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Adult Probation

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1. How do I find out how much I owe in fines, court costs, restitution and other fees?

Fines, costs and restitution information can be found on the Court of Common Pleas System (CPCMS). For assistance accessing this information, call 610-344-6290 during regular business hours.

2. When should I begin making payments?

Payments should begin immediately after sentencing. Offenders are encouraged to remit additional monies above and beyond their payment plan.

3. How do I make payments?

1. Payments by credit and debit card can be made online at http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
2. Payments by cash, check or money order can be made in person at our office weekdays between 8:30am-4:30pm.  There is also a kiosk available in our lobby to make credit card e-payments via the UJS portal.
3. Payments by money order, personal check or cashiers check can be mailed to: Adult Probation, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380.  All checks must include the docket number and must be made payable to "Chief Probation Officer".

4. What is a payment plan?

Payment plans provide the minimum monthly payment an offender must make to ensure the case is paid in full by the end of an offender’s probation/parole period. Failure to pay fines, costs and restitution in full by the end of an offender’s probation/parole period may result in a Violation of Probation/Parole Hearing and revocation of the offender’s probation/parole period.

5. What will happen if I do not make payments as ordered?

Failure to comply with your payment plan may result in violation of probation/parole with possible sanctions as ordered by a Judge such as suspension of driver's license.

6. What if I move or change employment?

Changes in employment status or home address must be submitted electronically via the Change in Status form. 

7. What should I do if I am unable to work due to a medical condition and cannot comply with my payment plan?

It is the offender’s responsibility to inform the Probation Officer if they are not able to comply with their current payment plan due to medical issues. The offender must supply medical verification from their treating physician that details the reason, duration and any work restrictions. This does not relieve the offender from monies owed; rather, it may allow the offender additional time to make payments.

8. What is an administrative fee?

Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 9728 (g) the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County instituted a $10 per month administrative fee. This is a mandatory fee imposed on all offenders for the processing of paperwork and related activities.

9. What is a supervision fee?

Pursuant to Act 35 of 1991, the offender will be charged a $40 per month supervision fee. This is a fee imposed for the active supervision of an offender’s probation/parole.

10. What happens if I bounce a check?

Checks returned for insufficient funds will result in a $50 returned check fee. The check writer will have 10 days to make the check good, including payment of the returned check fee. No future personal check will be honored on that account. Individuals who fail to comply with the notice will be referred to the Chester County District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.

11. What is a judgment?

Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 9728 (b) all offender’s convicted at the Court of Common Pleas Level will have a civil judgment filed against them for monies owed. This is filed in the Chester County Prothonotary’s Office. Judgments must be filed regardless if there is a payment plan or if payments are being received. Judgments are only satisfied upon payment in full of all monies owed.

12. If I am ordered to receive court-ordered restitution but have not received any money, who should I contact?

For questions regarding enforcement of restitution, call the Probation Office at 610-344-6290.

13. What is the difference between probation and parole?

Probation is a sentencing alternative that does not involve a period of incarceration.

Parole is a conditional release from incarceration to serve the balance of the original sentence under the supervision of a parole officer. 

The conditions are the same and there is no difference between the a Probation Officer and a Parole Officer. It should be noted that the there are two paroling authorities in Pennsylvania: the Common Pleas Court Judges and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. The Board of Probation and Parole has parole and supervisory authority over those offenders sentenced to two years or more in prison.

14. What is Intermediate Punishment?

Intermediate Punishment is a sentencing alternative available to the Court that includes incarceration, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision, treatment and, in most cases, community service. Restrictive Intermediate Punishment is an enhanced version of Intermediate Punishment. Those offenders convicted of a violent offense are not eligible for Intermediate Punishment.

15. What is ARD?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a pre-trial alternative for certain first time offenders facing disposition on a non-violent offense. The District Attorney's Office must approve the offender's application. The Probation Office supervises those placed into the program. Successful participants can earn a dismissal of the charges and are eligible for expungement of the charges.

16. If I am on probation or parole, can I live or travel wherever I want?

Offenders in compliance with the terms and conditions of their supervision may be granted permission to travel outside of the US with the approval of the receiving country, the assigned Parole Officer (PO),  the District Attorney’s Office (DA) and a Chester County Common Pleas Court Judge. A Temporary International Travel Permit must be filed with the Clerk of Courts after obtaining the above approvals. Leisure travel will not be granted for offenders who owe a balance of restitution and/or are not in compliance with their payment plan for fines and costs. The department strongly discourages the international travel of sex offenders and violent offenders.

Procedure: An offender requesting travel permission must inform their assigned PO prior to any travel plans being made to gain preliminary permission and to obtain the Temporary International Travel Permit. The PO will review the case to ensure that the offender is in good standing, requesting travel for a legitimate purpose, and if the purpose of the trip is for vacation that all restitution is paid in full and the offender is in compliance with his/her payment plan for fines and costs. The defendant’s attorney is responsible for completing the Temporary International Travel Permit and should first contact the Consulate General Office of the destination country to obtain permission to travel. If permission is granted, the defendant’s attorney may proceed with seeking approval and signatures from the DA’s office, the assigned PO and finally the Judge. The document must be filed with Chester County Clerk of Courts at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled date of departure with certified copies distributed to the PO and DA’s office. The offender will notify the PO within 24 hours upon return.

17. If I am on ARD, probation, parole or intermediate punishment, am I legally allowed to possess a firearm?

No, Offenders under our supervision are prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon.

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Archives

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1. How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

For births after 1906, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

2. How do I get a copy of my marriage record?

For marriages after 1930, please contact the clerk of theOrphans’ Court.

3. How do I view or obtain a copy of a record I found in the online index?

Either visit us during business hours or email us with the information from the index and we will provide directions and pricing information for obtaining a copy. Our email address is [email protected].

4. How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?

For divorce records after 1902 please contact the Prothonotary's Office.

5. Do you have original records from other counties?

Generally no. But we do have records for areas of Chester County that became other counties. For example, we have records for the areas that would become Lancaster and Delaware Counties prior to their formation in 1729 and 1789 respectively.

6. Where do I get a copy of a Chester County will?

For wills 1714-1923, see the index available on our website. For wills after 1923, please contact the Register of Wills Office.

7. Can I get a record scanned and emailed to me?

Absolutely. Please email [email protected] with the specific reference information of the record(s) you're requesting, then we will respond with specific costs and instructions. 

8. Can I take photographs of records while in the reading room?

If a particular record is not available on film or in digital format, then you may use a non-flash camera to take photos. Flash cameras are not permitted.

9. Can I use a portable scanner device?

No. Due to the fragile nature of our records, researchers are limited in the way they may handle them.

10. Can I save digital images to my personal flash-drive?

Researchers may save digital record images from microfilm and research room computers. To take advantage of this option, researchers must bring in a new, unopened USB/Flash drive; no exceptions.

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Assessment

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1. What is millage?

The millage rate (also known as mills) is the rate at which tax revenue is generated from assessments, expressed in terms of 1/1000th of assessed value. For Example: 4.551 mills is equivalent to a millage rate of .004551

2. How are millage rates determined?

Millage rates are typically voted on by elected representatives after calculating the required rate needed to generate enough tax revenue from the overall tax base to meet the budget.

The formula is straightforward: Mills = budget/tax base.

3. How do I calculate my approximate property tax based on the posted millage rates?

The formula to calculate real property tax is: Assessment x millage = tax (face amount).

For example:  The County millage is the same for all municipalities, therefore the County Tax for a property with an assessed value of $100,000 and a rate of 4.551 mills would be calculated as follows: 100,000 X .004551 = $455.10 (face amount) Note: 4.551 mills is equivalent to a millage of .004551. This is comparable to expressing percentage as whole number (5%) and as a decimal (.05). In the case of millage, the decimal is moved three places to left instead of two.

4. What is an assessment?

An assessment is the percentage of the market value of your property. The percentage is known as the predetermined ratio. In Chester County the assessment represents 100% of the appraised (full market value) as of the base year.

5. What is an Interim Assessment?

An interim assessment is derived from a straightforward mathematical calculation. Simply put, the interim assessment represents the value difference (increase) attributable to any assessable improvement to the land. It is important to note that an interim assessment is the difference between the prior and the revised total assessments. These assessable improvements include, but are not limited to; new construction of a primary structure (dwelling or other building type), the addition to any such structure and the construction of secondary improvements such as swimming pools, garages, barns, sheds, etc. 

When the Assessment Office is notified of an improvement, one or more field visits are made by a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator to collect property data. The following letter has been provided to all municipality permit offices, to be provided to property owners and contractors who file building permits.

Building Permit Informational Letter

6. When is an interim assessment effective?

An interim assessment is generally effective when the improvement is complete and is retroactive to the first month following completion (ex: completed March 7th will be effective for April and forward). The effective date may be ascertained via several methods; as reported on the Use and Occupancy Permit (assuming that it is provided by the municipality), as implied by the instrument (deed) date or as might be “discovered” by an assessor, in the field.

7. How are interim assessments reported?

After the value of the improvement is calculated by an assessor and the interim assessment is derived, an Assessment Change Notice is processed by the Assessment Office. This Notice indicates the reason for the change in assessment, the previous assessment, the new assessment, the interim assessment and the effective date. The Notice is sent to the taxpayer and the assessment change data is sent to the taxing authorities (County Treasurer, school district and municipality). The taxing authorities will then issue tax bills for the increase in the assessment.

8. What's the significance of property assessment?

Under Pennsylvania statute, property taxes are the primary source of revenue for county and municipal governments, and school districts. Property taxes, which are calculated using property assessments, fund critical services including public safety (fire, police and ambulance), education, corrections, the court system, public health programs, and human service programs.

9. What is the market value?

Plainly stated, the market value is the amount a willing buyer would pay and a willing seller would accept for a property.

10. What causes market values to change?

Time and inflation (or deflation) are the primary reasons, but there are other reasons as well. For example, if a town's major industry leaves, property values can decline. On the other hand, when transitional neighborhoods are discovered by young homeowners, then values may increase quickly as the neighborhood becomes more fashionable. When there is no extraordinary pressure in the marketplace, inflation alone may increase property values.

11. How do I, as the property owner, appeal an assessment and/or the effective date?

If the taxpayer does not agree with the assessment and/or effective date, the property owner has the right to file a Notice of Intention of Appeal with the Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals. This Notice of Intention of Appeal must be filed on or before the last day to appeal as indicated on the Assessment Change Notice. The last day to appeal, as indicated, pertains to both the assessment and the effective date. Upon receipt of the Notice, the Board of Assessment Appeals will schedule an appeal hearing and notify the taxpayer and the taxing authorities of the date and time. The taxpayer should be prepared to provide documentation and/or exhibits in support of his/her opinion of value and/or documentation to ascertain a “date certain” for the effective date, if this is at issue. In the event that the taxpayer remains dissatisfied after the Board’s action, further appeal can be taken to the Court of Common Pleas.

Download the Notice Of Intention Of Appeal Form 

• Intention of Appeal - Commercial
• Intention of Appeal - Residential
• Real Estate Exemptions

Forms must be PRINTED, completed and returned to the Assessment Office (313 w. Market Street, Suite 4202, West Chester, PA 19382) by the appropriate filing date. (NO FAXES or ELECTRONIC COPIES please)

12. How do I appeal my current assessment?

The property tax is used as a revenue source by county government, 14 school districts and most of the 73 municipalities in Chester County. It is the responsibility of the County Assessment Office to place a value on each parcel of land and any improvements (structures) thereon. Assessments are derived by assessors who are state certified under Pennsylvania law. After an assessment is generated or changed the property owner is mailed a "Change In Assessment" notice. All property owners have the right to appeal if they do not agree with the assessment of their property. If an appeal is initiated by a school district or municipality, the attorney must provide the Board of Assessment with a copy of a Certificate of Service verifying that the property owner was notified of the appeal within five days of the appeal filing. 

13. How do I change my Tax Billing Address?

   

Change of Mailing Address Form

14. How can I obtain Assessment data reports or electronic files?

For a fee, the County can supply archival, machine readable data upon request. To obtain desired information: Applicants must complete a Request for Information Form. Completed forms must be returned to the following address or emailed to [email protected]: Chester County Courthouse Attention: Outside Request Department of Computing and Information Services 313 W. Market Street, Suite 5302 West Chester, PA 19380-0991

15. Is an appeal processing fee required?

Yes. The Assessment Office has implemented Resolution #45-97 which requires a processing fee for each parcel appealed to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The fee for each residential property is $25. The fee for commercial, industrial, parcels subject to preferential assessment such as Act 319 and Act 515 and exemption appeals is $50. The fees apply to both interim and annual appeals and must be paid at the time of filing. A check or money order is to be made payable to "Chester County Treasurer". This fee will not be refunded for failure to appear or withdrawal of the appeal. If you are over 60 years of age and want to appeal the assessment on your primary residence but are unable to afford the $25 processing fee, call the intake staff at the Department of Aging (610-344-6350), as you may be eligible for assistance. Proof of financial eligibility will be required.

