Fayette County Court: PA

Fayette County Court serves as the central judicial hub for the 14th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, operating from the historic courthouse at 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Residents and legal professionals access the Court of Common Pleas for civil division matters, criminal division proceedings, family division cases, and orphans’ court business. The President Judge Steve P. Leskinen oversees daily operations alongside Judges Nancy D. Vernon, Linda R. Cordaro, Joseph M. George Jr., Mark M. Mehalov, and Senior Judge John F. Wagner Jr. Regular business hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though holiday schedules and emergency sessions may adjust availability. The Prothonotary’s Office handles civil filings at (724) 430-1272, while the Clerk of Courts manages criminal records at (724) 430-1253. Users seeking Fayette County Court records, Fayette County Court cases, or Fayette County Court docket information benefit from knowing which office controls their area of interest before visiting or calling.

Fayette County Court online systems simplify how residents complete a Fayette County Court case search, review Fayette County Court schedule updates, and access Fayette County Court forms. The Register of Wills office handles marriage licenses, estate filings, and Fayette County Court name changes, while the Recorder of Deeds maintains property records. Domestic Relations covers Fayette County Court divorce, Fayette County Court custody, and support matters. Specialty Courts at (724) 430-4845 assist qualifying defendants with structured programs. Parents seeking Fayette County Court parenting classes, residents pursuing Fayette County Court expungement relief, and parties involved in Fayette County Court civil lawsuits or Fayette County Court felony cases find relevant filing information through official channels. Fayette County Court jury duty summons, Fayette County Court small claims hearings, and Fayette County Court traffic ticket payments also fall within these public service divisions. The Fayette County Court, Fayette County, PA system remains committed to accessible justice through clear public records and updated online services for self-represented parties.

Search Fayette County Court Cases and Records

The Fayette County Court case search system gives the public free access to docket sheets, court calendars, and case status updates through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal. The PA UJS portal serves as the central search tool for court records across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including the 14th Judicial District, which includes Fayette County. Users can search by party name, business name, case number, or filing date from any device with internet access.

The official search process for Fayette County Court docket entries, Fayette County Court case details, and Fayette County Court schedule data follows these steps:

• Visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Docket Sheets portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
• Select “Court of Common Pleas” from the court type dropdown menu.
• Choose “Fayette County” from the county selection list.
• Enter a party name, business name, or docket number in the search field.
• Click the search button to generate a list of matching cases.
• Review the results showing case caption, docket number, and filing date.
• Click any case number link to open the full docket sheet with complete history.
• Print or save the docket sheet for personal records or legal filings.

The PA UJS portal updates docket entries daily and covers civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ court filings processed through the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts offices. A statewide third-party search tool also provides case lookup services, though users should verify results against official sources. For paper records predating the digital system, contact the Prothonotary’s Office at (724) 430-1272 for retrieval options.

Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Divisions and Jurisdiction

The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas serves as the trial court for the 14th Judicial District of Pennsylvania and handles all major case types at the county level. The court operates four primary divisions: civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ court. Each division manages specific case categories under Pennsylvania law and follows rules set by the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas local rules document.

• https://www.fayettecountypa.org/DocumentCenter/View/11181

The civil division processes lawsuits, contract disputes, property matters, and appeals from Magisterial District Courts. The criminal division handles felony cases, preliminary hearings, and sentencing through the Clerk of Courts’ office. The family division oversees divorce, custody, support, and Protection from Abuse petitions. The orphans’ court branch supervises estates, guardianships, and adoptions through the Register of Wills office.

The President Judge oversees the Court of Common Pleas and assigns cases to the five sitting judges based on case type and docket balance. Magisterial District Courts handle minor criminal matters, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes before cases escalate to the Court of Common Pleas.

Fayette County Court Judges and Court Officials

The Fayette County Court bench includes one President Judge and four sitting judges who rotate through the four main divisions. Senior judges may also handle cases as needed based on case volume and judicial assignments. The Court Administrator manages daily scheduling, case flow, and administrative operations for the entire courthouse.

The current Fayette County Court judges are:

• President Judge Steve P. Leskinen
• Judge Nancy D. Vernon
• Judge Linda R. Cordaro
• Judge Joseph M. George Jr.
• Judge Mark M. Mehalov
• Senior Judge John F. Wagner Jr.

