Show All Answers

1. Where can I find filing fees?

You can find the list of filing fees here.

2. What are the duties of the Prothonotary?

The DUTIES OF THE PROTHONOTARY

The Prothonotary is the elected civil clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and is responsible for recording all civil procedures before the court. This official signs and seals all writs and processes numerous other documents of the Court of Common Pleas.

The Office of Prothonotary is responsible for the recording and filing of legal papers of a widely diversified character such as:
Change of Name
Custody
District Court Appeals
Divorce
Driver’s License Suspension Appeals
Landlord-Tenant
Federal Income Tax Liens
Judgments
Mechanics Liens
Medical Malpractice
Personal Injury
Protection From Abuse (PFA)

3. What are the hours of the Prothonotary Office?

Our office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Click here to view the Prothy homepage

4. What method of payment is accepted by the Prothonotary?

Cash (as close to exact amount as possible), Certified Check, Money Order, or Attorney’s checks (attorneys checks are not accepted for escrow payments. Certified checks or money orders only). Credit Card payments are only accepted when using our Electronic Filing System. 

5. Are docket entries available on-line?

Yes, they are. You can view the docket entries for free on our Civil Viewer. If you want to view the actual filings, there is a “Pay per Page” charge. You are allowed to view the pleadings only once for the fee. When you view it, you should print it or save it because you will only see it one time for the price you are charged. That fee is $.50 for the first page and $.10 for each additional page. We accept Master Card, Visa, or American Express as payment. Attorneys get one free look if they are registered for E-Filing and they are Attorney of record on the case.

6. Can I conduct a search for civil suits or liens on the website?

Yes, you can conduct a search on individuals or businesses. Please click on Civil Viewer on our website.

7. Can I file a pleading by faxing it to the office?

No, you cannot, nor does the Prothonotary Office fax any documents out of the office.

8. I need to file for Custody. How do I start the process?

You start the process for Custody or Visitation in Court Administration on the Second Floor. When you are finished, you come down to the Prothonotary’s Office on the First Floor to file your paperwork.

9. I need to file a Protection from Abuse? How do I do that?

Come into the Court House in Norristown between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday – Friday. Take the elevator to the Second Floor to Court Administration. At the half-door, you’ll see a sign that says “Protection from Abuse."

For after hours, call 800-773-2424. You will be directed to a district judge. 

10. How can I obtain a copy of my Divorce Decree?

You may come to the Prothonotary’s Office Monday through Friday or you may send a request in the mail along with your case number, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and $5.25. If you do not know your case number, you will need to send an additional $9.00 to cover the cost of a search. Never send cash. You can use cash if you come to the Court House in person, but through the mail please use Certified Check or Money Order.

11. Can I get a copy of my Marriage License at the Prothonotary’s?

No, Marriage Licenses are across the street from the Court House at One Montgomery Plaza on the Fourth Floor (Register of Wills).

12. Why is a lien or judgment that is paid still appearing on my credit report?

The Prothonotary and the Credit Bureaus are separate record keepers. Once a judgment or lien has been marked as satisfied with the Prothonotary, you may want to contact the Credit Bureaus telling them that your lien or judgment has been satisfied.

13. When I file something through the mail, how do I get the paperwork back?

You must provide the Prothonotary’s Office with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

14. Can I have copies of my paperwork made in the Prothonotary’s Office?

Yes, but there is a fee. Copies are $.25 per page. Docket printouts are $1.75 per page.

15. I purchased documents from your site less than 24 hours ago. Why can’t I view them?

•    After checking out, you’ll be taken back to the shopping cart and you’ll see “Recently Paid Views.” 

•    There you’ll see an expiration date (documents have to be viewed or downloaded within 24 hours of purchase). 

•    Click on the “View” link to view the document on the Viewer. 

•    You can print or save (select either the print icon or an icon to view as a PDF and then download it). 

Did you check your email?

You should receive an email with links, the receipt number, and the expiration day and time. If you didn’t receive an email, see this document for help.

16. Document Viewing: Troubleshooting

The following issues can prevent you from viewing purchased documents:

•    Your 24-hour viewing window has expired.

•    You’re not signed in to the account used to purchase documents. 

-    Sign in to your account. You should see the links in your Shopping Cart. 

•    You purchased the documents as a guest, but now you’re signed in to an account and trying to view the documents. 

-    If you bought the documents as a guest, they won’t be in your account’s Shopping Cart. 

-    Instead, go to your email from us and follow the links to view the documents. 

•    You’re using Internet Explorer 

-    Please use Chrome or another browser.