Washington County Court serves as the central judicial hub for the 27th Judicial District in Pennsylvania, with the Clerk of Courts overseeing daily operations at 100 W Beau Street, Suite 206 in Washington, PA. Ray Phillips leads this office, reachable at 724-228-6787, where residents and legal professionals access court records, file documents, and obtain certified copies. The Washington County court website at washingtoncourts.us offers online access for many services. The court system includes several divisions covering civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Visitors seeking Washington County court records, Washington County court docket information, or Washington County court case search results use the online portal or visit in person. Washington County court hours follow standard business schedules, and Washington County court phone number lines remain open for public inquiries.
Washington County Court records span criminal cases, civil disputes, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and property transactions. Most documents appear online through the District Court’s website, displaying case status, charges, hearing dates, and party details. For divorce records, the Prothonotary’s office under Laura Hough at Suite 205 handles requests at 724-228-6770. Marriage records route through the Register of Wills office led by James Roman at Suite 102, reachable at 724-228-6775. Property deeds and land records fall under Recorder of Deeds Carrie Perrell at 95 W. Beau St., Suite 520, phone 724-228-6806. Washington County court fees for copies vary: $0.25 per page for recorded documents, $0.75 per page for paper file copies, and $20.00 per certified copy.
Washington County Court Case Search and Docket Lookup
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System runs a statewide web portal that lets the public run a Washington County court case search. The portal shows criminal, civil, family, and probate cases filed in the 27th Judicial District. Each search returns a Washington County court docket with party details, hearing dates, charges or claims, and a list of orders entered by the judge.
Anyone can use this system to check Washington County court case status from home. The official portal lives at ujsportal.pacourts.us and serves all 67 Pennsylvania counties. The local court site at washingtoncourts.us provides office details, forms, calendar links, and department contacts for the courthouse.
Searching Method for Washington County Court Records
The state portal uses a standard search form. Each step below shows how to find a Washington County court case lookup result for a person, business, or docket number.
- Open the UJS Web Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us.
- Click “Case Search” or “Docket Sheets” from the top menu.
- Pick “Washington County” from the county list to narrow the results to the 27th District.
- Type the last name and first name of a party, or enter a docket number, into the search field.
- Select a date range or case type from the filter options to refine the result list.
- Press “Search” to generate the case list.
- Click any case caption to open the full Washington County court docket sheet.
- Use the print or download function to save the docket sheet for personal records.
Online docket sheets show basic case data only. Certified copies require a written request to the Clerk of Courts or the Prothonotary, depending on the case type. Court staff cannot give legal advice by phone or at the counter.
In-Person Records Access at the Courthouse
Visitors who need paper files, certified copies, or older case records can go to the courthouse in Washington, PA. The Clerk of Courts and the Prothonotary each keep paper files for cases filed before the electronic system. Staff pull files from storage during regular Washington County court hours.
- Clerk of Courts: 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 206, Washington, PA 15301
- Prothonotary: 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 205, Washington, PA 15301
- Register of Wills: 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 102, Washington, PA 15301
- Recorder of Deeds: 95 W. Beau Street, Suite 520, Washington, PA 15301
Washington County Court Divisions and Jurisdiction
Washington County Court operates as the 27th Judicial District of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. The court sits in the seat of Washington, PA, and serves residents across cities, boroughs, and townships. The district covers roughly 200,000 people in the southwestern corner of the state.
The Court of Common Pleas has general trial jurisdiction over felonies, major civil cases, family matters, and probate business. Magisterial District Courts handle summary offenses, small claims, and preliminary hearings for criminal cases. The local court system uses specialized divisions for different case types.
Types of Cases Heard at Washington County Court
- Criminal Court: felonies, misdemeanors, and major crimes
- Civil Court: contract disputes, property claims, and personal injury suits
- Family Court: divorce, custody, support, and protection from abuse
- Probate Court: wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions
- Juvenile Court: delinquency and dependency matters for minors
- Traffic Court: moving violations and summary traffic offenses
- Small Claims Court: civil claims up to $12,000 at the magisterial level
Court of Common Pleas Judges
Several elected judges preside over the Court of Common Pleas in the 27th District. Each judge handles a docket assignment that covers a specific case type or calendar. Senior judges also sit on the bench on an as-needed basis. The President Judge runs administrative tasks, assigns cases, and oversees court operations.