16. How do I obtain an appeal form?

"Notice Of Intention Of Appeal", and other forms may be obtained in one of three ways:

• Calling the Assessment Office at 610-344-6105
• Visiting the office 313 W. Market St., Suite 4202, West Chester, PA. 19382.
• Downloading the form by clicking on the appropriate link below: Forms must be printed, completed and returned to the Assessment Office by the appropriate filing date. No faxes or electronic copies please.

Appeal Forms

17. What are the different types of hearings?

Annual Appeal - Appeal of Total Assessment.

Property owners have an opportunity to appeal their assessment every year. By appealing, the property is open to the re-valuation process in which the property assessment may be lowered, raised or remain the same. Annual appeals may be filed from May 1 through August 1 (or the next official business day should August 1 fall on a weekend) of each year. In the case of an annual appeal, the Board decision does not take effect until tax bills are issued the following tax year.

Interim Appeal - Appeal of Increase in Assessment due to new construction. 

The interim assessment represents the value difference (increase) attributable to any assessable improvement to the land and the resulting increase in land value, if any. Assessable improvements include, but are not limited to; new construction of a primary structure (dwelling or other building type), the addition to any such structure and the construction of any ancillary, contributory improvements such as swimming pools, sheds, garages, barns, etc. A property owner filing an interim appeal also has the option to file an annual appeal by August 1. Appeal forms for an interim appeal must be filed within forty (40) days of the date of notification of the assessment change. The appeal date will be noted on the Assessment Change Notice. Any change in the assessment due to an interim appeal is effective commencing with the interim effective date. To file an interim appeal you may download and complete the appeal form or you may contact the Assessment Office at: 610-344-6105, or VISIT the office at: 313 W. Market St, Suite 4202, West Chester, PA 19382.

18. Where are the appeals held?

Appeals are heard on the third floor, room 395 of the Government Services Center (GSC), 601 Westtown Rd., West Chester, PA. West Goshen Township. The GSC is handicapped accessible and has ample free parking.

19. Who hears the appeals?

In Chester County, the hearings are conducted by a 3 member Board of Assessment Appeals appointed by the County Commissioners. The Board members serve 4-year terms, which are concurrent with the terms of the County Commissioners. 

20. How will I be advised of my hearing date?

You will be advised in writing of the date and time of your hearing by mail. Notices are mailed at least 20 days prior to the hearing date.

If you are aware of any potential dates for which you will be unavailable (vacation, medical appointments, etc.), please advise of these dates in writing when filing your completed "Notice of Intention of Appeal" with this office.

21. What is the appeal hearing procedure? CLR?

The process is relatively simple. At a brief hearing the property owner has the opportunity to present such information as recent appraisals or recent sales documentation for sales of similar homes in their area. The property owner may also present other information that may have an impact on the value of the property.

The Board of Assessment Appeals requests that the property owner provide photographs (front and rear) of the dwelling or commercial property. The photographs should be recent within the last six months and are to include any recent physical changes to the exterior of the property. Failure to bring these photographs on your appeal date may result in an unnecessary delay in processing the appeal. Your assistance is anticipated and appreciated. 

The property owner is requested to attend but if unable to do so, may send someone to provide the representation with a letter of authorization. If a property owner is unable to attend for medical reasons, the Board will make special accommodations. If the property is owned jointly by more than one person it is not necessary that all the owners appear at the hearing.

Based upon the documentation provided by the property owner, the Board will determine a fair market value for the property. The Board will then by statute, apply the appropriate Common Level Ratio (CLR) to the fair market value to arrive at the new assessed value.

NOTE: The CLR is created by the Pa. State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) on an annual basis for each county. The CLR is an average of assessments to sale prices (based upon valid sales activity in Chester County for the prior calendar year). The CLR is applied only when the ratio varies by more than 15% from the 100% predetermined ratio. 

The Assessment Office (via the field assessor) can not consider the CLR when computing the assessment. The assessor derives the assessment by gathering the data on the new construction and using the computer assisted mass appraisal model established prior to the last countywide reassessment which was effective for 1998. 

For more information on the Common Level Ratio go to STEB. The Board generally renders a decision within 3-4 weeks of the hearing date and notifies the property owner in writing. In the case of annual appeals, no results will be mailed until after August 1.

22. What if I do not agree with the board decision?

If you do not agree with the Board decision, you may file for a hearing before the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the date on the notification of the result from the Board.

Chester County does not have a "form" for such an appeal. For information pertaining to the appeal process, contact (1) the Chester County Law Library at 610-344-6166 regarding Chester County Local Rules of Civil Procedure applicable to Appeals from Real Estate Assessment and (2) the Prothonotary's Office at 610-344-6300 regarding filing fees and civil cover sheets.

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ChescoViews

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1. What is ChescoViews?

ChescoViews is an online GIS application that provides read-only access to the County’s Land Record information. There are various search tools to help locate properties / parcels. Maps can also be printed from this application.

2. How do I access ChescoViews?

  

ChescoViews Link

3. What can I see in ChescoViews?

Roads, parcels, municipal boundaries, zip code boundaries, floodplains, streams, lakes, railroads, contour lines, soils, wetlands, subdivisions, and aerial photography.

4. What information do I need to have in order to search in ChescoViews?

You can search by:

•  Address 
• Owner Name 
• UPI number 
• PIN number 
• Street Name 
• Municipality 
• Street Intersections 

Items that are selected will be highlighted with a red outline and the map will zoom to them. If more than one feature is selected, then the map will zoom to include all features.

5. How do I navigate around the map?

CHesCoViews allows you to Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Pan. These functions make ChescoViews similar to other online mapping applications. There is also an ‘Identify’ tool that allows you to click on a feature and get more information about it.

6. Why can't I see all of the map layers?

Certain layers will only be visible when you are zoomed in to certain scale levels. If you have a layer turned on in the Table of Contents but do not see the layer on the map, try zooming in closer.

7. How do I get the legend to appear on the map when printing?

In the window where you specify the size of the map, click ‘No’ for the 'Searched Data’ box.

8. What browsers will work for ChescoViews?

ChescoViews will run in Internet Explorer (IE) 11, FireFox 35.0, and Chrome 40.0.2214.115, IE 9 and 10.

ChescoViews will not run in IE 8. 

ChescoViews has not been tested in Safari in a Windows environment. As such, Chester County makes no guarantees on whether it will work in this environment or not.  ChescoViews has not been tested in an Apple operating system (OS) environment.

9. Who do I contact for questions relating to ChescoViews?

Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call 610-344-6096

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Children's Advocacy Center

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1. What is the Children’s Advocacy Center?

The Chester County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused center that coordinates the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse while helping children heal. The CAC brings together professionals and agencies as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to create a child-focused approach to child abuse cases. The MDT consists of members representing the District Attorney’s Office, Department of Children, Youth & Families, Law Enforcement, The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., Chester County Juvenile Probation, Chester County Adult Probation, Department of Mental Health/Intellectual Development Disabilities, and experts in the medical field. The CAC was created to provide a private, safe, non-threatening environment to conduct interviews of child victims or witnesses.

The CAC has a private waiting area for children and those accompanying them that is child-friendly and comfortably furnished. Offenders are not permitted in this area. The CAC is designed to create a sense of safety and security for children. 

2. What is child abuse?

There are three types.

• Physical abuse is when another person causes bodily injury or serious mental injury to anyone under 18 years of age.
• Sexual abuse or exploitation is the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in or assist another individual in engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including pornography.
• Student abuse is any abuse against a student by a school employee. It is the responsibility of every school district in the state to report suspected student abuse by school personnel.

3. Who is a mandated reporter and what is their responsibility?

Anyone who works with children and suspects a child is being abused is a mandated reporter. People required to report child abuse include, but are not limited to:

• School administrators, teachers, and nurses
• Social services workers
• Day-care center workers or child-care/foster-care workers
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Hospital personnel who admit, examine, care for or treat children
• Members of the clergy
• Mental health professionals
• Law enforcement

Mandated reporters of child abuse should call Childline (1-800-932-0313) immediately after receiving a report of child abuse or when they suspect child abuse. In the event of an emergency, a mandated reporter should contact the police. 

A mandated reporter who intentionally fails to contact authorities is committing a criminal offense. Mandated reporters who, in good faith, make a report of child abuse, cooperate with an investigation, testify in court proceedings, take photographs, or remove a child to protective custody, have immunity from any civil or criminal liability.

4. What should I do if a student tells me they are being abused?

Teachers or school administrators should document the child’s precise statements, including what was said to and by the child and school staff, the demeanor of the child, and then immediately contact law enforcement and Childline (1-800-932-0313).

5. What is Childline?

Childline is a 24/7 hotline for reports of suspected child abuse. Call 1-800-932-0313.

6. What is CYF?

The Chester County Department of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) is responsible for investigating alleged child abuse reports, as mandated by the Child Protective Services Law. When CYF receives a report of child abuse, it has 24 hours to begin an investigation and to see the child. The primary responsibility of the CYF caseworker is to ensure the safety of the child or children involved and assess the potential risk of further or continued abuse. Contact CYF at 610-344-5800.

7. What is the Crime Victims’ Center (CVC)?

The CVC is a nonprofit agency that provides free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and compassionate support to children and adults impacted by crime and violence. The CVC provides assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. It has two 24/7 hotlines:

• Sexual assault: 610-692-7273
• Other crimes: 610-692-7420

8. What is a forensic interviewer?

A forensic interviewer has received extensive training in child forensic interviewing techniques that allow for legally sound, non-duplicating, non-leading, and neutral interviews. Interviewers gather information without leading or tainting the child’s recollection.

A forensic interviewer conducts interviews at the CAC with any child under the age of 16 who is a suspected victim of neglect, physical abuse, and/or sexual abuse, or any child witness under age 16. Members of the multidisciplinary team observe forensic interviews to avoid the need for multiple interviews of the child.

9. How is a forensic interview conducted?

When a child victim and those accompanying him/her arrive at the Chester County Justice Center, they are greeted by a Crime Victims’ Center advocate who will escort them directly to the CAC. Non-English speaking children, and their non-English speaking family members, are greeted by someone who speaks their language. A comfort dog is available to accompany any child if needed.

The CAC family room is a comfortable, child-friendly area with toys, games, coloring books, and other engaging materials. Here, the forensic interviewer introduces him/herself to the crime victim advocate, the child, and the accompanying adult or family. The forensic interviewer then takes the non-offending parent/caregiver into the interview room to explain the forensic interview process. When the non-offending parent/caregiver leaves the interview room, the forensic interviewer escorts the child in. 

The forensic interview room is equipped with digital recording devices, a SMART Board, and anatomically correct drawings and dolls. The number of people in the interview room is limited to make the child feel more comfortable. If a crime victim advocate is requested, the advocate may be present during the interview.

When the interview is complete, the forensic interviewer takes the child to the waiting room to be reunited with the non-offending parent/caregiver. 

10. What is the multidisciplinary team (MDT)?

Members of the MDT include, but are not limited to:

• The Chester County District Attorney’s Office (DAO)
  • Prosecutors
  • Chester County Detectives
• Law enforcement agencies
• The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
• Mental health and medical professionals
  • Mental Health & Intellectual Development Disabilities (MHIDD)
  • Nemours/AI DuPont Hospital for Children
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (CVC)
• Chester County Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments
• Department of Education
• Other agencies

MDT members meet monthly to review cases and determine if additional resources are needed, such as investigative, medical, or mental health services. MDT members also discuss language and cultural concerns.

11. Will my child see their abuser at the Justice Center or in the CAC?

Due to the high level of security within the Justice Center, individuals in custody are not exposed to the general public. Designated hallways and elevators are used to transport these individuals from location to location within the Justice Center, reducing the possibility of a child seeing or being exposed to possible offenders.

All entry points to the CAC are locked with badge-authorized access only. 

12. What if my child needs mental health help?

Families are referred to the Crime Victims’ Center (CVC) for initial services. The CVC offers individual and group counseling for victims of crime at no cost. The CVC also provides off-site counseling in Oxford, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, Coatesville, and several schools in the community.

Another available resource is the Chester County Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Department, which oversees publicly funded mental health services for children and adults, including those on medical assistance and without insurance. In Pennsylvania, any child with a disability qualifies for medical assistance regardless of parental income. 

13. If my child was abused, how soon should he/she see a doctor?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children who are victims of abuse receive a medical examination.

