Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas

The Lancaster County court held its first session in August of 1729 at a local tavern. The first courthouse wasn't constructed until a few years later in 1737. Much has changed since then, click here for more history.

The modern Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas handles:

• serious criminal and civil trials
• proceedings involving family and child-custody law
• appeals from Magisterial District Courts

The Court of Common Pleas also administers specialized treatment courts for qualified criminal offenders to build recovery and wellness into the criminal justice process.  In many cases, successful participation leads to reduced punishments.  And offenses may be removed from criminal records.  

• Drug Court
• Mental Health Court
• Veterans Court

For people who wish to represent themselves without a lawyer, there is self-help center in the Courthouse. 

For attorneys:

Read President Judge Ashworth's Administrative Order, re: New Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program and Accompanying Exhibit List here.

Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program:

• Read President Judge Ashworth's Open Letter to the Members of the Lancaster Bar Association Regarding the Inauguration of the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program here.
• Read the Administrative Order Establishing the Lancaster County Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program here.
• Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program Certification Cover Sheet
• Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program Mortgage Information for Housing Counselort