Common Pleas judges serve 10-year terms in Pennsylvania. Voters elect them in county-wide elections. Vacancies get filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next election cycle.
Clerk of Courts Office and Services
The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case files, licenses, and other documents for the Court of Common Pleas. Ray Phillips leads this office in Washington County. The office accepts filings, issues certified copies, processes expungement petitions, and collects fines and restitution payments.
The Clerk’s office is the official record keeper for Washington County court records in criminal cases. Staff at the counter help attorneys, defendants, crime victims, and members of the public with criminal docket questions. The office also handles firearm license applications and renewals.
Common Services at the Clerk’s Office
- Criminal case filing and docket access
- Certified copies of criminal records and orders
- Expungement petition processing under the Clean Slate Act
- Subpoena issuance for witnesses in criminal cases
- Fingerprinting appointments for license and background check needs
- Passport application acceptance as a passport acceptance facility
- Payment of fines, costs, restitution, and bail postings
- Firearm license applications and transfers
Clean Slate and Expungement
Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Act took effect in 2018. The Clerk of Courts office handles automatic sealing of certain misdemeanor convictions, summary offenses, and qualifying arrest records. Eligible cases get sealed without a petition after the waiting period runs out. Other expungements still need a formal petition filed with the court.
Prothonotary and Civil Court Records
The Prothonotary handles civil filings for the Court of Common Pleas. Laura Hough leads this office at 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 205. The Prothonotary accepts new civil complaints, motions, and other legal documents for cases with claims above $12,000 in damages.
Civil cases involve disputes between parties over money, property, contracts, or personal injury. The Prothonotary’s office also issues divorce decrees, custody orders, and protection from abuse orders after a judge signs them. The office records federal civil filings, name changes, and judgment liens.
Civil Court Case Categories
- Contract disputes and breach of contract claims
- Personal injury and wrongful death suits
- Property disputes and quiet title actions
- Medical malpractice and professional negligence
- Appeals from magisterial district court judgments
- Divorce, custody, support, and adoption matters
- Mortgage foreclosure and tax sale claims
- Mechanic’s lien filings and judgment entries
Service of Process and Sheriff’s Department
The Prothonotary’s office issues writs and summonses for new filings. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department serves most civil papers. Private process servers also work in the county for a fee. Service rules follow the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Register of Wills and Marriage Records
The Register of Wills handles probate business for the 27th Judicial District. James Roman leads this office at 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 102. The Register probates wills, issues letters testamentary and letters of administration, and maintains records of all estate filings.
The office also handles marriage license applications and issues certified copies of marriage records. Couples apply in person at the office. Both parties need to show valid photo ID and sign the application in front of staff.
Records Available from the Register of Wills
- Probate wills and codicils for decedents who lived in the county
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Inventory and distribution filings for estates
- Marriage license applications and marriage certificates
- Guardianship petitions and orders for minors and incapacitated persons
- Adoption records under sealed status
- Elective share and family exemption claims
Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together at the Register of Wills office. Each person presents a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The fee for a marriage license in Pennsylvania is set by state law, plus any local surcharges. The license is valid for 60 days from issuance across the state.
Recorder of Deeds and Property Records
The Recorder of Deeds maintains land records for Washington County. Carrie Perrell leads this office at 95 W. Beau Street, Suite 520. The office records deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and other documents that affect real property.
Recorded documents create a public chain of title for every parcel in the county. Title searchers, attorneys, and real estate professionals rely on the index to confirm ownership history. The Recorder’s office also handles subdivision plans and Uniform Commercial Code filings.
Property Records Available Online
The Recorder of Deeds offers an online search tool through the county website. Users can search by party name, document type, parcel number, or recording date. Most older records have been scanned and indexed for online viewing.
