Court records in Cambria County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. CambriaCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search dockets through official state court portals, visit the clerk's offices at the Cambria County Courthouse in person, or use public access terminals on site. The UJS web portal, the Prothonotary Office, and the Clerk of Courts Office each provide access to different record types.
Cambria Court System & Jurisdictions
Pennsylvania's court system is unified under the state judiciary, and Cambria County's courts operate within that structure. Understanding which court handles your case type is essential before searching for a docket.
Cambria County Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. It is divided into divisions that handle different case types:
- Civil Division — lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant matters, and appeals from magisterial district courts. The Prothonotary Office maintains civil records and dockets for this division.
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from the magisterial district courts. The Clerk of Courts Office keeps criminal case records.
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, protection from abuse (PFA) orders, and adoption. Divorce proceedings are filed through the Prothonotary.
- Orphans' Court Division — estates, guardianships, trusts, and incapacitated persons' matters (probate).
Magisterial District Courts
Cambria County has several magisterial district judges who handle:
- Summary offenses and traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and small claims
Dockets from magisterial district courts are searchable through the statewide UJS web portal case search.
Cambria Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings in Cambria County, you have several options:
- UJS Web Portal — The Pennsylvania court case search allows you to search by calendar event. Select "Calendar Event" as your search type, choose "Cambria County Court of Common Pleas," and specify a date range to view upcoming proceedings.
- Cambria County Court Website — The Cambria County page on the Unified Judicial System site provides court contact information and may link to local court calendars or scheduling resources.
- CountySuite Civil Portal — The Cambria County Civil Court Online Portal offers civil case search functionality that may include scheduled events for civil matters.
- Contact the courthouse directly — For same-day or next-day hearing schedules, call the appropriate office at the courthouse.
Criminal hearing schedules are typically managed through the Clerk of Courts, while civil calendars run through the Prothonotary. Family Division matters may have separate scheduling; contact the court administrator's office for specifics.
How to Get a Copy of a Cambria Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need civil or criminal records, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Which Office to Contact
- Civil records (lawsuits, judgments, divorce decrees, liens) — contact the Prothonotary Office.
- Criminal records (criminal case files, sentencing orders) — contact the Clerk of Courts Office.
- Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages) — contact the Recorder of Deeds Office.
Steps to Request a Copy
- Identify the case — Search for the docket number using the UJS web portal or the CountySuite civil portal. You will typically need the case number, party name, or filing date.
- Choose certified or uncertified — Certified copies bear the court seal and are accepted as official legal documents. Uncertified copies are generally less expensive and suitable for personal reference.
- Submit your request — You can request copies in person at the courthouse, by mail, or in some cases by phone or email. Ask the relevant office about their preferred method.
- Pay the fee — Fees apply for both search and copy services. Payment methods vary by office; check with the clerk before mailing a request.
Mailing Address for Requests
For criminal background checks, the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system provides statewide criminal record checks online. You can also request a criminal history background check through the Pennsylvania State Police.
Some court records are restricted by law — including certain juvenile proceedings, sealed cases, and PFA records that may have confidential components. If you are unsure whether a record is publicly accessible, ask the clerk before submitting your request.
Cambria Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Cambria County are set by Pennsylvania statute and local court administrative orders. The following table reflects common fee categories. Contact the relevant office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Prothonotary / Clerk of Courts |
| Certified copy | $5.00 – $10.00 per document | Prothonotary / Clerk of Courts |
| Record search fee | Varies; contact office | Prothonotary / Clerk of Courts |
| PATCH criminal background check | $22.00 (online) | Pennsylvania State Police |
| Civil case filing (complaint) | Varies by case type | Prothonotary |
| Exemplified copy | Higher than certified; contact office | Prothonotary |
The PATCH fee of $22.00 is established by the Pennsylvania State Police for online criminal history checks. For in-person record requests at the courthouse, most offices accept cash, checks, or money orders. Ask the specific office whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting.
Open records requests under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law can be submitted to the county's Open Records office. Requests can be emailed, mailed, faxed, or presented in person. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records oversees appeals if a request is denied.