• Physical abuse: A child who was physically assaulted or injured during a domestic violence incident, is showing signs or symptoms related to an injury, or is under the age of 2, should be taken to an emergency room immediately. Older children, or those without apparent physical injury, may be seen at an outpatient clinic.
• Sexual abuse: The sooner an examination occurs after a sexual assault, the more likely that evidence may be found. Sometimes evidence is found up to 120 hours (5 days) after a sexual assault. Examinations are recommended, regardless of the date of the incident, to ensure the child is safe and healthy.

14. What kind of medical examination will my child need if he/she was sexually abused?

There are two types of medical exams given to children who are victims of sexual abuse.

A non-acute forensic medical exam is similar to a regular well-child visit your child has with their pediatrician, assessing the child from head-to-toe. The exam’s purpose is to assess and identify injuries and allow parents and children to discuss any concerns they may have with the specialist. The medical provider(s) are experts with advanced training in identifying possible findings related to child maltreatment.

A non-acute forensic examination also includes a genital exam, which will differ for boys and girls and their sexual maturity. The medical provider will speak with you and your child in more detail about the type of genital examination that may be performed and its purpose.

Lab work and radiology tests may also be done.

An acute forensic medical exam is the same as a non-acute forensic exam, except it is recommended for children who have been sexually abused or assaulted within the past 120 hours (5 days) and is performed in a hospital’s emergency room. It may involve the collection of evidence.

Most of the local hospitals in Chester County will not examine children suspected of sexual abuse who have not reached puberty. The CAC is located near two children’s hospitals with nationally recognized doctors who specialize in child abuse.

• Nemours/AI DuPont Hospital for Children: 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE; 302-651-4000
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA; 215-590-1000

15. How will the criminal justice system handle my child’s abuser?

The criminal justice system can be confusing to victims and their families. Members of the MDT are always happy to answer questions you may have. The Flowchart of the Criminal Justice System and these nine steps may help clarify the process.

1. Arrest: The police file charges against the defendant alleging a violation of criminal law.
2. Preliminary Arraignment: The defendant is advised of charges filed against him/her and is advised of future hearing dates. Bail is set to ensure the presence of the defendant at trial.
3. Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must establish that a crime has been committed and that the defendant more than likely committed it. There will be no determination of guilt at this phase. A victim advocate can accompany you to this hearing and all future hearings.
4. Formal Arraignment: Defendant is formally advised of the charges that have been filed against him/her by the District Attorney’s Office. This hearing is a formality, and victims often do not attend.
5. Pre-Trial Hearings: If pre-trial motions, such as a Motion to Suppress Evidence, are filed, a hearing is held before the trial, where the court will rule on the motions.
6. Pre-Trial Disposition: A defendant may be placed on a pre-trial diversionary program or may choose to enter into an open plea or negotiated guilty plea.
7. Trial: The Commonwealth has the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial can take place before a jury of 12 people or before a judge.
8. Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty at trial or pleads guilty, the defendant will appear before a judge for sentencing.
9. Appeal: The defendant has the opportunity to appeal his/her conviction to a higher court.

While not every case will move forward through the criminal justice system, MDT members work hard to achieve the best outcome, keeping your child’s well-being a priority.

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Children, Youth & Families

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1. Who do I call for assistance?

Children, Youth & Families -610-344-5800 - 24 hours

Childline: 1-800-932-0313 - Report of child abuse

General Email Questions Only > If you have a concern regarding the welfare of a child, please contact us by phone so immediate assistance can be provided.

2. How do I report child abuse or what if I suspect child abuse?

Reports can be made to our office 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 610-344-5800. Reports of suspected child abuse can also be made to Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

3. Will my name be kept confidential?

Yes, reporter’s names can be kept confidential.

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Clean Slate

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1. What is Clean Slate?

• On June 28, 2018 Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 56 of 2018, a free statewide initiative that automatically seals records for criminal charges that have been dropped, for non-convictions and for minor convictions more than 10 years old if individuals have remained arrest free. It went into effect June 28, 2019. 
• From June 28, 2019 through June 28, 2020, the AOPC and Pennsylvania State Police will identify and complete processing of the backlog of previous records eligible for Clean Slate limited access. In Chester County, records will be sealed every 2 weeks.
• If you do not wish to wait for your case to be sealed automatically under Clean Slate during the backlog, you may still petition the court for limited access. Once an order granting the case to be sealed is signed by a judge, the case will be designated as Limited Access and sealed.
• After June 28, 2020, current records will be sealed once a month as they become eligible.
• Clean Slate expands on Act 5 of 2016, Petition and Order for Limited Access, by providing the public an alternative method of sealing criminal records from public view. Through Clean Slate, individuals no longer need to file petitions with the Court to have their criminal records sealed. 
• Clean Slate and Limited Access are NOT expungements, and records will still be accessible to law enforcement and judicial officers.

2. Who is eligible?

• Individuals convicted of the following offenses are eligible for Clean Slate if they have been crime free for 10 years since conviction, have completed all court-ordered obligations, and have paid all fines/costs/restitution in full:
  • Second and third degree misdemeanors (M-2/M-3) punishable by two years or less in prison
  • Summary Convictions
• Additionally, non-conviction offenses/cases will be sealed automatically after 60 days.
  • Non-Convictions
    • Not Guilty, Withdrawn, Dismissed, Nolle Prossed, etc.
    • ARD & Drug Court Diversionary Programs

3. Who is NOT eligible?

• Individuals convicted on the following offenses are not eligible for Clean Slate:
  • Felonies
  • Two or more offenses punishable by more than two years in prison
  • Four or more offenses punishable by one or more years in prison
• Other offenses not eligible include: Crimes involving danger to persons, crimes against families, firearms offenses, indecent exposure, sexual intercourse with animals, failure to register upon conviction of certain sexual offenses, weapons or implements for escape, abuse of a corpse and unlawful paramilitary training, etc. (for full list of ineligible offense, visit the AOPC website).

4. Who can see my record even after it's been sealed?

• A criminal justice agency
• A state licensing agency for use only if your criminal record is relevant to the issuance of a professional or occupational license.
• The PA Department of Human Services and county children and youth agencies where it is relevant to their duties related to child protective services.
• Examples
  • Your sealed records may be seen for law enforcement purposes (police, prosecutors and criminal courts) if you subsequently commit a crime after the sealing of your record.
  • Other court cases (dependency, custody, or protection from abuse cases).
  • If you apply for jobs that require a FBI background check, such as; schools, police departments, jobs that require regular contact with children, caring for older adults if you moved to PA in the last 2 years, banks, casinos, insurance and securities industries, airports and seaports if working as a screener, foster care and adoption.
  • Certain limited situations such as applications for gun ownership, immigration, international travel and admission to the bar to be a lawyer.

5. Am I obligated to disclose my arrest record to employers if it has been sealed under Clean Slate/Limited Access?

No. You are not obligated to disclose any information if your record has been sealed. Similarly, the court and its employees may not disclose any sealed information to the public or employers checking for criminal backgrounds.

6. Can I file a petition for limited access if my case is not eligible for Clean Slate?

Yes. While some offenses may not be eligible for Clean Slate (automated sealing), some offenses, mainly some M1s, may still be eligible to be sealed through filing a petition in the Court of Common Pleas through the Clerk of Courts Office. A judge will then review the petition and decide whether to grant or deny said petition through an order. If granted, the eligible offenses will be sealed.

Example: If convicted of a first degree misdemeanor (M-1) Retail Theft, that charge will not be eligible for automatic sealing because first degree misdemeanors are not included under Clean Slate. However, the charge may be sealed by court petition for limited access under Act 5 of 2016 and ordered by a court judge. 

7. Can I file a petition for expungement even if my case has been sealed under Clean Slate?

Absolutely! If your record is eligible to be expunged under current Pennsylvania law, you can continue to file for expungement even after Clean Slate goes into effect. Clean Slate/Limited Access merely shields the public and potential employers from seeing your criminal record, but it does not destroy the record. Expungement is the only mechanism to permanently and completely remove criminal history record information. Petitioning for expungement greatly increases the possibility that your past doesn’t harm your future!

Note: you can generally seek expungement for cases in which you were not convicted (e.g. charges were dismissed, withdrawn, nolle prossed (never processed), or you were found “not guilty”), diversion cases like ARD where you have completed your sentence, and summary convictions after five years without arrest.

8. How will I know if my case has been sealed under Clean Slate?

Individuals will not be notified that their case has been sealed. You may look up your case on the AOPC website. Cases that have been fully sealed will come back as a “No Cases Found” search result. Cases that have been partially sealed will only display offenses that were not eligible for Clean Slate. For more information, visit the criminal filing office at the Chester County Clerk of Courts Office.

9. What proof can be provided to show that my case has been sealed?

All requests for case file information must be made at the Court of Common Pleas. As a case primary participant (i.e. Defendant) you may request proof that the entire case, or part of a case, has been sealed. There is no charge for this. You will need proof of your identity. The Clerk of Courts may provide a report listing all offenses that have been sealed and a copy of the Administrative Docket (i.e. Order) under which the offenses were sealed.

10. What if my case was not sealed?

If you believe your case should have been sealed under Clean Slate but hasn’t, here are a few reasons:

• You are still in the backlog of cases to be completed by June 28, 2020
• System Errors – Cases missing the following information may not have been sealed:
  • Offenses without a grading
  • OTN (Original Tracking Number)
  • Final Disposition
• Case Not Yet Eligible – if the offense(s) don’t yet meet the criteria as stated prior, they will be denied sealing.
• You may contact the Clerk of Courts for more information.

For more information, contact the Clerk of Courts office at 610-344-6135

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Community Transit

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1. Do I need to submit a new application to Chester County?

No, all riders that have previously registered with Rover do not need to reapply for services.

2. Will the cost of my trip change?

No, all fares will remain the same.

3. I have a regularly scheduled routine or subscription ride. Do I need have to reschedule these trips?

No, all subscription trips or recurring rides will continue as scheduled. Riders with subscription trips do not need to take any action to keep their reservations. 

4. What do the new Community Transit Department buses look like? Are they accessible?

Chesco Connect buses look similar to the Rover vehicles, but with the Chesco Connect logo. The buses are whie with the blue and green Chesco Connect logo pictured below. All buses are ADA accessible and are equipped with wheelchair lifts. 

 

5. I am not a current Rover rider but want to learn more about transportation options in Chester County. Who should I contact?

Learn more about transportation services in Chester County by calling 610-344-5545. Check to see if you qualify for discounted or free transportation services on the Find My Ride website. 

6. Who should I contact with questions or concerns about the transition?

Contact us with questions or concerns at 610-344-5545.

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Conservation District

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1. When is an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required?

All disturbances greater than 5,000 square feet must have a written Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Any disturbance associated with the use of Chapter 105 General Permit (GP) (stream crossing, wetland disturbance, etc.), pond dredgings, or one acre and greater disturbance must have an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan developed and reviewed by the Conservation District office.

2. What is NPDES and when do I need one of these permits?

NPDES is a federal program administered by the state. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) is established to regulate all point source discharges (specifically-discharge of stormwater from construction sites). The Conservation District has delegation authority to administer this program. Any proposed disturbance of 1 acre or more through the life of the project must have an NPDES permit.
• General NPDES permit – Issued by the District after District review of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan finds the plan adequate. This permit is for projects in non-protected watersheds.
• Individual NPDES permit – Issued by PA DEP after recommendation from the District to issue and a 30 day publication in the PA Bulletin. This is for sites in High Quality (HQ)/ Exceptional Value (EV) Watersheds and those sites with possible environmental pollution or history of non-compliance.

3. What is an environmental complaint?

An environmental complaint can be a tip or concern relating to suspected pollution or to an activity that may have a negative impact on the environment. The suspected responsible party could be a facility or an individual. An Environmental Complaint Form can be found on the Applications/Forms under the Conservation District Department Page. Submit the completed form to the Chester County Conservation District

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Conviction Integrity Review

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1. What is the mission of the Chester County Conviction Integrity Review (CIR)?

The mandate of the Chester County Conviction Integrity Review process is to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of trial convictions by carefully considering claims of actual innocence that meet established criteria.

2. Is the CIR a separate office from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office (DAO)?

No, the CIR is part of the DAO; prosecutors review all CIR cases. However, if there is a conflict for the DAO to conduct the review, the case will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration.

3. What kinds of cases does the CIR review?

The CIR reviews felony or murder convictions that occurred in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, resulting from a jury or non-jury trial, where there is a credible claim of actual innocence. To see the full list of CIR requirements, click here for the Conviction Integrity Review Protocol.

4. How do I request a review of my conviction?

Read the Conviction Integrity Review Protocol to ensure a case meets all established criteria. If it does, complete an electronic Conviction Integrity Review Application or download a Conviction Integrity Review Application PDF and return to the District Attorney’s Office. Upload or include additional documentation if warranted. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS. Documentation will not be returned. Applications may be submitted by the petitioner or by an attorney. If a petitioner engages an attorney, all communication with the DAO must be through the attorney.