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages, assignments, and mortgage satisfactions
- Property liens and lien releases
- Subdivision plans and easements
- Power of attorney and deed of trust filings
- Federal tax liens and state tax liens
Recording Fees and Requirements
Documents must meet Pennsylvania recording standards. The Recorder checks that the document has proper margins, signatures, notarization, and the correct fee paid at filing. Documents that do not meet the standards get rejected and returned to the sender.
Washington County Court Fees and Copy Costs
The Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, and Recorder of Deeds each set copy and certification fees. Most offices accept cash, check, money order, and credit card payments. Some offices charge a small convenience fee for card transactions. Fee waivers exist for people who file a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
Standard copy rates apply to paper file copies and recorded documents. Certified copies cost more because the office must verify the document and attach the court seal. The fee schedule on the Washington County court website lists all current charges for each office.
Washington County Court Copy and Certification Fees
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of a recorded document (Recorder of Deeds) | $0.25 per page |
| Copy from a paper court file | $0.75 per page |
| Certified copy of any record | $20.00 per document |
| Passport photograph | Set by federal program |
| Marriage license (state base fee) | Set by state law |
| Subpoena issuance | Per court rules |
| Firearm license application | Per state schedule |
Refer to the official county website or call the specific office for the full fee schedule. Fees can change based on state law updates and local rule changes.
Payment Methods and Fee Waivers
Most offices accept cash, money order, business check, and credit or debit cards. Personal checks may be accepted for some filings. A fee waiver request goes through the court for review before the filing takes place. The judge decides whether to grant the waiver based on the petitioner’s financial status.
Washington County Court Forms and Self-Help Services
The Prothonotary’s office provides standard civil forms for self-represented litigants. Forms cover divorce, custody, name change, protection from abuse, and civil complaint filings. Many forms come from the statewide Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System forms library.
The court also offers a Self-Help Center staffed by court employees who answer procedural questions. Staff cannot give legal advice or tell users what to file. They explain forms, court rules, and how to complete paperwork step by step.
Common Court Forms Available
- Civil complaint and civil verification forms
- Divorce complaint and divorce decree forms
- Custody and visitation petition forms
- Protection from abuse petition forms
- Name change petition forms
- Guardianship petition forms
- Expungement petition forms
- Subpoena and writ request forms
Self-Help Center Services
The Self-Help Center helps people who file cases without a lawyer. Staff explain court procedures, distribute blank forms, and review completed forms for missing signatures or required attachments. The center does not represent anyone in court or draft legal arguments.
Washington County Court Calendar and Schedule
The local court publishes daily and weekly calendars on the Washington County court website. Calendars list the judge, courtroom, case caption, and time of each hearing. Members of the public can view upcoming Washington County court calendar entries without a login.
Court sessions run Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some specialty courts, like drug court and veterans court, have separate schedules. Holiday closures follow the court holiday schedule posted at the start of each year.
Washington County Court Weekly Schedule
| Day | Calendar Type | General Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Criminal and civil motions | Morning sessions |
| Tuesday | Family court hearings | All day |
| Wednesday | Civil trials and arguments | All day |
| Thursday | Criminal trials and pleas | All day |
| Friday | Arraignments and status conferences | Morning sessions |
Check the official website for the current week’s calendar. Schedules can change based on judicial availability, weather closures, and case continuances.
Holiday Schedule and Closures
The courthouse closes on state holidays and selected local observance days. The Treasurer’s Office, for example, closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Other court offices follow the same holiday schedule. Refer to the Washington County court website for the full holiday list each year.
Traffic Court and Minor Offenses at Washington County
The Magisterial District Courts handle most traffic citations in the county. Officers issue citations for moving violations, parking tickets, and other summary traffic offenses. Defendants can pay the fine, contest the citation, or request a hearing before the magisterial district judge.
Serious traffic offenses, like driving under suspension, may move to the Court of Common Pleas for trial. Some cases also carry a risk of license suspension or points on the driving record. Drivers with out-of-state licenses face special rules for resolving citations.
Steps to Handle a Traffic Citation
- Read the citation carefully for the court location, date, and time.
- Decide whether to pay the fine or contest the citation.
- Contact the magisterial district court listed on the citation before the deadline.
- Appear at the listed date or pay the fine in person, by mail, or online.
