Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraging individuals to appear remotely via Zoom videoconferencing rather than coming to the Courthouse and appearing in person for court proceedings. To appear remotely, please follow the instructions provided with your court notice. In addition to remote court proceedings, many court services are available on-line without having to come to the courthouse.
More information is available on the Coronavirus Information Page.
While the judicial emergency remains in effect, access to the Lehigh County Courthouse or any court facility shall be limited to employees of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania or the County of Lehigh; persons having business with the courts, departments or offices contained within such facilities; and person observing court proceedings open to the general public consistent with the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations, including the wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing.
Please continue to check this page for any updates.
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Judicial Emergency Order (March 17, 2020)
Amended Judicial Emergency Order (March 19, 2020)
2nd Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
3rd Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
4th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
5th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (May 29, 2020)
6th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (June 17, 2020)
7th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (August 31, 2020)
8th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (November 19, 2020)
Supplemental Order to 8th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (December 8, 2020)
9th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (February 5, 2021)
Amended 9th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (February 11, 2021)
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L. 116-136 ("CARES Act") was enacted on March 27, 2020. Among other things, the CARES Act provides a temporary moratorium related to certain eviction actions. During the 120-day period following enactment, i.e., through July 25, 2020, a landlord may not "make, or cause to be made, any filing with the court of jurisdiction to initiate a legal action to recover possession of the covered dwelling from the tenant for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges." CARES Act, § 4024(b)(1). The moratorium also applies to the charging of "fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant related to such nonpayment of rent." CARES Act, § 4024(b)(2). On May 29, 2020, Lehigh County's Judicial Emergency Order requires that every action by a landlord against a tenant for the recovery of possession of real property for failure to pay rent filed in a Lehigh County magisterial district court shall be accompanied by an Affidavit of Compliance with the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L. 116-136.
The Domestic Relations Section is operating with a reduced staff at this time. In order to maintain a safe environment for the public and our staff; please do not appear in person without an appointment. Office access is limited to clients and attorneys only. Scheduled conferences will be conducted by telephone, and scheduled hearings will be conducted through zoom video. Please visit www.childsupport.state.pa.usto learn more about the child support program, to check information about your case, or to electronically file a complaint for support or petition to modify. When filing a complaint or petition, please submit the filing only once. You will be notified of the scheduled conference date and time. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding. Thank you.
Until further notice, all conferences for child custody and divorce will be conducted by telephone. All hearings for child custody and divorce will be conducted by Zoom.
Protection from Abuse Litigants-If you or any of your family members are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, and fever, we are asking that you notify a staff member. We are doing our best to limit everyone from unnecessary exposure to the virus including our litigants and staff.
All jurors scheduled for March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, 2021 are not required to report or call. Your service is complete. Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to serve.
You have been summoned for jury service during a most extraordinary time. Jury duty is important because it safeguards one of the most crucial rights of the American legal system. Your potential role as a juror could not be more critical. Your ability to serve may be impacted by the pandemic. Please complete the online questionnaire as directed in your summons.
Please know the court implemented many precautions to ensure your safety and security while you serve, including the following:
Also, please know that during your service, the court will be making every effort to comply with CDC guidelines and recommendations. The overall number of people inside the courthouse and courtroom will be restricted. Nobody who has tested positive for coronavirus or exhibits any symptoms will be permitted in the courthouse or onto the jury. Remember that we take the health and safety of our jurors very seriously. If you are ill or experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, have been exposed to someone who is ill or have been exposed to anyone who is experiencing similar symptoms or if you have any questions, please call Court Administration at 610-782-3014.
Thank you for your service and cooperation!
We are asking our families to remain in contact with their probation officer via phone. If you or any of your family members have any flu-like symptoms (including coughing, sneezing, congestion, and fever), we would ask that you notify our office and reschedule any appointments. We are doing our best to limit everyone from unnecessary exposure to the virus including our clients and families. There will be no penalties if appointments need to be rescheduled due to illness. Your health and safety are our primary concern.
Law Library use is by appointment only until further notice. Call 610-782-3385 to make an appointment to visit or email us for remote service.
Please read the PDF statement concerning expanding Law Library operations after July 1, 2020. Please use this email link to determine if we can help you remotely by pointing you at a website or emailing or mailing a document. Our regular service fees may apply.
Effective immediately and until further notice, the Duplicate Certificate completed by the officiant (bottom portion of marriage license) must be returned by mail to: Marriage License Office, Lehigh County Courthouse 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. Certified copies pre-ordered at the time of application will be mailed upon receipt and recording of completed Duplicate Certificates.
Applicants who have been unable to utilize a marriage license issued by the Lehigh County Marriage License Office before its expiration date because of COVID-19 restrictions, are eligible to re-apply for a marriage license one time without payment of an application fee or re-supplying any supporting documentation. Please complete and submit a Marriage License Application and a Petition For Expedited Reapplication For Marriage License to schedule an appointment for both applicants to appear at the ML Office to reapply and return the expired marriage license. Please do not re-apply until you have a confirmed wedding date and officiant.