5. Will all claims of innocence be reviewed?

The DAO will determine if claims of actual innocence are credible and warrant further review.

6. Is my conviction eligible for review if I pleaded guilty?

Guilty pleas will not be considered.

7. Must there be forensic evidence available for DNA testing for the CIR to review a case?

No, the CIR considers other factual evidence whether or not DNA evidence exists.

8. Will the CIR review my sentence?

No, the CIR will not review sentences.

9. Will the CIR review early release requests or parole/probation violations?

No. Claims such as these should be submitted to the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole at [email protected].

10. What happens after I submit an application?

The DAO will acknowledge receipt of each application either through the petitioner or through his/her attorney. After an initial review, the DAO will notify the petitioner or attorney in writing about whether the CIR criteria have been met, therefore warranting further review.

11. How quickly are applications processed?

Every effort will be made to process and communicate the status of an application in a timely fashion. The initial screening time varies depending on the age and complexity of a case, the information available, the number of applications being processed, and other factors. A CIR application will not toll any post-conviction time limits.

12. If my case passes the initial screening process and gets selected for review, how will I know what is happening with my case?

The DAO will attempt to keep petitioners informed of their case’s status whenever appropriate. Once the review is complete, the CIR will notify the petitioner or his/her attorney of the decision and recommendations.

13. Will I be exonerated if the CIR agrees to review my case?

No. By agreeing to review a case, the CIR is prepared to investigate claims of actual innocence. It does not mean the CIR agrees with the validity of a claim or exonerates a petitioner.

14. Do I have to solve the case to get relief?

No, the CIR mandate ensures the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of trial convictions by carefully considering claims of actual innocence that meet established criteria.  However, the petitioner bears the burden of providing credible evidence of actual innocence.

15. Can I appeal the decision of the CIR?

No. The Chester County District Attorney makes the final decision on petitions. By submitting an application, a petitioner understands that he/she is bound by the District Attorney’s decision. There is no court review of decisions.

16. Does my application to the CIR extend, change, or replace my statutory rights to pursue my claim through the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act?

No. Submitting an application to the CIR for review has no bearing on any other legal rights a petitioner may have, even if the case meets the initial screening criteria and is accepted for further review. A CIR application will not toll any post-conviction time limits.

17. Is the CIR affiliated with the Innocence Project or Innocence Projects?

No. The CIR is part of the Chester County DAO. Collaboration with Innocence Projects, however, may occur.

18. Does the CIR represent me as an attorney?

No, the CIR is part of the DAO, a law enforcement agency, and cannot give petitioners legal advice.

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Coroner

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1. What does the Coroner's Office do?

The Coroner's Office is required to investigate the facts and circumstances of all sudden, violent, traumatic or unexpected deaths that occur within the County. This includes some deaths from apparent “natural diseases”, including certain infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The Coroner is also responsible for determining the individual’s identity and notifying the next of kin.  A Coroner’s investigation may or may not include:

• Review of medical records
• Interviews with family members, doctors and/or witnesses
• Photography of the deceased and/or the scene where death occurred
•  Autopsy of the body of the deceased 
• Toxicology testing of the deceased
• Collecting and holding any personal property from (or about) the deceased person

2. What are the types of deaths investigated by the Coroner's Office?

• A sudden death not caused by a readily recognizable disease or, if the cause of death cannot be properly certified, by a physician on the basis of prior recent medical attendance.
• A death occurring under suspicious circumstances, including if alcohol, a drug or another toxic substance may have had a direct bearing on the outcome.
• A death occurring as a result of violence or trauma, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal or accidental, including, but not limited to, a death due to mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical or radiational injury, drowning, cave-in or subsidence.
• A death in which trauma, chemical injury, drug overdose or reaction to a drug or medication or medical treatment was a primary or secondary, direct or indirect, contributory, aggravating or precipitating cause of death.
• A perioperative death in which the death is not readily explainable on the basis of prior disease.
• A death in which the body is unidentified or unclaimed.
• A death known or suspected to be due to contagious disease and constituting a public hazard.
• A death occurring in prison or a penal institution or while in the custody of the police.
• A death of an individual whose body is to be cremated, buried at sea or otherwise disposed of so as to be unavailable for examination thereafter.
• A sudden and unexplained infant death.
• A stillbirth.

Also, refer to the Pennsylvania Coroner Statutes which provides a full list of deaths investigated as well as other responsibilities and definitions in reference to the Coroner’s Office.

3. Where is the jurisdiction of the Chester County Coroner?

The Chester County Coroner's jurisdiction encompasses the entire County of Chester, Pennsylvania. Deaths pronounced in the County fall under the Coroner's jurisdiction regardless of where an accident or injury occurred.

4. How do I report a death?

When a person dies suddenly or unexpectedly, your first duty is to call 9-1-1 for medical assistance and guidance. All civilians or non-emergency services agencies shall use the following number: 610-383-7000 to request a response/service from the Coroner’s Office. This recorded line will be answered in the Chester County Communication Center. Emergency Services agencies shall access the Coroner’s Office through normal contact with the dispatcher.

5. How do I obtain a death certificate?

The Coroner's Office will send the medical certification to the funeral home. You can request a copy of the death certificate through your funeral home or you can call Vital Records with the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 724-656-3100 or 800-842-5040.

6. Can I see my loved one at the morgue?

Arrangements for viewing at the morgue cannot be granted. The Coroner's Office will work as quickly as possible to have your loved one taken into the care of the funeral home you have chosen.

7. What is an autopsy and why is one performed?

An autopsy is the external and internal examination of the body of a deceased person to determine a cause of death. An autopsy is not necessary in every case brought to the office’s attention.

If your family wishes to perform an autopsy and the Coroner’s Office does not need to perform one for their investigation, your family can make arrangements with the hospital where the death occurred or with a private autopsy service to have an autopsy performed at your expense.

8. How do I obtain the results of an autopsy or toxicology findings?

Next of kin who wish to have a printed unofficial copy of the autopsy and toxicology reports, as permitted by law, may do so by completing the Next of Kin Report Request Form. State-mandated report fees for official copies of the autopsy and toxicology reports are as follows:

• Toxicology Report     $100
• Autopsy Report         $500
• Investigative Report  $100
• Administrative Fee     $35

Attorneys, insurance companies, or medical providers who wish to obtain a copy of the autopsy and toxicology reports, as permitted by law, must fill out the Other Agencies Report Request Form and then contact the Coroner’s Office at 610-344-6165 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm) for instructions regarding prepayment of the state-mandated fees. Payment must be received by the Coroner’s Office before the reports can be mailed. The same state-mandated fees listed above apply.

Where there is a pending investigation being conducted by law enforcement, the District Attorney may request that certain records not be released. Further, in some cases, the District Attorney may petition the Court to seal the records of the Coroner’s investigation.

9. Who is considered the next of kin?

The legal next of kin is the closest living relative in the following order: spouse (unless divorced), adult child, parent, adult brother or sister, adult grandchild. Common law marriage was abolished in Pennsylvania as of January 2, 2005. This means you must be legally married in order to be considered a spouse, regardless of length of cohabitation or whether there are children who are issue of the relationship.

10. When will I know the cause of death?

This varies case by case, depending on the type and extent of the investigation. If autopsy or toxicology testing has been performed, it may be at least 6 weeks or more before we receive all necessary reports needed to issue the final cause and manner of death.

11. What does a "pending" case mean?

You may initially be informed that the cause and manner of death are "pending". The initial Death Certificate will note "pending" as cause of death; you may make funeral arrangements with this document. Pending simply means that the cause and manner are still under investigation. The next of kin will be notified of all completed pending cases. For this reason, if you move or change your phone number, please advise our office immediately.

12. How and when can personal property/possessions be claimed?

Most items are released to the funeral home with the deceased. Other items to be released can be retrieved from the Coroner's Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Please make contact with the Coroner's Office at 610-344-6165 for more information.

13. When will the body be released?

 Generally it only takes 1-2 days, but can vary depending upon the extent of the investigation. The funeral director will coordinate the release on your behalf.

14. What do I do now?

The next step for the next-of-kin is to select a funeral home or cremation service for your loved one. The Coroner’s Office will release your loved one to the care of a funeral home or cremation service of your choosing upon completion of our investigation. Inform the Deputy Coroner of which funeral home or cremation service you have selected, and be sure to inform the designated funeral home or cremation service that your loved one is in the care of the Chester County Coroner’s Office. The designated funeral home or cremation service will then contact the Coroner’s Office to make arrangements to transfer your loved one into their care.

15. What funeral home should I choose?

The Chester County Coroner's Office cannot endorse a particular funeral home and is prohibited from recommending a funeral director. A listing of funeral homes within Chester County is available from the Coroner's Office upon request by next of kin.

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COVID-19 Testing Site FAQs

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1. What is a COVID-19 Antibody Test?

This test will identify if you have any antibodies to COVID-19. These tests are also called serology tests.  Antibody tests look for the body’s response to an infection instead of looking for the virus itself.  Antibodies are proteins that the body makes to fight off infections. They are one part of the immune system response to infection. Because it takes days to weeks for the body to create antibodies, these types of tests are not recommended for initial diagnosis of COVID-19.

This is not a test to diagnose COVID-19. If you have symptoms or if you were recently exposed and you need to be tested to find out if you have COVID-19, RT-PCR testing (nasal swab) is more appropriate for you.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, click here.

2. Who qualifies to receive an antibody test?

Everyone qualifies to receive an antibody test. However, specific groups will be prioritized for testing – including healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers.

If you have symptoms at the moment or were very recently exposed and you need to be diagnosed with COVID-19, this is not the appropriate test. Please contact your healthcare provider in order to receive the appropriate test.

3. What do my antibody test results mean?

See results flyer

4. When and where are the testing sites?

There will be several testing sites made available in phases. Testing is open to healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. More sites will be made available throughout the next several weeks. These sites will all remain open as testing supplies allow and several time slots will be available per day.

Testing sites are located at Longwood Gardens in the South Lot (1010 East Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford 19317) and The Chester County Public Safety Training Campus (137 Modena Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320)

Registration link for antibody testing:  See the “Register Here” button on the main testing page.

Only enclosed passenger vehicles and small vans and trucks will be permitted to enter the site. Large commercial vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited, as are pedestrians.

Only service animals are permitted onsite.

5. Do I need an appointment?

Yes, each individual wanting a test must register in advance. Individuals without a Confirmation # will not be permitted onsite. 

Each individual must have a Confirmation # to access testing. Please retain this Confirmation # (printed or on your smartphone) and show it when you enter the site. 

There will not be any treatment conducted on-site.

6. How do I make an appointment?

Click the registration button above to register for active testing sites. 

If you do not have internet access, please call the Health Department to make a testing site appointment: 610-344-6225, option number 4, 8:30am-4:30pm 7 days a week.

You will receive a Confirmation # over the phone and must keep it for your records in order to access the testing sites.

7. What if I need to cancel my appointment?

When you register, you will receive a registration email and scheduling confirmation email. Click the appropriate links in the scheduling email to adjust or cancel your appointment.

8. Can Non-Chester County residents register for the test sites?

Testing is currently for first responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers who live or work in Chester County.

9. Does this testing cost money?

No. COVID-19 Antibody Testing is offered at no cost to the public.

10. What will I need to bring to my testing appointment?

A printed or digital copy of your registration Confirmation #. 

Registration confirmation will be emailed to you (or provided via phone) and will include instructions on what to bring with you for testing, testing site location address, and precautions to be taken upon arrival at the site. Each individual must complete a registration. Individuals are required to come directly to the testing site and return directly home.

11. Can I bring other friends or members of my household for testing with me?

No. Testing appointments are provided one per person. If multiple members of a household want to be tested, then each member must register for their own appointment time slot. If there are other people in your car without a registration, they will not be provided a test.

Please ensure that only people living in your house come to the testing site with you. Do not offer to carpool with neighbors, friends, etc. 

12. Can children be tested?

Children must be at least 12 years old to get tested. They must be registered and have parent or guardian consent in the registration process.

13. Are there public restrooms available at the sites?

Public bathroom facilities are not available at the test sites, so plan accordingly as wait times may vary.

14. How is this test administered?

This test is a finger prick test, similar to a glucose self-test. You will hold out your finger through your car window and a testing team member will prick your finger with a small lancet. A drop of blood will be collected and placed into the testing device.

15. How do I receive my results once I get through the testing site?

If you provided an email address at the time of registration, you will receive your results within 24 hours following your test via email. 

