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Chester County Court Information
There is one main location for court cases in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Chester County Courthouse
201 W. Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000
Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts handles most things court-related to criminal charges. Motions and petitions are filed through the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk is the custodian for most criminal court records and attends all court sessions. The Clerk also administers oaths and and assembles juries.
Yolanda Van de Krol
Clerk of Courts
201 W. Market St, Suite 1400
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6135
Register of Wills
The Register of Wills is responsible for probating wills and maintaining the records of such wills. The Register of Wills also functions as the Clerk of the Orphan’s Court.
Michele Vaughn
Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court
201 W Market Street, Suite 2200
West Chester, PA 19380-0989
610-344-6335
Duties of the Prothonotary
The Prothonotary is the Civil Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and this is an elected position. The Prothonotary is responsible for keeping records of all civil cases heard before the court.
Debbie Bookman
Prothonotary
201 W. Market Street, Suite 1425
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6300
District Court
The Chester County Court is part of the 15th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The Courts of Common Pleas are the general trial courts in Pennsylvania, and there are 60 judicial districts of these courts. Each district has a president judge and a court administrator.
The Chester County Court of Common Pleas is made up of 14 judges and 5 senior judges.
Magisterial Districts
The minor courts, presided over by Magisterial District Judges, are the starting point of all criminal court cases in Pennsylvania. These judges do not have to be lawyers, but they must pass a qualifying exam. Magisterial District Judges are elected.
Preliminary and summary hearings for both misdemeanors and felonies are heard in these courts. These judges can perform marriage ceremonies, and they hear civil suits where the financial amount in dispute is not more than $12,000.
Civil Court
Civil cases are those that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people.
Magisterial District Judges hear cases that involve a financial amount of $12,000 or less. Civil cases involving higher amounts are part of the Civil Division.
Veterans Court
The intent of Veterans Court is to identify, treat, and supervise veterans who have entered the judicial system. Using a combination of court supervision and Veterans Affairs resources, a team attempts to address the underlying issues of an arrest. Most cases are resolved within 12-24 months. People charged with homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, or certain instances of assault are not eligible for this program.
Drug Court
The Drug Court is a specialized program for offenders who have issues with substance abuse. This program offers long-term treatment, along with assistance with education, jobs, and housing. Random drug and alcohol testing are used, and the program is designed to be less adversarial than the traditional judicial process.
People who are charged with violent crimes or who are currently on probation or parole are not eligible. The program is about a year long.
Criminal Court
Criminal court judges hear cases involving criminal offenses. Magisterial District judges hold the initial hearings for criminal cases, but those are transferred to district court.
Family Court
Family court judges hear cases involving domestic relations, including divorce, custody, and separation. Juvenile probation cases are also heard in the Family Division, as are domestic violence cases.
Orphans’ Court
Known in other states as Probate Court, this court is responsible for probating estates, guardianships, trusts, and marriage licenses. The Clerk of Orphans’ Court is the records custodian for cases heard in this division of the Common Pleas Court.