Effective immediately and until further notice, walk-in requests for certified copies of marriage licenses are not accepted. Certified copies can be ordered by completion and submission of an Order Form as follows:
OR
In accordance with the November 19, 2020 8th Amended Emergency Order issued by the court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, all adoptions, parental terminations, audits, non-emergency guardianships, and all other Orphans' Court matters will be conducted by Advanced Communication Technology, or, with approval of the assigned judge, in person.
Emergency incapacity petitions pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S.A. §5513 are to be filed with the Clerk of the Orphans' Court and contemporaneously emailed to Orphans' Court Counsel at janetthwaites@lehighcounty.org, for scheduling.
Filing by mail to the Clerk of the Orphans' Court, rather than in person at the Courthouse, is encouraged whenever possible.
FILING HOURS
All PFAs are processed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you are seeking a Protection from Abuse Order outside of those hours, you may contact your local Magisterial District Justice or the police.
A Protection from Abuse Petition is filed when a person is requesting a court order which protects victims of domestic violence from abuse, specifically physical injury or threats of physical threats.
You may file for protection in Lehigh County if you live or work here, the defendant lives, works, or can be served here, or the abuse occurred here.
A person may file a Protection From Abuse Petition against an intimate partner or family member. Here are some examples:
*If the abused person is a minor, then a parent, guardian ad litem, or adult household member can file on behalf of the child.
*The PFA act does not apply to disputes between strangers, neighbors, roommates, co-workers, or classmates.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact Plaintiff to complete the intake process.
After the intake process is complete, you will be directed to go to the courthouse to have a hearing before the motions Judge. Hearings are generally conducted at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
The Protection Order will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court
An Indirect Criminal Complaint is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is alleging the Defendant has violated one or more of conditions placed on the Defendant in a Temporary or Final Protection From Abuse Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Indirect Criminal Contempt petition is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
A Petition to Modify-Dismissal is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to withdraw their Protection from Abuse Petition and close the case.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact you with further instructions.
A Petition to Modify- Amendment is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to make changes to the provisions of their current PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
A Petition to Modify- Extension is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to extend the expiration date of their Final PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
An Intimidation Protection Petition is filed by an adult on behalf of a minor against an offender whose age is 18 or older.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact Plaintiff to complete the intake process.
After the intake process is complete, you will be directed to go to the courthouse to have a hearing before the motions Judge. Hearings are generally conducted at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
The Protection Order will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court
An Indirect Criminal Complaint is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is alleging the Defendant has violated one or more of conditions placed on the Defendant in a Temporary or Final Protection From Abuse Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Indirect Criminal Contempt petition is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
A Petition to Modify- Dismissal is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to withdraw their Protection from Abuse Petition and close the case.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact you with further instructions.
A Petition to Modify- Amendment is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to make changes to the provisions of their current PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
A Petition to Modify- Extension is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to extend the expiration date of their Final PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
A Sexual Violence Protection Petition is filed when a person, who does not have a relationship defined by the PFA Act for a Protection from Abuse Order, is requesting a court order which protects victims of sexual violence.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact Plaintiff to complete the intake process.
After the intake process is complete, you will be directed to go to the courthouse to have a hearing before the motions Judge. Hearings are generally conducted at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
The Protection Order will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court
An Indirect Criminal Complaint is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is alleging the Defendant has violated one or more of conditions placed on the Defendant in a Temporary or Final Protection From Abuse Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Indirect Criminal Contempt petition is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
A Petition to Modify- Dismissal is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to withdraw their Protection from Abuse Petition and close the case.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Family Court staff member will contact you with further instructions.
A Petition to Modify- Amendment is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to make changes to the provisions of their current PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
A Petition to Modify- Extension is filed when a Plaintiff in a Protection from Abuse case is requesting to extend the expiration date of their Final PFA Order.
OR
Once the Family Court Office has received the documents, a Rule to Show Cause will be prepared and taken to the Motions Judge during a PFA session at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Once the Rule to Show Cause is ruled on, it will be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records Office and the Plaintiff will be notified.
If the Rule to Show Cause is signed by the Judge, both parties will be ordered to appear in court at later date determined by the Court.
The Rule to Show Cause will be emailed to Plaintiff at the email address they provide to the Court.
Judicial Emergency Order (March 17, 2020)
Amended Judicial Emergency Order (March 19, 2020)
2nd Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
3rd Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
4th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (April 2, 2020)
5th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (May 29, 2020)
6th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (June 17, 2020)
7th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (August 31, 2020)
8th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (November 19, 2020)
Supplemental Order to 8th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (December 8, 2020)
9th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (February 5, 2021)
Amended 9th Amended Judicial Emergency Order (February 11, 2021)
Judicial Emergency Order - Evictions (September 11, 2020)
Judicial Emergency Amended Order - Evictions (December 30, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (March 16, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (April 2, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (April 21, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (May 29, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (August 31, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (November 19, 2020)
31st Judicial District Declaration of Judicial Emergency (February 5, 2021)
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Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101-1614 • (610) 782-3000