Prothonotary

Overview

The Prothonotary’s Office is the office for filing civil cases, including civil complaints, divorces, custody, judgments/liens, district magistrate appeals such as money judgment/landlord tenant cases), and protection from abuse (PFA).

This office is not permitted to issue legal advice or procedures. Please consult your attorney with any legal questions.

Glasses and a pen on top of a legal petition

Representing Yourself

Click here for information on representing yourself.

Custody Proceedings

PFAs & Civil Protection Orders

Check out information on civil protection orders, including Protection From Abuse orders (PFAs).

All filing fees for pro se/self-represented parties must be paid with cash or money order only. No personal checks are accepted. We are unable to process debit/credit cards at this time.

EFFECTIVE JULY 22, 2024: The Franklin County Prothonotary’s Office no longer accepts faxed/facsimile pleadings from parties. For details, click here.

Passports

The Franklin County Prothonotary’s Office no longer issues passports. To find out more check out information on obtaining a passport, or visit the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library.