Dauphin County Prothonotary – Harrisburg, PA

Civil Records and Legal Filings in Dauphin County

Role of the Prothonotary

The Dauphin County Prothonotary serves as the chief clerk and record-keeper for the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Established alongside the county in 1785, this office is responsible for the filing, processing, and maintenance of all civil court documents. Unlike the Clerk of Courts who handles criminal matters, the Prothonotary deals exclusively with civil litigation, ensuring that an accurate and permanent record of legal proceedings is available to the judiciary, the legal community, and the public.

Services and Filings

The office manages a vast array of legal documents essential to the civil justice system. Residents and attorneys visit this office to initiate cases or file subsequent pleadings. Key services include:

• Civil Litigation: processing filings for lawsuits, arbitration hearings, and appeals.
• Family Court Matters: handling paperwork for divorce decrees, custody arrangements, and Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders.
• Judgments and Liens: recording municipal liens, tax liens, and civil judgments against property or individuals.
• Passport Acceptance: acting as a designated acceptance facility for U.S. Passport applications (verification of appointment requirements is recommended).
• Name Changes: processing petitions for legal name changes for adults and minors.

Passport Services

As an acceptance facility, the Prothonotary’s office assists citizens with submitting applications for new U.S. passports. Applicants must provide proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and appropriate passport photos. It is advisable to check the current processing times and appointment policies before visiting, as federal requirements are subject to change.

E-Filing and Public Access

Modernizing access to justice, the Dauphin County Prothonotary offers electronic filing options for many civil case types. This system allows attorneys and pro se litigants to submit documents without visiting the courthouse physically. Additionally, the office maintains a searchable database of civil records, allowing the public to review dockets, check the status of a case, or research historical judgments and liens. Public computer terminals are typically available within the office for onsite research.

Important Filing Guidelines

When visiting the office to file documents, accuracy is paramount. All filings must adhere to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and local Dauphin County rules. Filing fees are generally required at the time of service and can vary based on the type of action. The office strictly adheres to procedural guidelines and cannot provide legal advice to self-represented litigants.