If you provided a phone number at the time of registration, you will receive your results by phone within 48 hours following your test. If you do not pick up this call, you will be called one more time by Health Department staff. After that, you will have to call the Health Department during business hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).

Staff will NOT leave a voicemail with test results. Staff will NOT give results after business hours.

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District Courts

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1. How do I arrange for a District Judge to perform a marriage?

Most Chester County Magisterial District Judges perform wedding ceremonies in their courtrooms during regular office hours by appointment only. To inquire about a wedding ceremony, contact the District Court directly.

2. Where do I file a Civil Complaint?

District Courts may accept filings up to $12,000. You may file a civil complaint, sometimes referred to as small claims, in the Magisterial District Court where the party you are suing (the defendant) lives OR where the incident (accident) occurred. If your case involves a landlord-tenant dispute, you may file the case where the property is located. To look up property locations, visit ChesCoViews.

3. How much does it cost to file a Civil Complaint?

Civil costs vary depending on the amount of your claim and the type of service option you choose to have your complaint served. Please contact the District Court to obtain the exact amount of filing costs.

4. How do I obtain forms to file a Civil Complaint?

The Civil Complaint form can be obtained at the District Court or by accessing the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts WEB page.

5. Where do I file an Appeal

An appeal for a Civil or Landlord and Tenant case is filed at the Prothonotary's Office. An appeal for a summary, non-traffic or traffic case is filed at the Clerk of Courts Office. Both offices are located on the 1st floor of the Chester County Justice Center.

6. Can I Pay my ticket online?

Yes. Most traffic and parking citations can be paid on the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal. You can search for a citation by name, citation number, docket number or payment plan number. If your citation does not appear, contact the appropriate District Court located in box #1 on the front of your citation. A transaction fee of $2.75 will be charged to the user. Please confirm with the District Court that the payment was received and there is no balance on the case.

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Domestic Relations

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1. Do I need an attorney to file for child support?

No, you do not need an attorney to file a case in the Domestic Relations office. You may start an action in person or online. To start an action online, visit www.childsupport.state.pa.us.  You may start an action in person by visiting our office any weekday between 8:30am-3pm and we will explain the process and help you complete and file the necessary paperwork. 

2. I want to file a support action. What kind of information do I need to bring to your office ?

Please bring the following information:

• If possible, fill out the Intake Information Sheet, print it and bring it with you
• All known information about the non-custodial parent (the person you are seeking child support from):
  • address
  • employer
  • bank accounts
  • vehicle information
  • cell phone and email
  • relatives
• Bring the following information for each child you are filing for:
  • birth certificate
  • social security card
  • medical insurance cards

Your interview will take about one hour.

3. How long will it take before I start receiving payments?

If an order is entered after the initial support conference, a wage attachment will be issued immediately. It normally takes an employer two to three weeks to begin deductions from the defendant’s paycheck. The defendant is required by law to make payments on his/her own until the automated deduction is completed. If payments do not arrive in a timely fashion, the Enforcement Officer assigned to your case will investigate with both the employer and the defendant.

4. How long after my intake interview until my conference is scheduled ?

Generally it takes 3-4 weeks from the date of your intake until the date of your conference.

5. What happens if the defendant does not come to the initial conference?

If the defendant has been served with notice to appear (this is usually handled by our office through certified mail), and we have wage information and paternity has been established, a temporary order for support will be issued and a hearing will be scheduled before a Hearing Officer. If we don’t have proper service or wage information, we will continue our efforts to obtain this information and reschedule the conference. If the defendant does not live in Chester County, we may request another county or state to enter the order. We process all necessary paperwork in that event.

6. What is the cost of Genetic (DNA) Testing?

$56.85 per family. Testing is performed on mother, father and child.

7. What should I bring to the support conference?

You will receive an Order to Appear for the conference with a list of the required documents. These documents include

• most recently filed tax return
• paystubs for the past six months
• written verification of child care expenses
• proof of any medical insurance coverage
• any information relating to your professional licenses

Defendants should be prepared to make their first payment at the conference.

8. I am still a minor, do I still need to appear for the conference?

By all means you must appear for the conference and you should also bring a parent/ guardian along with you.

9. I am afraid to be in the same room with the other party, but we are ordered to appear for a conference together. How can you protect me?

Please call the our office (610-344-6215) as far in advance of the conference as possible. We will arrange for a sheriff to be present at the conference, and to escort you to your car if necessary.

10. I have heard of a document called an Income and Expense form, do I need that?

No. You do not need to complete that for the support conference.

11. What happens if I have filed for spousal support and the defendant challenges my right to get it?

If the defendant challenges your entitlement on economic grounds, a Temporary Order can be entered, even if no divorce complaint has been filed. If the conference officer has the proper financial information, there is a pending divorce complaint filed in Chester County, and there is an Equitable Distribution claim included in that complaint, the conference officer will enter a temporary order for spousal support even if the defendant challenges the plaintiff’s entitlement. This applies to Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) as well.

12. How will the conference officer calculate the support obligation?

Using the parties’ incomes and the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines, the conference officer will calculate the proper amount of support owed by law.

13. What does the conference officer consider “income?”

Income for purposes of support is “net income.” Net income is gross income from any source less taxes and mandatory retirement and union dues.

14. What is basic child support intended to cover?

Basic child support is intended to cover the following for the child in question:

• food
• clothing
• housing for the children in question. 

Responsibility for other expenses, such as child care and health insurance premiums, is assigned to the parties, depending on who pays them directly and usually in proportion to their incomes, and added to the base amount.

15. Do I need an attorney to represent me at the conference ?

It is always wise to seek legal counsel, but it is not mandatory to have an attorney represent you at the support conference. If either party does not agree with the guideline amount calculated at the conference, they can request the case be listed for a Support Hearing. Most plaintiff’s are entitled to a staff attorney to represent them at the Support Hearing.

16. What if the other party does not appear at the conference ?

If he/she has been properly served with notice of the conference, regardless of whether plaintiff or defendant, an order may be entered in his/her absence.

17. How long does a conference take ?

Approximately one and a half hours.

18. Can I speak to the conference office prior to my conference date?

Generally, no. The conference officer is an impartial third party. Out of fairness, he/she can only speak with the clients when both are present at the time of the conference.

19. How long will support continue ?

Children are entitled to support until they are emancipated. In Pennsylvania, emancipation is defined as lasting until age 18, or until the child graduates high school, whichever occurs later. Emancipation may be later for children with special needs. That determination is up to the Court.

20. Does visitation affect the amount of the child support order?

Yes. Depending on the amount of overnight time the child is with either party.

21. What if the date and time of the conference is not good for me ?

Most often,  conferences will be  rescheduled by the agreement of both parties. If there is no agreement to reschedule the conference the Court may make a determination to reschedule that conference to the next available date.

22. What time must I appear for a Support Hearing ?

You will receive notice of your hearing either in person at you conference or through the U.S. Mail. We schedule 20 hearings per day, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. All hearings are scheduled at 9:00 a.m. The Hearing Officer will call the list, assign an order to the list and hear the cases in that order. You are required to remain until dismissed by the court.

23. What if I don't appear ?

If you know about your hearing and you don’t appear, an order may be entered in the other party’s favor or a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.

24. I can’t afford an attorney, but I want representation. What can I do?

If you are a plaintiff, a Domestic Relations Staff attorney will represent you. Ask for representation while you are at the conference, so that they will have time to prepare your case.
If you are a defendant, staff attorneys cannot represent you. You should contact the Chester County Bar Association at (610) 692-1889 for assistance.

25. What is the fee to file a petition?

The fee is $20.00 for a client or $10.00 for an attorney.

26. Is there a fee for copies ?

Yes, $ .50 per page.

27. How much does an employer take out of a defendant’s paycheck if the defendant does not make enough to meet his/her monthly support obligation?

Between 50% and 65% of the defendant’s disposable income, depending on the case.

28. Who do I inform if any of my personal information changes?

You should inform your enforcement officer and/or their support staff; or update your information online at www.childsupport.state.pa.us.  You must inform us immediately of any changes, including address, telephone number or employer.  

29. How far behind does a defendant have to be before we enforce an order?

Usually, we begin enforcement right away with a wage attachment. For other enforcement remedies, defendant must be at least 30 days delinquent.

30. Who is my enforcement officer?

All clients are assigned an enforcement officer to help you with your case. Assignments are made based on the defendant’s last name. We usually give you that name and contact information at the conclusion of your first conference. You may call our office during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. to find out exactly who has been assigned to your case. Our phone number is (610) 344-6215 and our Fax number is (610) 344-6977.

31. How do I request an update on my case?

We have many options available to you. You can visit the Pennsylvania Child Support website at http://www.childsupport.state.pa.us/ for an update. There you can sign up for alerts and emails as well. You may also contact our office by phone at 610-344-6215 or using our Automated voice response number 1-800-221-INFO

32. What techniques can be used to enforce my order?

The following are some of techniques that may be used: Credit Bureau Reporting, Driver’s License Suspension, Professional License Suspension, Recreational License Suspension, Tax Refund Intercept, Income attachment, Arrears conferences Contempt Court, Seizure of bank accounts or other assets, Passport denial, or intercept of lottery winnings. 

33. How long do I have to pay child support?

Children are entitled to support until they are emancipated. In Pennsylvania, emancipation is defined as lasting until age 18, or until the child graduates high school, whichever occurs later. Emancipation may be later for children with special needs. That determination is up to the Court.

34. Who do I call with custody, visitation or divorce questions?

Call your private attorney or Family Court Administration at (610) 344-6405.

35. Why do I feel as though your office is not on my side?

Anyone who needs the services of our office is in a very difficult situation. Our job is to remain impartial and to serve both sides fairly. Sometimes it may seem that we are not on your side when we are prohibited by policy or law from doing what you ask. Be assured, we always aim to provide outstanding service and to help you during this trying time in any way we can.

36. How far behind in payment do I have to be before I am considered delinquent?

30 days

37. How do I change an entry on my credit report?

Once you have received a 30-day warning letter, contact your enforcement officer. He/she may be able to prevent the entry from being submitted. If you have already been reported, and you need to correct the entry, contact the credit bureau and file a consumer dispute (credit agencies require you to contact them directly). The credit agencies are Equifax, CBA and Transunion.

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Drug & Alcohol Services

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1. Someone I know has an alcohol and/or drug problem. Where can they go for help?

Drug and alcohol treatment is available in Chester County regardless of insurance. If the person has insurance, they should contact their insurance provider. If the person does not have insurance, or has insurance without behavioral health coverage, they can call their nearest outpatient program. A counselor from the program will meet with them to do an assessment and set up a treatment plan. This could be treatment as an outpatient or a referral to a different service that would best meet their needs such as a residential rehab program. Again, if the person has insurance, they should start by calling the insurance company to find out how to proceed.

See our list outpatient programs or call the Compass Mark Information and Referral Line at 1-866-286-3767.

2. Where can I get a list of AA/NA meetings?

• AA Meeting Locator
• NA Meeting Locator
• MA Meeting Locator

3. I think my child may be using drugs, what should I do?

Compass Mark is funded by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services to provide drug and alcohol information and referral to citizens. They can provide you with information about the signs and symptoms of substance use and can provide you with resources. Please call the Compass Mark Information and Referral (I&R) line at 866-286-3767 for more information.

4. I don't have health insurance, how can I get treatment?

Yes. Funding assistance is available for drug and alcohol treatment. The first step is to contact the closest drug & alcohol treatment program. The outpatient program will complete an assessment, make necessary referrals, and arrange for funding assistance from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

5. My health insurance will not pay for drug and alcohol treatment, what should I do?

Pennsylvania law requires that most insurance plans provide drug and alcohol treatment coverage. It is important that you understand your coverage and that you can appeal any decisions by the insurance company that do not provide you with the full benefit to which you are entitled. You can also call the Insurance Advocacy Service at 1-800-221-6333. The advocate’s role is to help you obtain the benefit you are entitled to.

6. I've been arrested for DUI - what should I do?

Contact the Chester County DUI Program at 610-344-6800.

7. Is drug and alcohol treatment confidential?

Yes. There are strict state and federal laws covering the confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment records. No one may be given information about your participation in drug and alcohol treatment without your specific written consent.

8. My group is interested in a speaker to address alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues, can you tell me where to find a speaker?

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Services contracts with two agencies, Compass Mark and Be a Part of the Conversation, in Chester County to provide drug and alcohol speaking engagements to the community. To coordinate a speaking engagement with Compass Mark, please contact Laura Wiechecki by email [email protected]. To coordinate a speaking engagement with Be a Part of the Conversation, please email [email protected] or call 267-629-2214.

9. My organization is sponsoring a health fair or in need of informational materials, where can I get materials to share regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs?