- Request a hearing if contesting, and bring all evidence and witnesses.
- File an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of an adverse decision.
Driving School and Point Reduction
Pennsylvania offers an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for some first-time offenders. The program lets eligible drivers complete a course and avoid conviction in exchange for meeting court conditions. Successful completion keeps the citation off the public driving record.
Family Court and Juvenile Matters at Washington County Court
The Family Court Division handles divorce, custody, support, and protection from abuse cases. Judges hear uncontested divorces in chambers and contested matters in open court. The court requires parents to attend a custody education seminar before a final custody hearing.
Juvenile Court handles delinquency and dependency matters for minors under 18. The court focuses on rehabilitation for juvenile offenders and child safety for dependency cases. Parents receive a copy of all petitions and have the right to a lawyer.
Family Court Case Types
- Divorce, equitable distribution, and alimony
- Custody, partial custody, and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Protection from abuse orders
- Paternity and child custody
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
Juvenile Court Process
Juvenile cases start with a detention hearing if the minor is held in custody. A formal adjudicatory hearing follows the filing of a petition. Disposition hearings determine probation, placement, or treatment services. The court holds review hearings on a regular schedule to monitor progress.
Court Security and Visiting Information
All visitors must pass through security screening at the main entrance of the Washington County courthouse. The screening includes walk-through metal detectors and x-ray scanning of bags. Weapons, including pocket knives, are not allowed past the security checkpoint.
Cell phones, laptops, and tablets are allowed in the courthouse but cannot be used in courtrooms without judge permission. Visitors should silence devices and step outside the courtroom for calls. Recording in courtrooms is not allowed without prior approval.
Entry Procedures for Visitors
- Bring a valid photo ID for the security desk.
- Remove metal objects and place them in the screening bin.
- Send bags, purses, and backpacks through the x-ray scanner.
- Walk through the metal detector one at a time.
- Collect personal items after screening and proceed to the office or courtroom.
Parking Near the Courthouse
Public parking is available on the streets around the courthouse and in nearby public lots. Some metered spaces offer free parking after business hours. Drivers should read all posted signs for time limits and restrictions.
Washington County Court News and Press Releases
The court posts news, press releases, and announcements on the Washington County court website. Local media outlets also cover major decisions, jury trials, and court administration changes. The court posts a public docket of upcoming cases that draw media attention.
Court statistics on caseloads, jury trials, and case clearance rates appear in annual reports from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. The AOPC publishes these reports on the statewide judiciary website. Washington County-specific numbers roll up into district-level totals.
Where to Find Court News
- Washington County court website news section
- Pennsylvania Courts newsroom at pacourts.us
- Local newspaper legal notices section
- Court public bulletin boards in the courthouse lobby
- Social media channels linked from the official website
Court Employment and Career Opportunities
The Washington County court system hires for clerk positions, tipstaff roles, court reporters, probation officers, and administrative support. The county Human Resources office posts open positions on the county website. Court reporter and tipstaff openings go through the Court of Common Pleas administrative office.
Internships and seasonal positions exist for college students studying criminal justice, pre-law, or public administration. Law clerk positions support Common Pleas judges and require a law degree or law school enrollment. The court welcomes volunteer applications from local residents for jury coordination and self-help center support.
Typical Court Job Categories
- Clerk and deputy clerk positions
- Court reporter and stenographer roles
- Probation and parole officer positions
- Tipstaff and courtroom officer roles
- Administrative and IT support staff
- Law clerk and judicial intern positions
Internship and Volunteer Programs
College students can apply for semester-long internships with the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, or District Attorney’s Office. Volunteers help with jury assembly, paperwork sorting, and courthouse tours. Apply through the county Human Resources office or the court administrative office.
Contact, Local Details, and Map for Washington County Court
The main courthouse for Washington County sits at 100 W. Beau Street in Washington, PA. The Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, and Register of Wills share this building. The Recorder of Deeds operates from a separate location at 95 W. Beau Street, Suite 520.
Use the official website and phone numbers below for verified contact details. The map at the end of this section shows the location of the main courthouse in downtown Washington, PA.
