Monroe County Pennsylvania Court Records
Monroe County court records are kept at the county courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, by the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts. Monroe County was created on April 1, 1836 from parts of Northampton and Pike counties, and is named for President James Monroe. The county seat of Stroudsburg sits at 7th and Monroe Streets. The Court of Common Pleas, which serves the 43rd Judicial District, handles all major civil, criminal, and family cases filed in Monroe County. You can search Monroe County court records for free through the Pennsylvania UJS portal or visit the courthouse during regular business hours.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Court of Common Pleas
The Monroe County Court of Common Pleas is the main trial court for the county, sitting in the 43rd Judicial District. The court handles all serious criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, divorce and custody matters, and orphans' court proceedings. All records from these cases are maintained at the courthouse in Stroudsburg at 7th and Monroe Streets, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.
The combined Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office maintains both civil and criminal court records for Monroe County. The office handles court documents, marriage licenses, and passports. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The main phone number is (570) 517-3042. The Recorder of Deeds handles public land records and can be reached at (570) 517-3347. The Register of Wills handles estate records and can be reached at (570) 517-3805.
The Monroe County government site at monroecountypa.gov provides access to all court offices and public records information for the county.
| Court |
Monroe County Court of Common Pleas 7th & Monroe Streets Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Phone: (570) 517-3042 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | monroecountypa.gov |
How to Search Monroe County Court Records
You can search Monroe County court records for free through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. The portal lets you search by party name, docket number, OTN, or citation number. Results show the court, the judge assigned, all documents filed, scheduled hearings, and current case status. No login is required to run a basic case search on the UJS portal.
For full document access or certified copies, visit the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts at the Stroudsburg courthouse. Staff can look up cases by name or docket number and produce copies of court documents. A fee applies per page copied. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call (570) 517-3042 before visiting to confirm what you need to bring.
You can also send a written request under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101. Courts must respond within five business days. This is a useful option if you cannot travel to Stroudsburg. The UJS portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us is the best starting point for any Monroe County court record search.
Note: A parking deck near the courthouse is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM for $5.00 per day. The deck is closed on weekends and holidays.
Types of Court Records in Monroe County
Monroe County court records cover many types of proceedings. The Court of Common Pleas handles the most serious matters, including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, major civil suits, family law cases, and orphans' court proceedings. Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) courts in Monroe County handle smaller civil claims under $12,000, traffic violations, summary offenses, and criminal preliminary hearings.
Civil records kept by the Prothonotary in Monroe County include personal injury cases, contract disputes, divorce and custody filings, protection from abuse orders, mortgage foreclosures, mechanic's liens, and judgment filings. Criminal records kept by the Clerk of Courts cover all felony and misdemeanor dockets with full case histories. The Register of Wills maintains probate and estate records and issues marriage licenses. The Recorder of Deeds keeps public land records, which may be relevant in divorce or estate cases.
Monroe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Monroe County are maintained by the Clerk of Courts at the Stroudsburg courthouse. These records include all felony and misdemeanor cases filed with the Court of Common Pleas. Each criminal docket shows the charges, bail status, all court appearances, motions and rulings, and the final disposition or sentence. Criminal records in Monroe County are public unless sealed or expunged by court order.
Search Monroe County criminal records for free at ujsportal.pacourts.us. The docket sheet for each case gives a full history of every step in the case. For certified copies of criminal records or court orders, contact the Clerk of Courts at (570) 517-3042. MDJ court records for Monroe County, including summary offense cases and preliminary hearing records, are also searchable through the UJS portal.
For an official statewide criminal background check, use the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system at epatch.pa.gov. A PATCH report costs $22 and covers criminal records from all Pennsylvania counties, including Monroe. This is the most complete and reliable source for a statewide criminal history check.
Monroe County Civil Court Records
The Prothonotary in Monroe County maintains all civil court records for the Court of Common Pleas. These files include divorce cases, custody and support matters, personal injury suits, contract disputes, mortgage foreclosures, judgments, liens, and appeals from MDJ courts. Each civil case record shows the names of the parties, the filing date, all submitted documents, scheduled hearing dates, and the final judgment or order.
Civil docket entries for Monroe County cases can be viewed for free on the UJS portal. Getting copies of actual court documents requires a visit to the Prothonotary or a mail-in request to the Stroudsburg courthouse. Copy fees are charged per page. The Prothonotary also handles marriage licenses and passport services at the courthouse. Call (570) 517-3042 to ask about copy fees and procedures before submitting a request.
Note: Portions of family court records involving minor children may be restricted from public view. The Prothonotary can tell you which parts of a specific case file are open to the public.
Public Access to Monroe County Court Records
Most court records in Monroe County are open to the public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, and the Electronic Case Record Public Access Policy at 204 Pa. Code § 213.81. These rules govern what information courts can share and how requests must be handled. You do not need to be a party to a case to view public court records in Monroe County.
There are limits to what is open. Juvenile records are not accessible to the public. Mental health records are restricted. A judge may order a specific file sealed. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts at the Monroe County courthouse can explain which records are available and how to request them. The UJS portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us is available at all times and is the easiest first step for any Monroe County court record search.
Monroe County Probate and Estate Records
The Register of Wills in Monroe County handles probate matters and estate records for the county. When a person dies and leaves property in Monroe County, the estate may go through probate here. The Register of Wills reviews and admits wills to probate, appoints executors and administrators, and keeps records of all estate proceedings. These records are public and available at the courthouse in Stroudsburg.
The Register of Wills office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You can reach the office at (570) 517-3805. Fax is available at (570) 517-3890. Probate records include admitted wills, letters testamentary, estate inventories, and final accounts. Guardianship matters are handled through the Orphans' Court division of the Court of Common Pleas in Monroe County. The Register of Wills also issues marriage licenses for Monroe County residents.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County borders several counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. If you are unsure which county holds the records you need, check where the case was filed or where the person lives.