PROTHONOTARY
Questions & Answers
Question: How do I obtain a passport?
Answer: You will need to bring into the Prothonotary's office five items to obtain a passport.
- Your passport application, which is also available in our office
- Your certified birth certificate
- Passport pictures, we provide this service at an additional cost
- A check or money order
- Your driver's license
NOTE: For more information about the above information, you may call the Prothonotary's office at
(814) 333-7324
or click
here to access the U.S. Department of State website and obtain more information on passports.
Question: How can I recieve a copy of my divorce papers?
Answer: To receive a certified copy of divorce decree you can...
- Call the Prothonotary Office to order the document(s).
- Write to the Prothonotary Office and request the document(s). Include your request and a check for in the amount of $5.00.
NOTE: It is helpful if you know the names that are on the divorce decree along with the year the divorce was granted.
Question: What is the difference between a name change and a former name change?
Answer: The change to a former name is done after a divorce is entered and filed or after a divorce decree is issued. The fee is $8.30 and the form must be completed in the county where the divorce was filed. The official name change can be filed by an attorney. If you decide to do this yourself, the law library in the Judicial Center has information on the specifications and requirements needed for changing your name. There is a $135.00 fee for this service.
Question: How do I go about filing for a divorce?
Answer: Speaking with an attorney would be the best option since they are qualified for advice and issues you may not have considered before you go through this procedure. The Crawford County Divorce Packet is available in 'Court Forms & Information' if you wish to proceed Pro Se.
Question: How do I go about applying for a marriage certificate?
Answer: You have to contact the Clerk of Courts office for this certificate. The only form(s) that you might need from the Prothonotary's office would be a certified copy of your divorce decree, if Crawford County is where you filed for divorce.
Question: What is a Praecipe?
Answer: A writ commanding something to be done, or requiring a reason for neglecting it.
Question: How much time do I have to file a motion and where can I file for one?
Answer: Within 3 days of presentation is the allotted time when the notice of motions must be given to the other side. Only uncontested motions can be taken to court by the Prothonotary. Contested motions, when the other side does not agree to the granting of the motion, has to be presented by the Movant or their Attorney in Motions Court.
Question: What if I can not financially pay court fees?
Answer: You will need to fill out the In Forma Pauperis form. This form must be filled out in detail letting us know of your income and expenses.
Question: Can I obtain naturalization records in your office?
Answer: Yes, the records date back to the early 1800's and sometimes contain the ship's name, pictures and the petitioner's signature. You may stop into the Prothonotary's office and look up names of relatives and obtain more information about this service we provide.
Question: What is a filing?
Answer: It is a document that is brought into the Prothonotary's office that is added to a case or record. Once it is filed by our office, it officially becomes part of the the case or record and cannot be dropped.
Question: Who do I need to contact regarding PFA (Protection From Abuse) fees?
Answer: You would contact our office and set up a payment schedule. If, however, you are lax on your scheduled payment or do not pay the fees at all, a bench warrant will be issued and jail time may occur.
Question: What is a discontinuance?
Answer: At any time before a proceeding is entered for trial or its hearing is commenced in chambers, a plaintiff may discontinue the proceeding or withdraw any cause of action therein against any defendant.
Question: What is a satisfaction?
Answer: The discharge of an obligation by paying a party what is due to him or what is awarded to him, by the judgment of a court or otherwise.
Notice: The above information is meant to be for information purposes only. If you seek true legal advice, please contact an attorney, the staff in the Prothonotary's office or Law Library cannot provide legal advice.