Each judge handles a mix of civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ court matters based on annual assignments from the President Judge. The District Attorney’s office prosecutes criminal cases, while the Public Defender’s office represents indigent defendants in felony matters. Court reporters maintain verbatim transcripts of all proceedings for appeal purposes. The Sheriff’s Office provides security, serves court orders, and manages the jury pool for trials and grand jury sessions.

Fayette County Court Civil Division Filing Procedures

The Fayette County Court civil division accepts new lawsuits, complaints, and civil appeals through the Prothonotary’s Office at the main courthouse. Filers must follow the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and local Fayette County Court rules for proper document formatting, service of process, and filing deadlines. Self-represented parties can access blank forms through the official court website and the Prothonotary’s public counters.

The standard civil filing process at Fayette County Court includes these steps:

• Obtain the correct civil complaint form from the Prothonotary’s Office.
• Complete the caption, factual allegations, and prayer for relief as required by law.
• Prepare the required number of copies for filing and service on all parties.
• Pay the civil filing fee at the Prothonotary’s Office cashiers’ window.
• Receive a docket number and filing date stamp on all submitted documents.
• Serve the defendant according to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
• File the proof of service with the Prothonotary to complete the start of the case.

Civil cases include personal injury claims, contract disputes, real property actions, mortgage foreclosures, and appeals from Magisterial District Court judgments. The Prothonotary’s Office phone line at (724) 430-1272 answers questions about filing fees, document format, and case status. Users can also review Fayette County Court rules of civil procedure through the official court documents portal before filing.

Fayette County Court Criminal Division and Clerk of Courts

The Fayette County Court criminal division processes all felony cases, serious misdemeanors transferred from Magisterial District Courts, and post-conviction motions through the Clerk of Courts’ office. The District Attorney files criminal charges, and the Public Defender represents defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Cases move through arraignment, preliminary hearing, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and trial or sentencing stages.

The Clerk of Courts maintains the official criminal record for Fayette County Court cases, including:

• Felony indictments and informations
• Criminal docket sheets and case entries
• Bail and bond records
• Plea agreements and sentencing orders
• Probation and parole documentation
• Warrant records and capias requests
• Expungement and record sealing orders

The Clerk of Courts Office serves as the official record keeper for the criminal division and provides certified copies of court documents upon request. Users can contact the Clerk of Courts for criminal record searches, warrant status checks, and certified document requests. The criminal division follows the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and any supplemental local rules adopted by the Fayette County Court bench.

Fayette County Court Family Division and Domestic Relations

The Fayette County Court family division handles all domestic relations matters, including divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, and Protection from Abuse petitions. The Domestic Relations Office assists the court with support calculations, paternity testing, and enforcement actions. Self-represented parties can access family court forms and procedural resources through the official court website and self-help center.

Family division services at Fayette County Court include:

• Divorce filings and equitable distribution hearings
• Custody and visitation disputes between parents
• Child support establishment and modification
• Spousal support and alimony determinations
• Protection from Abuse petitions and hearings
• Paternity actions and genetic testing orders
• Adoption petitions and termination of parental rights

Parents seeking Fayette County Court parenting classes can contact the family court coordinator for a list of approved providers. Custody evaluations may be ordered by the court in complex cases involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or parental unfitness. The Domestic Relations Office helps custodial parents with child support collection, including income withholding orders and contempt actions against non-paying parents. Emergency PFA filings are available 24 hours a day through the courthouse or local police departments.

Fayette County Court Probate and Orphans’ Court

The Fayette County Court orphans’ court division oversees probate matters through the Register of Wills office, which handles estate administration, guardianship appointments, and name changes. The Register of Wills also issues marriage licenses and certifies records for residents across the county. Petitions for probate must follow Pennsylvania probate rules and the Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules.

Common probate and/or orphans’ court services include:

• https://www.fayettecountypa.org/511/Register-of-Wills
• Filing wills and granting letters testamentary
• Opening estate administration for intestate decedents
• Appointing guardians for minors and incapacitated persons
• Name change petitions for adults and minors
• Adoption petitions and final decrees
• Marriage license applications and ceremonies
• Issuing certified copies of probate records

The Register of Wills office recommends calling ahead to schedule appointments for marriage license applications and estate openings. Estate values determine the probate fees charged by the Register of Wills, and the office publishes a current fee schedule on its public page. Personal status reports for minor guardianships must be filed with the court within specific timeframes set by local rule.

