Court records in Bedford County, Pennsylvania can be found through several channels. BedfordPACourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the statewide UJS Portal, visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Bedford County Courthouse, or use public terminals available on-site. Each method offers access to docket sheets, case summaries, and filing details depending on the case type.
Bedford Court System & Jurisdictions
Bedford County's court system operates within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. Cases are divided between two court levels:
Bedford County Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's general trial court, located at the Bedford County Courthouse. It handles:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from magisterial district courts
- Civil Division — lawsuits exceeding the magisterial district court monetary limit, equity actions, and appeals
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, protection from abuse (PFA) orders, and juvenile matters
- Orphans' Court Division — estates, trusts, guardianships, adoptions, and incapacitated persons' proceedings. The Clerk of the Orphans' Court maintains these records.
Magisterial District Courts
Bedford County has several magisterial district judges who preside over:
- Summary criminal offenses (e.g., disorderly conduct, retail theft under certain thresholds)
- Traffic citations and vehicle code violations
- Civil claims up to $12,000 (small claims)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases before they move to the Court of Common Pleas
If you are unsure which court handled a case, searching by name or docket number on the UJS Portal case search will return results across both court levels.
Bedford Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Bedford County are managed through the Court of Common Pleas and the individual magisterial district courts. Here is how to find scheduled hearings:
- Contact the Court Administrator — Call the Bedford County Courthouse at 814-623-4812 to ask about today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule.
- UJS Portal — The UJS Portal case search displays upcoming hearing dates on individual docket sheets. Search by participant name or docket number, then select the relevant case to view scheduled events.
- Visit the Courthouse — Daily court calendars are typically posted at the Bedford County Courthouse. Public terminals may also be available for on-site searches.
- County Court Website — The Bedford County Court of Common Pleas page on the Unified Judicial System website provides contact details and may link to local scheduling resources.
Criminal case scheduling, including preliminary hearings at the magisterial district level, can also be confirmed by calling the relevant district court office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Bedford Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and the type of case involved.
Who Maintains the Records
- Clerk of Courts — criminal case records. Contact Sheri Lowery, Clerk of Courts.
- Prothonotary — civil case records, including judgments and liens.
- Clerk of Orphans' Court — estate, guardianship, and adoption records.
How to Request Copies
- Online — View and print docket sheets through the UJS Portal at no charge. These are unofficial copies. Certified copies require a request to the appropriate clerk's office.
- In Person — Visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary at the Bedford County Courthouse. Bring the case name, docket number, or enough identifying information for staff to locate the file. You can request certified or uncertified copies on the spot.
- By Mail — Send a written request to the appropriate clerk at the address above. Include the case number or party names, specify which documents you need, indicate whether you need certified copies, and enclose payment (call ahead to confirm the amount and accepted payment methods).
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing with other agencies. Uncertified copies are adequate for personal reference. Docket sheets printed from the UJS Portal are not certified.
Some records are restricted from public access, including juvenile proceedings, certain family court matters, and cases that have been sealed or expunged. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for public release.
Bedford Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Bedford County are set by Pennsylvania statute and local court policy. The table below reflects common charges. Contact the Clerk of Courts at 814-623-4833 to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Docket sheet (online via UJS Portal) | Free | Unofficial copy; not certified |
| Copy of court document (uncertified) | $0.25 per page | Standard per-page rate under Pa. county fee schedules |
| Certification fee | $5.00–$10.00 per document | Added to copy costs; varies by document type |
| Record search (by clerk staff) | Varies | Contact the clerk's office for current search fees |
| Criminal background check (statewide) | $22.00 | Through Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to verify whether credit or debit cards are accepted. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to "Bedford County Clerk of Courts."
For Right-to-Know Law requests involving county records outside the court system, fees are governed by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records and may differ from court copy fees.