Compass Mark is funded by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services to provide information to the community. They can be contacted to obtain pamphlets, brochures, etc. at 1-866-286-3767.

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Firearms Division FAQ

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1. How old do I need to be in order to apply for a License to Carry Firearms?

Applicants must be 21 years of age and reside in Chester County.

2. How long will it take to process my application? How will I be notified when it has been approved or denied?

It may take up to 45 days to process your application. You will be notified in writing via United States Postal Service when your application has been processed. If granted, your License to Carry Firearms will be included with the written response.

3. How do I change or update my address on my License to Carry Firearms?

You must first update your Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Identification Card with your new address. If your address has been updated, you may arrive in person or contact the Chester County Sheriff’s Office Firearms Unit at 610-344-6984. We will then update the address for your License to Carry Firearms and report the change to the Pennsylvania State Police. There is no fee for this service.

4. How long is my Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms valid?

Your License to Carry Firearms is valid for a period of five[5] years from the date of issuance, unless otherwise revoked.

5. How do I renew my License to Carry Firearms?

A renewal reminder will be mailed to your home address within 60 days of the expiration date of your current License to Carry Firearms. In order to renew your License to Carry Firearms, you must complete an application and arrive in person with a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Pennsylvania Identification Card at the Sheriff’s Office in the County that you currently reside in.

6. What do I do if my License to Carry Firearms is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Apply for a duplicate License to Carry Firearms by arriving in person at the Chester County Sheriff’s Office with a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or valid Pennsylvania Identification Card.

7. Is my License to Carry Firearms issued in Chester County valid in other parts of the Commonwealth?

Yes. Your License to Carry Firearms is valid throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the City of Philadelphia.

8. If I have a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms, may I carry my firearm in states other than Pennsylvania?

Please refer to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office www.attorneygeneral.gov for a complete list of those states that have reciprocity agreements with and/or honor a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearm. Reciprocity Agreements

9. Do I need a separate License to Carry Firearms for each firearm that I own?

No. Your License to Carry Firearms is valid for any firearm.

10. Am I required to register each of my firearms with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not require firearms to be registered.

11. Do a need a License to Carry Firearms for target shooting?

No. You should transport your firearms(s) to and from the range unloaded. The firearm(s) should not be accessible to anyone in the vehicle. You must go directly to and from the range. Place your firearm(s) in the trunk of your vehicle with your firearm wrapped up or in a case. Transport your ammunition in a separate area of the vehicle.

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Health Department

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1. How do I get assistance from the Health Department after hours?

Click here to be taken to the Health Department after hours FAQs.

2. How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

For births after 1906, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health

3. How old is my septic system?

You can find out the age of your system by requesting a copy of your septic system permit by submitting the Sewage and Well File Look Up Form.

4. Where I can get my well water tested?

There are several laboratories in Chester County that offer well water testing. 

5. How do I get a copy of my child's immunization records?

Records are available from our office. Call 610.344.6252 during regular business hours.

6. I would like to file a complaint about a nursing home, hospital, physician, dentist, pharmacy, etc.

Complaints are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

7. How do I dispose of used needles and red bag waste?

Visit the Chester County Solid Waste Authority for information on disposing of red bag waste. 

8. I need health insurance.

  

Health Insurance Programs

9. How can I dispose of old/unused medications?

Visit our webpage on medication drop-off disposal boxes.

medication disposal

10. How do I dispose of latex paint?

Latex paint is not hazardous waste. Latex paints are water-based and are a safer substitute for oil-based paints. They can be placed in the trash after allowing to harden. Take the top off the pain can and place it outside, away from pets and children. Allow it to harden. If the can is very full, absorb the material by mixing it with sawdust, clay-based cat litter, or rags. Stir with a stick until all the paint is absorbed. When the paint is solidified, it can be placed in the trash leaving the lid off.

11. I have a complaint about my neighbor's property, who do I contact?

Several municipalities in Chester County maintain their own code enforcement office.  These municipalities have primary jurisdiction over housing conditions such as high grass/weeds, abandoned vehicles, junk/debris accumulations. If you live in one of these municipalities and have a housing complaint, please contact thecode enforcement office for your area. If you live in a municipality that does not have a code enforcement office, please call 610-344-6225 or email [email protected] to lodge a complaint.

12. I'm going to be traveling out of the country and need immunizations - where can I get them?

Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital have travel immunization programs. You can find information on both on our International Travel Information web page.

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Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion

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1. Who can apply for property tax relief?

District residents who live in owner occupied properties can apply for property tax relief. Relief is not applicable for properties used solely for rental or business purposes.

2. How does property tax relief work for “mixed use” properties?

For properties that contain both residential and non-residential portions, the part of the property occupied by the owner may qualify. The Homestead value for these properties will be the amount of the property that is equal to the portion of the dwelling that is used as the domicile of the owner. You are eligible to apply providing you indicate what percentage of the property is used solely as your residence in question number 10 on the Homestead/Farmstead Application.

3. Why is it necessary to apply?

Property tax relief for owners of homesteads or farmsteads will not come automatically. The owners must apply to have their property designated as homesteads or farmsteads – and be approved – in order to qualify.

4. How and when must property owners apply?

The school district is required to send all potentially eligible district residents an application along with instructions and a notice of the submission deadline. Open enrollment for Homestead / Farmstead will occur every December 15 through March 1 of the following year.

5. How will property owners know when applications are approved?

The County Homestead Office will mail a notice indicating whether or not the application has been approved.

6. Is there a fee to apply?

No, there is no fee for the filing or review of the application.

7. If an application is denied, is it possible to appeal?

Yes. Property owners who disagree with the decision of the assessor may appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a review of the decision. Appeal must pertain to application filing, deadlines, reapplication or the definition of a property as “homestead property” or “farmstead property.” Appeal instructions will be provided with the denial notice.

8. How exactly will the reductions work on tax statements?

All eligible and qualified property owners in the district will receive a credit known as a Homestead / Farmstead Exclusion. The exclusion will show up on a tax bill as a separate line item under the original assessed value of the property. The exclusion will then be subtracted from the original value to produce a new net assessment.

To compute taxes due, the district millage, or tax rate, will be applied to the new, reduced value of a property. Therefore, the actual property tax reduction will be the difference between the tax rate applied to the new reduced assessment and the tax rate applied to the unreduced assessment.

9. Will it be necessary to re-apply for a homestead/farmstead every year?

No. The county assessor cannot require previously-approved property owners to re-apply more than once every three years. It will be up to each individual county to establish rules for re-application.

Residents who move will have to re-apply to have new homesteads or farmsteads qualify for property tax reduction.

10. What is the contact information for the Chester County Homestead Office?

Chester County Assessment-Homestead Office
313 W. Market St., Suite 4202
West Chester, PA 19380-0991
Phone 610 344-6105

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Jury Services

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1. What precautions are being taken to limit gatherings in the judiciary or court functions, such as jury selection and trials?

The court system is taking the necessary actions to protect the safety of court staff, court users, judges and the public, guided by general CDC and Department of Health recommendations. The Judiciary is working to protect public health while ensuring that individuals retain their fundamental state and federal constitutional rights to trial by jury. To that end, the Department of Health assisted the judiciary in developing recommended guidelines designed to ensure that jury selection and jury trials can be conducted safely.

2. What should I do if I have concerns about serving jury duty due to COVID-19 related reasons?

If you are unable to appear for jury service due to COVID-19 related reasons, please submit a request for your jury service to be postponed or to be excused as soon as possible after receiving your Summons for Jury Service. You may also contact the Jury Office directly. If you are sick, this includes having a fever, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on the day you are expected to appear for jury service DO NOT REPORT. Contact the Jury office at 610-344-6174.

3. How do I get to the Jury Assembly Room?

Enter the Justice Center through the Market Street entrance. Take the elevator to the 5th floor. Make a left and follow the hallway to the Jury Assembly Room, Suite 5325.

4. Who may be called to serve as a juror?

You may be called to serve on jury duty if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Chester County.

5. How was my name selected for jury service?

Chester County uses residents who are registered to vote with Chester County Voters Services. The required number of jurors for a particular day are randomly selected and summoned to appear for jury service.

6. Why have some people never been called for jury service and I’ve been called more than once?

Jury selection is a random process. As such, there is always the chance that a person may never be called while another may be called several times.

7. Will I be automatically exempt from jury service if I am a doctor, lawyer, dentist or school teacher?

No. Jury service is a civic obligation. No one is automatically excused because of their occupation. Many doctors, lawyers, dentists and school teachers have served as jurors in Chester County. Not even the judges themselves are exempt from jury service.

8. How long will I have to serve?

If you are selected to serve as a trial juror, your jury service will be for the length of that trial. Most trials take between one and five days to complete. Because of this, DO NOT make any appointments or commitments that would interfere with you serving on a trial that may take up to five days to complete. If you are not selected as a trial juror, your length of service will be two days.

9. What can I expect when reporting for jury service?

When you arrive, you will need to check in with jury personnel. A brief orientation will be provided by a jury commissioner advising you of the jury selection procedures. During jury selection you will be told about the length of the trial. Any conflicts that you may have will be addressed during jury selection.

10. What time will I arrive and leave?

The normal business hours for the Chester County courts are 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. You may be required to report at a different time. The phone call-in system will advise you of the specific time to report if your services are required. If you are seated on a trial, you may serve later than 4:30 p.m. Breaks and a minimum of one hour for lunch will be provided.

11. What is the phone call-in procedure?

After you receive and respond to your summons, you must call the Jury Information Line: 1-800-223-5879) or 610-344-6597 after 5:00 p.m. each day prior to your service dates. Service dates are listed on your jury summons. Instructions concerning reporting time will be given via a recorded message. Please listen carefully and follow all instructions. Jurors scheduled for Monday and Tuesday must call Sunday and Monday evenings. Jurors scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday must call Monday and Tuesday evenings. Jurors scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday must call Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Jurors scheduled for Friday must call Thursday evening.

12. How much do I get paid for jury service?

Per Pennsylvania law, jurors are paid $9.00 per day for the first three days of jury service and $25.00 per day for every day thereafter. PA law also requires payment of mileage at the rate of 17 cents per mile. Mileage is calculated by using a zip code table from the Chester County Justice Center to the center of the zip code listed in the mailing address of the juror.

13. Is my employer required to pay me while I am serving on jury service?

No, Pennsylvania law does not require an employer to compensate an employee for jury service. Check with your employer for their policy.

14. What happens if I ignore a jury summons or fail to report for jury service?

The law provides that such conduct is contempt of court and can be punishable by fine and or imprisonment.

15. Is there an exemption due to my age?

Pennsylvania law does not exclude persons over the age of 18 due to age. However, Chester County is liberal with excusing senior citizens upon written request for good reason.

16. Why do I have to wait until the night before to find out if I have to report?

The number of jurors needed by the court changes daily. An adequate number of jurors must be summoned each day to cover potential trials. We try to summon as few jurors as possible. 

17. What should I do if being a juror at that time would create a hardship for me?

Only persons for whom jury service would be an extreme hardship may be excused. Should you need to be excused from jury service or have your jury service postponed, YOU MUST SUBMIT A REQUEST IN WRITING to the Jury Commission’s Office, Chester County Justice Center, P.O. Box 2746, West Chester, PA 19380-0989. Please include your juror number and service date with your request. These requests must be in writing and will not be accepted over the phone or via email.

18. Where do I park when I report for jury service?

Parking is provided for jurors  in the Chester County Parking Garage located directly across the street from the Chester County Justice Center. You must show your juror information sheet to the parking attendant to enter the garage. After entering the garage, proceed to the third floor where an attendant will be on duty between 8:00am-8:30am to admit jurors - plan to arrive accordingly. When approaching the two gates located on the third floor please use the gate on the left side. Once the attendant has opened the gate, you will be directed to park on the top floor. 

Reminder: If you leave the garage during the day you cannot get back in. The County will pay for your parking in the above-mentioned parking garage ONLY. There are two entrances to the garage  - from Market Street and from Wollerton Alley.

If there is inclement weather and the county has a delayed opening, the time to check into the parking garage will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if the county opens on a one-hour delay, parking will be open from 9:00 am – 9:30 am.

Parking Garage Map

19. What if I have an emergency on the day that I am to report?

If you have an emergency on the day your are scheduled to report for jury duty, please call the Jury Commission Office at 610-344-6174 before 9:00 a.m.

20. What is the dress code for jury service?

Please use good judgment and dress conservatively We suggest simple business attire that is comfortable and not extreme in style. This helps maintain the dignity of the court. Blue jeans, shorts, tank tops and tee shirts are not suitable.

21. Will I have to go through any security measures when I enter the Justice Center?

Yes, all persons entering the Justice Center are subject to a security search and will be required to pass through a metal detector. Please do not bring any sharp objects with you (scissors, pen knives, knitting needles, etc).