Fayette County Court Forms, Fees, and Filing Resources

The Fayette County Court provides official forms, fee schedules, and procedural resources for self-represented parties and legal professionals. The Prothonotary’s Office and Clerk of Courts maintain separate fee schedules for civil and criminal filings. Forms are available both in paper format at courthouse counters and as PDF downloads on the official court website.

Common form categories at Fayette County Court include:

• Civil complaint and answer forms
• Criminal motion and petition templates
• Family court custody and support petitions
• Divorce complaint and waiver forms
• Protection from Abuse petitions
• Probate and estate administration forms
• Name change and adoption petitions
• Expungement petition packets

Fee schedules for civil filings vary by case type, with civil complaints requiring a specific filing fee plus service costs. Criminal filings, including private criminal complaints, carry separate fees based on the offense category. Family court filings for divorce, custody, and PFA petitions each have their own fee structures set by the court. Users seeking the current fee for a specific filing should contact the Prothonotary’s Office at (724) 430-1272 or visit the courthouse in person for the most up-to-date details.

Fayette County Court Jury Duty Service Requirements

The Fayette County Court jury duty system summons residents randomly from voter registration and driver’s license records to serve on petit juries and grand juries. Jurors receive a summons by mail with reporting instructions, parking details, and contact numbers for questions. Failure to appear for jury service without an approved excuse may result in contempt of court charges.

The standard jury service process at Fayette County Court includes:

• Receive a jury summons in the mail at least 30 days before the service date.
• Review the summons for reporting location, date, and time.
• Complete the juror questionnaire and return it as directed.
• Call the jury hotline the evening before service to confirm reporting status.
• Arrive at the courthouse on time with photo identification.
• Check in at the jury assembly room on the designated floor.
• Serve on assigned trials or return to the assembly room for further assignment.
• Receive payment and a certificate of service upon completion.

Exemptions and deferrals from jury service are available for medical reasons, financial hardship, active military duty, and prior service within a specific timeframe. Jurors may request a postponement through the jury services office using the contact details on the summons. The Court of Common Pleas handles jury trials for serious criminal cases and major civil disputes under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

Fayette County Court Specialty Programs

The Fayette County Court operates several specialty courts designed to divert qualifying defendants away from traditional criminal proceedings and into structured treatment programs. These specialty dockets combine judicial supervision with treatment services for substance abuse, mental health, and veteran-specific needs. Participants receive intensive case management, regular court appearances, and access to community resources.

Active specialty programs at Fayette County Court include:

• Drug Court for nonviolent offenders with substance use disorders
• Veterans Court for service members facing criminal charges
• Mental Health Court for defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions
• Reentry Court for inmates transitioning back to the community
• Youthful Offender Program for young adult defendants

Specialty courts accept participants through referrals from the District Attorney, Public Defender, probation office, or defense counsel. The program coordinator screens eligibility candidates based on offense type, criminal history, and treatment needs. The Specialty Courts contact number listed in the court directory is (724) 430-4845 for program referrals and intake questions. Successful program completion may result in reduced charges, sentence modifications, or case dismissal based on the agreement with the District Attorney.

Fayette County Court Self-Help Center and Legal Resources

The Fayette County Court self-help center provides free procedural assistance, legal forms, and resource referrals to self-represented parties. Staff at the self-help center cannot provide legal advice but can help filers understand court procedures, complete standard forms, and locate community legal resources. The center serves as the first stop for residents pursuing divorce, custody, eviction, or small claims matters without an attorney.

Self-help resources available at Fayette County Court include:

• One-on-one assistance with court forms and procedural questions.
• Computer access for public users to research court records and forms.
• Printed procedural guides for common case types.
• Referrals to Legal Aid and local lawyer referral services.
• Workshops on family law, landlord-tenant, and small claims procedures.
• Information about mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Contact details for the Fayette County Law Library and legal aid providers.