Washington County Court Office Directory
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts | 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 206, Washington, PA 15301 | 724-228-6787 | washingtoncourts.us |
| Prothonotary | 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 205, Washington, PA 15301 | 724-228-6770 | washingtoncourts.us |
| Register of Wills | 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 102, Washington, PA 15301 | 724-228-6775 | washingtoncourts.us |
| Recorder of Deeds | 95 W. Beau Street, Suite 520, Washington, PA 15301 | 724-228-6806 | washingtoncourts.us |
| Collections and Disbursement Unit | Washington County Courthouse | Refer to the official site | washingtoncourts.us/427/Collections-and-Disbursement-Unit |
| PA UJS Web Portal | Online service | Online only | ujsportal.pacourts.us |
Official Website
washingtoncourts.us
Official Phone Numbers
- Clerk of Courts: 724-228-6787
- Prothonotary: 724-228-6770
- Register of Wills: 724-228-6775
- Recorder of Deeds: 724-228-6806
Official Physical Address
Washington County Courthouse
100 W. Beau Street
Washington, PA 15301
Map Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County Court serves the 27th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, handling criminal, civil, family, and probate cases throughout the region. The Clerk of Court, Prothonotary, Register of Wills, and Recorder of Deeds each manage specific filings, copies, and certifications. Most Washington County court records sit online through the state portal or the county’s official website. This FAQ covers common questions about searches, fees, contacts, and record requests so you can act quickly and avoid extra trips to the courthouse.
How do I run a Washington County court case search?
First, visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal to start your Washington County court case search. Next, choose Washington County under the 27th Judicial District. Then enter a party name or docket number to pull up criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. Once results load, review the charges, hearing dates, and judge orders on the docket sheet. Finally, for older files missing from the online system, contact the Clerk of Court at 100 W Beau Street, Suite 206, Washington, PA 15301, or call 724-228-6787.
What does the Washington County Prothonotary handle?
The Washington County Prothonotary manages civil court records for the 27th Judicial District. Laura Hough leads this office at 100 West Beau Street, Suite 205, Washington, PA 15301. You can reach her team at 724-228-6770 during business hours. The Prothonotary files divorce decrees, civil complaints, judgments, liens, and custody paperwork. Most records appear in the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal, but older case files may need an in-person visit. Name searches cost $5. Copies run $0.25 per page from e-filed cases and $0.75 per page from paper files. Certified copies cost $20 each.
What fees apply to Washington County court records?
Washington County court records fees cover documents, copies, and certifications. Recorded documents cost $0.25 per page. Oversize documents or plats run $1 for the first page and $0.75 for each additional page. Certifications add $1 per document. Meanwhile, a name search or system lookup costs $5. Standard copies run $0.25 per page from e-filed cases and $0.75 per page from paper files. Specific document searches cost $30 per hour, with the first hour free. Shipping and handling range from $1 to $7.
How do I reach the Washington County Court Clerk?
Ray Phillips serves as Washington County Court Clerk, located at 100 W Beau Street, Suite 206, Washington, PA 15301. Call the office at 724-228-6787 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The Clerk of Court handles criminal cases, filings, open records requests, and record searches. You can search criminal and civil dockets online through washingtoncourts.us before visiting in person. For mailed requests, include your name, case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment for any applicable copy or certification fees.
Where do I request vital records in Washington County?
Marriage records come from the Register of Wills Office, led by James Roman at 100 W Beau Street, Suite 102, Washington, PA 15301. Call 724-228-6775 to request certified copies. Divorce records, meanwhile, go through the Prothonotary’s Office under Laura Hough at 724-228-6770. Birth and death certificates belong to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, reachable at 724-656-3100. Each office sets its own fees and processing times, so call ahead before sending payment or paperwork.
How do I file an open records request with Washington County Court?
An open records request lets you view specific public government documents held by Washington County Court. Submit your request to the Clerk of Court for criminal filings or to the Register of Wills for marriage and estate records. The Clerk of Court sits at 100 W Beau Street, Suite 206, Washington, PA 15301. Include your name, contact details, a clear description of the records you want, and payment for search and copy fees. Written requests often receive faster responses than phone inquiries, so put everything in writing.