22. Do you provide childcare while serving as a juror?

Childcare is not provided at the Chester County Justice Center. Jurors are expected to arrange for babysitting or childcare during their term of jury service.

23. What should I bring when I report?

You should bring something to read during waiting periods. Magazines are provided in the Jury Assembly Room for your convenience.

24. What happens if there is inclement weather on the day I am required to report?

In case of inclement weather, always visit chesco.org (a banner will appear at the top of the page if there is a weather delay) for any updates regarding jury service OR call 1-610-344-6000 after 6:30 a.m. If the County is running on a one-hour delay, you may arrive for jury service beginning at 9:00 a.m. If there is a two-hour delay, you may arrive for jury service beginning at 10:00 a.m. 

25. Who are the people in the courtroom?

A number of people will be in the courtroom in addition to the judge, the jury, and the attorneys. The following is a list of who they are:
Plaintiff –The plaintiff is the person who filed a civil suit.
Defendant –The defendant in a civil case is the person being sued and in a criminal case is the person who has been charged with a crime.
Attorneys or Counsel – Attorneys representing the plaintiff, defendant or the government in a criminal case are also referred to as counsel. Depending on whom they represent and what court you may be in, you may hear them called counsel for the plaintiff, plaintiff’s attorney, counsel for the defendant, or defense attorney. An attorney representing the government in a criminal case is called the district attorney, the prosecuting attorney or the Commonwealth’s attorney.
Court Reporter – The court reporter keeps the official record by recording every word spoken during the trial.
Tipstaff – The tipstaff’s responsibility is to maintain order in the court and follow the instructions from the judge to attend to the jury.
Deputy Sheriff – The deputy sheriff provides security in the courtroom.
Clerk – The Clerk is responsible for all documents and physical evidence that are entered into the trial and for the swearing in of the jury and all witnesses.
Witnesses – Each side in a trial will probably have a number of witnesses who have information about the dispute.

26. How many jurors are called to jury service each day?

The maximum capacity for our Jury assembly room is 130 and is currently the maximum number of Jurors called in at one time. Juror’s reporting time may be staggered between an 8 am reporting time or an afternoon reporting time, depending on the needs of the Court.

If the jury message says that individuals with jury numbers 1 through 100 report for service, 100 jurors do not report to the jury assembly. 

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Juvenile Probation

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1. How can I get my record expunged?

After a juvenile’s case is closed they may be eligible to have their records expunged (legally erased). This eligibility depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, age, the nature of the offense and the time that has passed since the case has been closed.

Having a juvenile record can have serious consequences. It can impact employment, acceptance into college or the Armed Forces, or from working in certain professions such as teacher, childcare worker, or lawyer.

Juvenile delinquency records are NOT automatically expunged. To get the records expunged a Motion for Expungement must be filed with the Juvenile Court.

For questions concerning expungement eligibility or to request the expungement instructions/forms, contact Joe Dodds, from the Juvenile Probation Department Legal Unit either at: 610-344-6394 or [email protected]

2. Are Hearings open to the public?

Generally they are not open to the public, unless the juvenile was 14 years of age or older at the time of the alleged conduct and the alleged conduct would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.

3. Do I need to hire a lawyer for court?

A juvenile is entitled to representation by legal counsel at all stages of any proceedings. If a juvenile is without financial resources or otherwise unable to hire counsel, he/she in entitled to have the Court provide counsel for him/her.

4. May a juvenile be fingerprinted or photographed?

All juveniles who have been arrested for Misdemeanor or Felony offenses may be fingerprinted or photographed. If they are found guilty of the offense and adjudicated delinquent, it is a requirement.

5. What is the proper attire for Court?

It is recommended that people dress as formal as possible for Court.

Do NOT wear: shorts; tank tops; tight or revealing clothing; pants that hang down and expose your underwear; clothing with drug, gun, or gang references; or ripped or torn clothing.

6. I have received a letter from the court, what do I do?

Read the letter CAREFULLY, it will give you either a number to call or a date and time to appear in court for your hearing.

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Managing For Results

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1. What is strategic planning?

A strategic plan helps an organization to focus its energy, to ensure employees are working towards the same goals and enables an organization to effectively manage its resources. A strategic plan ensures a consistent focus for decision-making and performance (of individuals and departments).

2. Why is strategic planning important?

Chester County’s strategic plan makes clear what the County does, how well it does it, what it costs, and the benefit Chester County citizens receive. It helps the Commissioners, and all County departments, to prioritize their efforts, maximizing the services provided, at the most efficient cost.

Strategic planning offers the opportunity to:

• Review and realign the focus and direction of an organization,
• Provide a road map for achieving that direction,
• Identify how resources should be allocated,
• Engage and energize all members of the organization. For Chester County, this relates to the Commissioners, department heads, all employees, and Chester County citizens.

3. What is Managing for Results (MFR)?

Managing for Results is a comprehensive and integrated performance management system that focuses on achieving results for the customer which makes it possible for departments to demonstrate accountability to the taxpayers.

4. Where can I find the overall priorities, goals, and key performance measures?

The County's Priorities and Goals, along with detailed department strategic plans and results data, are  published annually in the County's Annual Approved Budget. Printable version of the Strategic Plan Priorities, Goals, and Key Measures. More information at Strategic Plan / Managing for Results.

5. How did the Commissioners come up with the goals?

The goals adopted by the Commissioners were developed using valuable input from various sources, including:

• Responses from over 1,200 county residents who responded to the 2018 county-wide Quality of Life survey,
• Consultation with County department heads, key staff, and subject matter experts, and review of suggestions offered by community leaders who participated in facilitated discussion groups held during 2018,
• Review of community input received as part of the work on Landscapes3 (the County's Comprehensive Plan), Vista 2025 (the County's Economic Development Plan), and Roadmap to Health (the County's Community Health Improvement Plan).

  
  

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Marriage Licenses

Show All Answers

1. What are the requirements to apply for a marriage license?

Please refer to our marriage license section of this website for a fully detailed list of the requirements for applying for a marriage license.

2. Is photo identification required?

Yes, photo identification is required. We reserve the right to require any further identification as deemed necessary.

3. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?

Requests for Certified Marriage Records are accepted in person or by mail. Application for the Marriage License must have been made in Chester County, PA from 1931 to the present. Marriage records cannot be certified unless and until the duplicate marriage certificate has been returned to this office by the officiant. The certification is signed by the Assistant Clerk of the Orphans' Court. In some instances, for example, Foreign Registration of the Marriage or Foreign Adoptions, the certification must be signed by the Elected Clerk of the Orphans' Court and the Court. You must determine which type of certification is needed. Refer to the section on Marriage Records for a Foreign Country for more details. A form for requesting certified marriage records is available in the  Forms and Documents section. Walk-in requests are processed immediately. Please allow 7 to 10 working days for processing of mail-in requests. All requests require the following information: Name of both applicants at the time of application Date of Marriage Daytime Telephone number for all mail-in requests $20.00 fee payable with Cash, Credit Card, or Money Order ONLY. Please do NOT mail cash. Make money order payable to "Clerk of the Orphans' Court." If the request is by mail, a self-addressed, stamped envelope must be enclosed for the return of the Certification. Mail the request to: Marriage License Department, Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, Suite 2200 PO Box 2746, West Chester, PA 19380.

4. We are getting married in another State or foreign country. Where do we get our license?

You must get your marriage license in the State or foreign country where the marriage will take place. You should research the requirements of the State or foreign country.

5. Can I register my marriage in Pennsylvania if it takes place in another State or foreign country?

No. Your marriage can never be registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or in this County. You should be certain to get a certified copy of your marriage license from the State or foreign country where the marriage took place.

6. Is there a central registry of marriage licenses in Pennsylvania?

No. In Pennsylvania records of marriage licenses are maintained in the county where you applied for the license. This is true even if you applied in Chester County but were married in another county of the Commonwealth.

7. I live in Chester County but my marriage is taking place in another county in Pennsylvania. Where can I get my marriage license?

The laws of Pennsylvania state that you can apply in any county of the Commonwealth and use the license in any other county of the Commonwealth.

8. Do I need a minister, judge or other officiant to perform my marriage ceremony?

No, but read the Clerk of the Orphans' Court policy concerning officiants of marriages in the Commonwealth. Read our policy regarding marriage officiants. Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. Two witnesses are required.

9. Are officiants required to register or be licensed in Pennsylvania or the County before performing the marriage ceremony?

No, there is no registry or licensing required for officiants in Pennsylvania or the County.

10. How do I get a self-uniting license?

You must inform the clerk that you want a self-uniting license at the time that you apply.

11. Does Pennsylvania recognize common-law marriages?

After January 1st, 2005 Pennsylvania does not recognize common-law marriages. If you believe you were married by common-law before this date, please contact an attorney.

12. At what age is a person no longer a minor in Pennsylvania?

Age 18.  In Pennsylvania minors are not permitted to marry.  Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license.

13. Why do you need my social security number to apply for a marriage license?

The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act and the Commonwealth of PA Act 98-127 require the Social Security number of an individual, who has one, on any application for a marriage license.

14. What if I have a social security number but refuse to provide it?

Law does not permit us to take the application.

15. What happens if I do not have a social security number?

Provision is made for this in the law. The application is taken and the license is issued.

16. Marriage applications are public record. I do not want my social security number given out to the public.

The social security number is available only to this office. It does not appear on the application or any public documents in this office.

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Mysteries of Medicare

Show All Answers

1. What is Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period?

You will receive mailings about your current plan

You will receive, or have already received, a notice called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.  This notice is intended to make you aware of any changes for your plan starting January 1, 2023.  These changes can include increases or decreases in monthly premium and co-pay costs, formulary changes in drugs covered, tier levels and pharmacy network.     If you have not received this ANOC by September 30, call your plan and request it.  Do not assume that what you selected for 2022 will remain the same and do not assume that it will be the best option for you in 2023.

You may switch your Medicare plans during the AOEP

You have received your ANOC, with plan information, because Medicare gives beneficiaries a chance to review and change Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP).  The AOEP is from October 15^th - December 7^th.  Comparison can be done using the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, under the option “Find Health and Drug Plans.”  This site has information on all available plans.  If, after your review, you find a plan with a better fit for your needs, you can change plans and enroll online.  Your new plan would be effective January 1, 2023.

Medicare beneficiaries who have access to a computer would benefit from setting up a Medicare account on the Medicare.gov website.   This account with a username, password and security question will allow you to add your drugs once and then add new drugs, change doses or remove drugs no longer needed. The comparison of plans becomes quicker and easier.  

The Medicare account can also give you information about processed claims from your providers should you have any concerns.

Retiree coverage from a former employer may have different dates and different instructions for making changes

If you have retiree coverage from a former employer, you will also be provided with benefit and cost information for the next year, including instructions for making changes to your coverage.   Retiree Option Selection Period and Federal Open Season are terms meaning the same as Annual Open Enrollment Period, but may have different rules and dates for making changes.  Even with a retiree plan, you will receive an ANOC by September 30.   The ANOC must state that your retiree prescription coverage is "creditable", meaning that it is as good as, or better than, the Medicare Part D Plans.  This is an important letter, so keep it with your plan information.

Other important mailings you may receive during AOEP

Other mailings that you may receive during the AOEP could include information regarding "Extra Help" (Part D assistance for qualifying beneficiaries), Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D "Income-Related Medicare Adjustment Amount" (IRMAA), PACE/PACENET, and a new "Medicare and You" handbook.  If you receive forms to be completed that will continue your benefits, complete them promptly and return them so that your help does not end due to failure to respond.

Plans that are NOT affected by the AOEP

Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap Plans, are not affected by the AOEP.  You would probably be subject to medical underwriting for changes to one of these plans if you are not in a "guarantee issue" period.   However, beneficiaries with a Medigap Plan may have a Part D Prescription Plan that needs to be reviewed annually during AOEP.

How can you get help navigating these options?

If you are wondering how you can understand your mailings, evaluate your coverage, enroll in new plans or apply for assistance programs, PA MEDI counselors can help with any of those tasks.  PA MEDI counseling is free, unbiased, personal, informative and confidential.  The counseling sessions are by appointment and most occur at area Senior Centers and libraries.  To schedule an appointment at a senior center, call the center directly.  To schedule at another location, call 610-344-5234 (after September 15^th), and leave a message.  A volunteer will pick up the message and return the call within one business day.  The volunteer can give you dates and times of available appointments.  You can also call and leave a message on our Help Line at 610-344-5004, option 2, requesting information on Open Enrollment Events.  

During AOEP counselors are still available to schedule appointments with beneficiaries who are becoming eligible for Medicare.  PA MEDI counselors can help you with your Medicare enrollment and give you information on all the options that go with Medicare.

