Court records in Berks County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. BerksCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the statewide UJS Portal case search, the offices of the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary at the Berks County Courthouse, and public terminals available on-site. Whether you need a criminal docket, a civil filing, or a family court record, the information below explains where to look and how to request it.
Berks Court System & Jurisdictions
Berks County is part of the 23rd Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The county's court structure follows the unified judicial system used statewide, with cases divided among several levels and divisions.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Berks County. It operates through several divisions:
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from Magisterial District Courts in criminal matters. The Clerk of Courts maintains criminal dockets and provides public access to those records.
- Civil Division — Contract disputes, personal injury, real estate actions, and other civil litigation. The Prothonotary is the chief clerk and record keeper for all civil case filings.
- Family Division — Divorce, custody, child support, protection-from-abuse orders, and adoption. The Berks County Family Court handles these matters, and self-help forms are available for custody and divorce filings.
- Orphans' Court Division — Probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, and trust matters. Filings are managed through the Register of Wills and the Clerk of the Orphans' Court.
Magisterial District Courts
Berks County has multiple Magisterial District Judge offices spread across the county. These courts handle:
- Summary criminal offenses (including most traffic violations)
- Preliminary hearings for felony and misdemeanor charges
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Civil claims up to $12,000
If you are unsure which court handled a case, searching the statewide UJS Portal by name or docket number will show results across all court levels in the county.
Berks Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court schedules in Berks County can be checked through a few methods:
- UJS Web Portal — The Pennsylvania court case search allows you to look up individual cases and view scheduled hearing dates listed on the docket sheet. Search by participant name, docket number, or case type and select Berks County Court of Common Pleas.
- Court Administration — For daily court listings, trial schedules, and argument lists, contact the Berks County Court Administration office at the courthouse. Courtroom assignment sheets and daily lists are typically posted at the courthouse.
- Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary — Criminal calendar information can be confirmed through the Clerk of Courts office, while civil hearing dates are available through the Prothonotary.
For today's or this week's hearings, calling the Court Administration office directly or checking the UJS Portal docket for a specific case number is the most reliable approach.
How to Get a Copy of a Berks Court Document
The office you contact depends on the type of record you need:
- Criminal records — Request copies from the Berks County Clerk of Courts, located on the 4th floor of the courthouse.
- Civil records — Request copies from the Prothonotary's office.
- Family court records — Contact the Family Court division. Note that many family court records have restricted access under Pennsylvania law.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the official seal and signature of the clerk. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other jurisdictions.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the appropriate office at the Berks County Courthouse. Bring the case number or party name to help staff locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
- Online — Docket sheets can be viewed and printed through the UJS Portal at no charge. For certified copies, you will generally need to contact the office directly.
For records that fall under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, you may also submit a request through the Berks County Open Records Office or the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
Berks Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Berks County are set by the respective offices in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes and local fee schedules. The figures below reflect commonly charged amounts — confirm current fees with the appropriate office before submitting payment.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Docket sheet printout (UJS Portal) | Free (online viewing) | UJS Portal |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certified copy | Varies; typically $5.00 – $10.00 per document plus per-page charges | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Record search fee | Varies by office | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Criminal background check (PATCH) | $22.00 (standard); free for qualifying volunteers | PA State Police PATCH |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary generally accept cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Ask the specific office whether credit card payments are accepted. The statewide PATCH system accepts online payment.
Fee amounts are subject to change. Contact the relevant office or check its website for the most current schedule before submitting a request.