Summit Legal Aid serves low-income residents across western Pennsylvania, including Fayette County, with free legal help in housing, family, public benefits, and consumer matters. Residents can reach Summit Legal Aid at 1-800-846-0871 for intake and case evaluation. The Fayette County Law Library at the courthouse provides free access to legal texts, Pennsylvania statutes, and court rules for public research. Local bar association lawyer referral services connect paying clients with private attorneys for paid consultations.

Fayette County Court Magisterial District Courts

The Fayette County Court system includes multiple Magisterial District Courts that handle summary offenses, minor civil disputes, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Each Magisterial District Judge presides over a specific geographic area and maintains office hours for traffic tickets, small claims filings, landlord-tenant disputes, and criminal arraignments. Cases heard at the Magisterial District Court level may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a fresh hearing.

Magisterial District Courts in Fayette County handle the following case types:

• Traffic tickets and summary motor vehicle violations
• Non-traffic summary criminal offenses
• Small claims disputes up to the state limit
• Landlord-tenant complaints and eviction actions
• Preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony cases
• Civil claims within jurisdictional dollar limits
• Bail and bond hearings for criminal cases

Court of Common Pleas appeals from Magisterial District Court decisions follow a de novo process, meaning the case starts over at the higher court level. Filers must file a notice of appeal with the Magisterial District Court within 30 days of the judgment date and pay the required filing fee. The Prothonotary’s Office receives the transferred case file and schedules the appeal for a new trial before a Common Pleas judge. Fayette County Court of Common Pleas address details appear in the final section below.

Fayette County Court E-Filing System

The Fayette County Court e-filing system allows attorneys and self-represented parties to submit court documents electronically through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System file and serve portal. Electronic filing reduces courthouse trips, speeds up document processing, and provides instant confirmation of filing. The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with filings received after hours processed the next business day.

The standard e-filing process at Fayette County Court includes:

• Register for a PACFile account at the PA Supreme Court portal.
• Log in to the PA UJS e-filing system with your user credentials.
• Select Fayette County Court of Common Pleas as the filing court.
• Choose the correct case category and document type from the menu.
• Upload the document in PDF format with all required attachments.
• Pay the filing fee using a credit card or electronic payment method.
• Receive a filing confirmation with a timestamp and document number.
• Notify opposing parties of the filing through the e-service system.

Self-represented parties can use the e-filing system for most civil, family, and criminal filings with appropriate waivers for the filing fee based on financial hardship. The system accepts credit cards and electronic checks for filing fee payments. Registered users receive automatic docket updates and electronic service of subsequent filings from other parties. Technical support for the e-filing system is available through the PA UJS help desk listed on the portal homepage.

Fayette County Court Protection from Abuse and Emergency Filings

The Fayette County Court Protection from Abuse office processes emergency petitions for plaintiffs seeking immediate protection from abusive household members, intimate partners, or family members. PFA petitions are handled on an expedited basis and may be filed at any hour through the courthouse or local police departments. The court schedules emergency hearings within the timeframes required by the Protection from Abuse Act.

Emergency filings available at Fayette County Court include:

• Protection from Abuse petitions for adults and children
• Emergency custody petitions in the family division
• Emergency guardianship requests in the orphans’ court
• Ex parte motions for immediate court relief
• Emergency bail reviews for detained defendants
• Petitions for special relief in pending cases
• Mental health commitment hearings under the Mental Health Procedures Act

Plaintiffs seeking PFA orders must complete a verified petition describing the abuse, relationship to the defendant, and the type of relief requested. The court may grant a temporary PFA order on the same day based on the petition alone, with a full hearing scheduled within 10 business days. Local police departments accept PFA petitions outside business hours and forward them to the on-call Magisterial District Judge for review. The Clerk of Courts provides certified copies of final PFA orders to plaintiffs for use in enforcement actions and firearm surrender procedures.

Fayette County Court Expungement and Record Sealing

The Fayette County Court expungement process allows eligible defendants to clear arrest and conviction records from public access. The Clerk of Courts’ office processes expungement petitions under the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Act and the Criminal History Record Information Act. Sealing and expungement remove records from public databases and prevent the records from appearing in background checks for employment, housing, and education purposes.

