Services
This is overview of a few of the common services our office provides. We would also like to give you, the user, an idea of how the process works to make things proceed efficiently. For this reason, a basic outline of the most common procedures that this office encounters will be shown on this page.
If you would like to view a listing of all of the services we provide, check the Prothonotary page.
What You Can Do at the Prothonotary's Office
The Prothonotary's Office is where all civil division (non-criminal) records are kept on a permanent bases. When you come into our office, you will find all records indexed in terms of Name and Case Number. The two public computers are available for use free of charge. If you wish to print information, there is a fee of 25 cents per page.
Who the Prothonotary's Office is For
Our office is open to the general public, attorneys, abstractors and others to obtain information. On occasion, some sensitive records are sealed by Order of Court. These sealed records can only be opened by Order of Court.
Digital Versus Physical Records
We became computerized in April 1993 and we began scanning records into the computer in April 2001. If you would like to view actual records and pleadings at home, you may access those records at: CountySuite Courts (butler.pa.us)
Services
Appeal of Driver License Suspension
We do not have forms for your use. You may either contact a lawyer or visit the law library found in the courthouse to do your own legal research.
Complaint in Civil Action
The original filing is kept by our office. If copies are provided at the time of filing, we will time stamp copies for service (delivery to the other side) and will follow your instructions about returning the copies to you or delivering the copies, sheriff’s instructions, and sheriff’s fees to the sheriff’s office for you. All new Complaints must include a Supreme Court Cover Sheet and Butler County Civil Cover Sheet.
Complaint in Mortgage Foreclosure
The original filing is kept by our office. We always look for a complete description of the property. If provided, we will time stamp extra copies for service and will follow your instructions about returning the copies to you or delivering the copies, sheriff’s instructions, and sheriff’s fees to the sheriff’s office for you. All Complaints in Mortgage Foreclosure must include a Supreme Court Cover Sheet, a Butler County Civil Cover Sheet and Consumer Credit documents according to Local Rules.
Divorce & Annulment
We recommend that you see an attorney rather than attempting to use your own forms. Butler County Rules of Civil Procedure are very specific and are not the same as rules from other counties. The law library is available for research if you still choose to do proceed without counsel.
Genealogy
Our naturalization records are open to the public. As we are able, we will answer questions. Some of the very old records are stored in secured mines. You may find items that you wish to research, but they are in the mines. We go to the mines infrequently. So please be prepared to leave your name, information required, and contact instructions so we are able to report back to you.
No Lien Contract
The original signed contract is kept in our office. We will time stamp additional copies for you when you bring or mail them in. We must have the township, county, state and address of the building as well as plan book and tax map. Carefully check to be sure that the name(s) listed matches the signature(s). If you are mailing your documents in and would like a time-stamped copy returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Passports
Please call the office to make an appointment (724) 284-5214. Our passport processing hours are Tuesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please go the passport tab on left of this page for more information.
Petition for Change of Name
We have forms available on our website under the forms tab and also, in our office.
Protection From Abuse (PFA)
These cases are generally started in the morning in the Domestic Relations Department. Once the cases are opened, the files are maintained in our office. PFAs are not able to be viewed remotely on our case management system. You may come into the office and use the public computers if you wish to view PFA cases.
When PFA cases have had the Final Hearing, court costs are assigned to the Defendant or are waived at the discretion of the Court. We send a statement of costs with a date due as soon as we have the fees. Our office maintains these cost records, and we will follow up with invoices until these costs are paid.
Research on Liens and Judgments Against Individuals & Businesses
Our office is open to the public to check this information. However, when you do the research yourself, you cannot be as sure of the information as you would be if you had an abstracter research it for you.