray machines. Weapons, pepper spray, and sharp objects are prohibited inside the building. Cell phones are allowed but must be silenced in courtrooms. Recording devices, cameras, and broadcasting equipment require advance permission from the judge. Food and drinks stay outside courtrooms but are permitted in hallways.

Security Screening Guidelines

• Valid photo ID required for all visitors
• Weapons of any kind strictly prohibited
• Lockers available for cell phones and bags
• The court dress code applies in all courtrooms
• Children must stay with their parents at all times

Bailiffs and court security officers handle any incidents that arise during the day. Visitors who fail screening must leave the premises immediately.

Holidays, Closures, and Emergency Schedules

The courthouse closes on federal and state holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Emergency closures happen during severe weather, power outages, or public safety events. Announcements are posted on the official county website and local news outlets. Filings due on a closure date extend to the next business day.

Standard Courthouse Hours

• Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Phone lines operate during the same hours. After-hours emergencies route to the on-call magisterial district judge through the county emergency dispatch.

Court Records Requests and Certified Copies

Certified copies of court orders, decrees, and judgments are available from the Office of Judicial Support. Requests require the case number, party name, and document title. Same-day service is available for in-person requests. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Apostille authentication for out-of-country use requires an additional certification from the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Records Request Methods

• Walk up to the Office of Judicial Support window at the courthouse.
• Submit a written request by mail with payment included.
• Email the records request to the department contact on file.
• Use the online portal for uncertified docket views at no charge.
• Request an exemplified copy for use in another state or country.

Record retention follows the schedule set by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Older records may require retrieval from off-site storage with advance notice.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas sits at the verified address below. Phone lines connect directly to the Office of Judicial Support during business hours. Visitors can reach the courthouse by car, bus, or regional rail.

Official Verified Contact Details

Use the map below to find the courthouse location and plan your route.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Delaware County Court system serves residents across the 32nd Judicial District of Pennsylvania from its historic courthouse at 201 W. Front Street in Media. The Court of Common Pleas handles criminal, civil, family, and orphans’ court matters through 12 departments under President Judge Linda A. Cartisano. Below you will find answers to common questions about accessing court services, records, and proceedings.

How do I search for a case in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas?

The Delaware County Court offers free public access to case records through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. Users can search by party name, docket number, citation number, or attorney information across civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. For Delaware County civil dockets specifically, the C-Track Public Access system provides judgment index searches. The Office of Judicial Support also handles in-person record requests at the courthouse during business hours.

What are the Delaware County Court phone numbers and office hours?

The main Delaware County Court of Common Pleas phone number is 610-891-4550, with the Family Division reachable at 610-891-4569. Court Administration operates from the courthouse at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063, Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Domestic Relations Client Information Center takes calls at 610-891-4314. For Magisterial District Court matters, contact the specific district court office directly since each maintains separate phone lines and scheduling.

How does electronic filing work at Delaware County Court?

Delaware County Court implemented mandatory electronic filing for legal papers under Local Rule 576.1, with the system operational since July 30, 2018. Attorneys and self-represented litigants submit documents through the approved e-filing portal with payment of filing fees at submission. The Court issued Administrative Orders on August 21 and September 23, 2025, updating e-filing procedures. Users should review current local rules before submitting filings to confirm formatting, service requirements, and accepted file types.

Where do I file for divorce, custody, or protection from abuse in Delaware County?

Family Court matters in Delaware County Court, including divorce, custody disputes, and Protection From Abuse petitions, are handled through the Family Division at 610-891-4569. PFA filings receive same-day processing at the courthouse. The Family Court Administrator, Denise Hansen, oversees custody conciliators and equitable distribution hearing officers. Domestic Relations cases involving support can reach the Client Information Center at 610-891-4314 or email delawarecaseworker@co.delaware.pa.us for case status updates.

What Delaware County Magisterial District Courts serve my area?

The 32nd Judicial District contains numerous Magisterial District Courts covering specific municipalities, including District Court 32-1-20 through 32-2-54. Each handles preliminary arraignments, summary offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims within its geographic boundary. A complete list of Magisterial District Judges with office locations and contact information appears at delcopa.gov/courts/district-judges/courts-list. Cases typically start at the magisterial level before reaching the Court of Common Pleas.

How do I report for jury duty at Delaware County Court?

Jurors serving at Delaware County Court participate in a one-day, one-trial system managed by Jury Services Administrator Nancy Alkins at 610-891-4620. Summonses arrive by mail with reporting instructions, location details, and required identification. Failure to appear for jury duty triggers contempt proceedings. The Juror Donation Program allows jurors to transfer compensation to local charities. Check the official county website for emergency cancellations, weather delays, or scheduling changes before your report date.