The expungement petition process at Fayette County Court includes these steps:

• Obtain a current copy of the criminal record from the Pennsylvania State Police.
• Review eligibility under Pennsylvania Clean Slate and CHRIA rules.
• Complete the expungement petition form from the Clerk of Courts’ office.
• File the petition with the Clerk of Courts and pay the filing fee.
• Serve the District Attorney’s office and any other required parties.
• Attend the scheduled expungement hearing before a Common Pleas judge.
• Receive the court order granting or denying the expungement.
• Provide the certified order to the Pennsylvania State Police for record removal.

Summary convictions, non-conviction dispositions, and certain misdemeanor cases may qualify for automatic sealing under the Clean Slate Act for records that meet the statutory waiting period. Felony convictions generally require a court order based on a filed petition. The Clerk of Courts’ office can answer procedural questions about the expungement process and required forms. Legal Aid providers and the self-help center assist low-income residents with expungement petitions at no charge.

Fayette County Court Hours, Location, and Contact Details

The Fayette County Court operates from the main courthouse at 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401, with regular business hours running Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Holiday schedules and emergency sessions may adjust availability, with closures posted on the official court website. The courthouse serves as the primary location for all Court of Common Pleas proceedings, including civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ court sessions.

Contact details for Fayette County Court include:

• Official Email: info@fayettecountycourt.org
• Prothonotary’s Office: (724) 430-1272
• Secondary Court Line: (724) 430-4555
• Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Physical Address: 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401

The courthouse is located in downtown Uniontown, with public parking available on surrounding streets and nearby public lots. Visitors should plan for security screening at the entrance and bring valid photo identification for access to courtrooms. Court sessions are open to the public except for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family court proceedings. The Register of Wills, Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Domestic Relations offices all operate from the main courthouse with the same business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Located in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas serves as the main trial court for the 14th Judicial District. It handles civil, criminal, family, and orphans court matters for residents across the county. Find case filings, certified records, passport services, and court schedules at the Prothonotary’s Office. The Clerk of Courts and local Magisterial District Courts offer additional services. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal gives free docket searches for Fayette County Court cases. Below you will find answers to common questions about court locations, hours, contact methods, and online services.

How do I search Fayette County Court case records online?

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal gives free access to docket sheets for the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas. First, select Fayette as the county and the 14th Judicial District. Then search by name, docket number, citation number, OTN, or filing date. You can refine results by case category, like civil, criminal, traffic, family, or landlord-tenant. Free in-person docket searches happen at public terminals inside the Prothonotary Office at 61 East Main Street, Uniontown.

Where is the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas located, and what are its hours?

The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas sits at 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Court offices operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. Plan to arrive before noon or after 1:00 p.m. for filings or certified copies. The building houses civil, criminal, family, and orphans court divisions for the 14th Judicial District.

How do I contact the Fayette County Prothonotary’s Office?

First, reach the Fayette County Prothonotary by phone at 724-430-1272 or by fax at 724-430-4555. You can email the office at nfrankhouser@fayettepa.org. Visit in person at 61 East Main Street, 1st Floor, Uniontown, PA 15401, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Prothonotary serves as chief clerk of the Civil Division and handles all civil case filings for Fayette County Court. Before visiting, call ahead to confirm document requirements and accepted payment methods.

What services does the Fayette County Prothonotary provide for civil cases?

The Prothonotary records civil procedures for the Court of Common Pleas, such as complaints, divorces, custody, judgments, liens, and appeals. Current filings are electronically scanned and viewable through public terminals or remote Infocon accounts. Many older indexes have been scanned for public access. Bring cash or a money order since the office does not accept personal checks for Fayette County Court filings.

How do I file a passport application through the Fayette County Court?

The Fayette County Prothonotary’s Office accepts passport applications between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring a completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a passport photo, and payment. The office does not give passport photo services, so obtain photos before arrival. Call 724-430-1272 to confirm current fees, processing times, and required documents before visiting the Uniontown office.

Which Magisterial District Courts serve Fayette County?

Fayette County uses Magisterial District Court 14-0-00 as the Central Court, located in Uniontown. Local courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic tickets, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims for the Fayette County Court. These include MDJ-14-1-01, MDJ-14-1-02, MDJ-14-2-01, MDJ-14-2-02, MDJ-14-2-03, MDJ-14-3-02, and MDJ-14-3-04 across the county. Contact each office directly for specific schedules, filing fees, and hearing information. Magisterial District Courts serve as the entry point for most legal matters filed in the 14th Judicial District.