How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree in Berks County, Pennsylvania?

Obtaining a copy of your divorce decree is easy.

A divorce decree is the legal document issued by the court when a marriage is terminated. The decree will be required in certain situations, such as when you apply for a license to remarry. In Pennsylvania, if you have misplaced your original decree, you can request a copy from the courthouse in the county where the divorce was granted. In Berks County, Pennsylvania, the fastest way to obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree is to appear in person at the Berks County Prothonotary office.

Instructions

1. Gather the required information. To expedite your request, you need to provide the complete names of both parties in the divorce. You also need the docket number.

2. Call the Berks County Prothonotary at 610-478-6970. They can give you the docket number if you do not know it. They will tell you if the file is readily available or if it has been archived, or placed in storage. If the file has been archived, request that it be brought out of archives so it will be available when you get there.

3. Prepare the $7.45 fee for one certified copy. Personal checks are not accepted, so have cash, a business check, money order or cashier's check made payable to "Prothonotary of Berks County."

4. Go in person to the Berks County Prothonotary Office. It is on the second floor of the Berks County Courthouse at 633 Court Street in Reading.

Tips & Warnings

• If time is not an issue, you may also write the Berks County Prothonotary to request a copy of your divorce decree by mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request. The ZIP code is 19601-4302.

References

• County of Berks: Prothonotary Office
• Law Offices of Jana R. Barnett, Esq.: Family Court Filing Fees