What records can be viewed by the public?

All records in the Register of Wills and Orphan’s Court departments are open to the public with the exception of all Adoption records and Guardianship records filed after January 6, 2018 . Adoption records are sealed by law and are available only by order of the court.  If you are an adult adoptee and wish to obtain information on adoptions granted in Luzerne County please submit request in writing to: 

Act 101 Coordinator, Orphans' Court, Luzerne County Courthouse, Brominski Building, 113 West North Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. Please provide as many details as possible, such as full name given at birth, birth date, adoption date (or approximate time period) and full name following adoption.

Please contact the Court at 570-822-0764 for any questions other than requests for information.

Guardianship records filed after January 6, 2018, except for the Final Decree and the Docket, are only available to parties of interest on the case.

Show All Answers

1. Where are you located?
2. What are your hours of operation?
3. What records can be viewed by the public?
4. What records do you have in these offices and for what periods?
5. How may I obtain information?
6. What is a research fee?
7. What does probate mean?
8. Why is a will registered or probated?
9. What does intestate mean?
10. What is a short certificate?
11. When does a will get probated and filed?
12. Why do you keep the original will?
13. I can only find a copy of the decedent’s will. What can I do?
14. What are Letters ot Testamentary / Letters of Administration?
15. Do I need an attorney to probate an estate?
16. What do I need to open an estate?
17. Can your office help me prepare the inheritance forms?
18. What are the requirements to apply for a marriage license?
19. How do I obtain a certified marriage license?
20. Can I obtain a copy of my divorce decree in your office?