2. How and when do I enroll in Medicare?

This newsletter will provide information on enrolling in Medicare, with detailed instructions for completing an enrollment during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).  You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65 if you begin getting benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board before your 65^th birthday; or you have reached the 25^th month of being deemed disabled.    Otherwise, you must facilitate your own enrollment.  You have the choice to enroll in Medicare when you have an End Stage Renal Disease diagnosis. 

For most people, the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B would be when you turn 65 years of age. This would be your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).  Your IEP begins three months before the month when you turn 65, and continues through the month when you turn 65, and three months after the month when you turn 65.   It is a seven-month window allowing you to enroll without penalty.  If you enroll in Medicare during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will be effective the first of the month when you turn 65.  If you enroll in any of your other IEP months, coverage will begin the first of the following month.  You will pay no premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters, or more.  Part B will have a monthly premium. Apply online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

If you will have continued coverage past your IEP by your, or your spouse’s Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP), with more than 20 employees, based on active employment, you can delay enrollment in Medicare because the EGHP will continue to be your primary coverage. However, if you are eligible for “free” Part A, it would be to your advantage to enroll in Part A during your IEP.  Since Part B has a premium, you may want to delay this enrollment until your, or your spouse’s employment ends.  Your EGHP will be your primary coverage, with Medicare Part A secondary.  If the EGHP has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare will be your primary coverage and the EGHP will be secondary.  In this case, you should not delay Medicare enrollment; you need both parts of Medicare to be fully covered. The end of the EGHP triggers an eight-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare.  Enrollment at this time, adding Part B, is easier if you enrolled in Part A during your IEP.

If you already have a Medicare card with an effective date for Medicare Part A, the process for online enrollment in Medicare Part B has recently been simplified by the Social Security Administration.  You need two forms for Part B enrollment.  At the bottom of the ssa.gov home page, click on the word “Forms”.  This is a listing of all the forms available from SSA.   You will need to find form CMS 40B (which is fifth on the list) and CMS L564 (sixth on the list).  If you wish to enroll online, download CMS L564 and save it in your document file.    This form is used to verify your continuous employment and must be completed by your employer.  Send form CMS L564 electronically to your employer to be completed by the HR department and returned to you electronically.  Save it in your document file.  Once you have done this, the form will be ready to upload into your online Part B application when you get to that part of the application.   The form CMS 40B is already embedded in the online application.   You will complete the information on form CMS 40B.  Here are step-by-step instructions for online and manual enrollment.  

Online enrollment for Medicare Part B:

• Go to www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up  
• Click on “Sign up for Part B only”
• Click on "Start application”
• Once the application is on your screen, click “continue”
• Work through the application which begins with form CMS 40B and progresses to the point where you must upload some type of employment verification.  The uploaded form CMS L564 will be that verification.  If, for some reason, you are not able to provide CMS L564, the form instructions list other accepted types of employment verification.
• In section A7 be sure to enter when you want Part B to begin

Enrolling in Medicare Part B Manually 

• Go to www.ssa.gov Homepage
• Locate and print Forms CMS 40B and CMS L564
• Complete CMS 40B yourself, indicating in the “remarks” section, when you want Part B to begin    
• Ask your employer to complete CMS L564 to verify your continuous employment
• When both forms are completed, mail or fax them to your local SSA office (remembering to keep a copy of the forms and get a receipt at the post office if you mail them).  It may be possible to personally deliver them to the local SSA office if the office is open to the public.
• If West Chester SSA office is your local office, the mailing address is:

            1101 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

            Fax #:  1-833-787-1782

• If you are doing applications for you and your spouse, make sure you each have these forms and send each spouse’s documents separately

Once you receive a new Medicare card with effective dates for Part A and Part B indicated on the card, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap.  If you choose Original Medicare, alone, or with a Medigap, prescription coverage is delivered by a stand-alone Part D Plan.  If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, it should include prescription coverage, unless you have other creditable coverage, such as VA, retiree, or PACE prescription coverage.  You have two months from the end of your EGHP to add prescription coverage without incurring a penalty and a delay in the start of coverage. Enrollment in a Part D plan can be facilitated when one, or both parts of Medicare are effective.  The Part D plans can become effective the first of the month after you apply.  

If you do not enroll during your IEP and you do not qualify for an SEP, you will have to wait for the Annual General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 – March 31.  This enrollment will be completed by phone with SSA.  You may have to pay a penalty for delayed enrollment.

Some of these rules will be different if you do not qualify for free Part A.  A PA MEDI counselor can explain these situations to you.

Contact PA MEDI to talk to a counselor if you need more information on either of these enrollment periods, or if you have other Medicare-related questions.  PA MEDI is Pennsylvania’s program of free insurance consultation under the auspices of the Department of Aging.    Call our Helpline 610-344-5004, Option 2, and leave a message; or send an email to [email protected]  

 

3. How does Medicare work with employer based insurance?

If you are covered by a group health plan (GHP) at the company where you or your spouse are actively employed at the time you become eligible for Medicare, it is important to understand how Medicare and employer-based insurance plans share costs. 

For those becoming eligible for Medicare because of age, if your GHP coverage is through a company with 20 or more employees, that plan is your primary insurer until you (or your spouse if the source of your coverage) retire or otherwise lose coverage. This means that you do not need to sign up for Medicare until the GHP coverage ends, at which time you will have a Special Enrollment Period when you can enroll in Medicare, a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, and Part D (prescription) plan. However, if your coverage comes through a company with fewer than 20 employees, your GHP is usually secondary to Medicare. You must have a primary insurer to be assured of coverage, so if this is your situation, it is important to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. If you become eligible for Medicare because of disability, the only difference is that if the company has 100 or more employees, the GHP coverage is primary, under 100 employees, it is secondary. Always confirm the type of coverage you have with your employer. To find out more, contact a PA MEDI counselor by calling your local senior center to set up an 

4. Am I covered by Medicare if my spouse or I is employed?

If you are covered by a group health plan with 20 or more employees, that plan is your primary insurer until you (or your spouse if the source of your coverage) retire or otherwise lose coverage. This means that you do not need to sign up for Medicare until the group health plan coverage ends, at which time you will have a special enrollment period when you can enroll in Medicare, a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, and Part D (prescription) plan. However, if your coverage comes through a company with fewer than 20 employees, your group health plan is usually secondary to Medicare. You must have a primary insurer to be assured of coverage, so if this is your situation, it is important to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. If you become eligible for Medicare because of disability, the only difference is that if the company has 100 or more employees, the group health plan coverage is primary, under 100 employees, it is secondary. Always confirm the type of coverage you have with your employer. 

5. When can I switch my Medicare plan?

In September each year, you will receive a notice called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. This notice is intended to make you aware of any changes for your plan starting January 1. These changes can include increases or decreases in monthly premium and copay costs, formulary changes in drugs covered, tier levels and pharmacy network. If you have not received this ANOC by September 30, call your plan and request it. Do not assume that what you selected for the current year will remain the same and do not assume that it will be the best option for you in the following year. 

Medicare gives beneficiaries a chance to review and change Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP). The AOEP is from October 15th - December 7th . Comparison can be done using the Medicare website, medicare.gov, under the option “Find Health and Drug Plans.” This site has information on all available plans.If, after your review, you find a plan with a better fit for your needs, you can change plans and enroll online. Your new plan would be effective January 1 of the next year.

Medicare beneficiaries who have access to a computer would benefit from setting up a Medicare account on the medicare.gov website. This account will allow you to add your drugs once and then add new drugs, change doses or remove drugs no longer needed. The comparison of plans becomes quicker and easier. The Medicare account can also give you information about processed claims from your providers.

Retiree coverage from a former employer may have different dates and different instructions for making changes
If you have retiree coverage from a former employer, you will also be provided with benefit and cost information for the next year, including instructions for making changes to your coverage. Retiree Option Selection Period and Federal Open Season are terms meaning the same as Annual Open Enrollment Period, but may have different rules and dates for making changes. Even with a retiree plan, you will receive an ANOC by September 30. The ANOC must state that your retiree prescription coverage is "creditable", meaning that it is as good as, or better than, the Medicare Part D Plans. This is an important letter, so keep it with your plan information. 

Other important mailings you may receive during AOEP 
Other mailings that you may receive during the AOEP could include information regarding "Extra Help" (Part D assistance for qualifying beneficiaries), Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D "Income-Related Medicare Adjustment Amount" (IRMAA), PACE/PACENET, and a new "Medicare and You" handbook. If you receive forms to be completed that will continue your benefits, complete them promptly and return them so that your help does not end due to failure to respond. 

Plans that are NOT affected by the AOEP
Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap Plans, are not affected by the AOEP. You would probably be subject to medical underwriting for changes to one of these plans if you are not in a "guarantee issue" period. However, beneficiaries with a Medigap Plan may have a Part D Prescription Plan that needs to be reviewed annually during AOEP. 

6. Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Costs?

Original Medicare

• Lab tests for COVID-19 are covered at no cost if ordered by a health care provider. Note that free over-the-counter test kits are no longer covered by Medicare but are available for purchase.
• Treatment for patients exposed to COVID-19 are covered but there may be copays and deductibles.
• COVID-19 vaccines (no out-of-pocket expenses)
• All hospitalizations and related services that are medically necessary. Those with Original Medicare could have deductible and/or copay charges unless they also have a Medicare supplement or Medigap policy that covers these charges.

Medicare Advantage Plans may include additional benefits; however, there may also be additional cost sharing. Check with your MAPD plan about coverage and costs.

7. Do I need Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage that is offered to everyone with Medicare. The purpose of Part D is to help you pay for prescriptions. Premiums, copays, and drugs coverage vary from plan to plan, but all must meet basic requirements set out by Medicare. Drug coverage is generally built into Medicare Advantage plans. There are also plans without the medical component.

I don’t take any drugs, or only inexpensive drugs. Why should I pay for a plan?
Two reasons: 

1. Your situation may change and you may need to start taking prescription drugs or need more expensive drugs. Most people can only sign up for a plan when they first get Medicare Parts A and B, or during annual ernrollment, from October 15 to December 7 each year. So, if your doctor wants you to go on a new medication in January, you may not be able to get any coverage until the end of the year.
2. There is a penalty if you don’t join a plan when first eligible. That penalty is 1% of the “national base beneficiary premium” for each full month when you were eligible but did not have creditable coverage. This penalty sticks with you as long as you have Part D, and will change when the base premium changes.

How can I avoid the penalty and the risk of not having coverage when I need it?

1. Get coverage during your initial enrollment period, which starts the third month before the month of your 65th birthday and ends the third month after your birth month.
2. If you have employer or union-based coverage, you have a special enrollment period of two months after that coverage ends.
3. Don’t go more than 63 days without a Part D plan or other creditable coverage. Examples of creditable coverage include retiree plans from a former employer or union, Pennsylvania’s PACE program for seniors with low incomes, and VA drug coverage. If you have one of these and lose it, you have 2 months to get a new plan without penalty. 
4. If you qualify for assistance through Extra Help or Medicaid, you can join a drug plan without penalty at any time

8. Does Medicare cover vaccines?

As of January 1, 2023, co-payments or deductibles for any of the vaccinations recommended by ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) were eliminated for those with Medicare Part D. This is a significant change, because vaccines covered under Medicare Part B have been handled differently than those under Part D.

Part B vaccines have had and will continue to have no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries. These include influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines, vaccines for pneumococcal infections, and, for people at risk of contracting the disease, Hepatitis B shots.

Part D-covered vaccines, on the other hand, have generally had copayments or deductible costs that had to be paid by the insured. Now, those vaccines will also be available at no charge when prescribed. This category includes Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and Shingrix (for prevention of shingles). In addition, those with special risk factors are eligible for no cost vaccination  against Hepatitis A, varicella, meningococcal A, C, Y; meningococcal B, and haemophilus influenzae type b.

9. What if one or more of my drugs is no longer covered by my Medicare drug plan?

During the last Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP), you might have made changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) without realizing that one of your drugs was not covered. If a drug you are taking is no longer covered because Part D plan changed its formulary or if you changed to a new plan that does not cover the drug, you may need a transition fill. This gives you time to switch to another drug that is in the formulary or to request a formulary exception. Plans are required to provide a one-time "transition fill" (up to a 30-day supply) within the first 90 days after your plan or its formulary changes. Transition fills also apply if your plan covers the drug but quantity limits or prior authorization prevent you from getting the prescription filled. If you are eligible for a transition fill, the pharmacy will fill your prescription and will receive an electronic notice from your plan that this is a transition fill. In some cases, the pharmacist may need to call the drug plan to get permission to dispense the drug. You will receive a letter from the plan that includes instructions on how to find an appropriate substitute, how to file an exception request or how to manage quantity limits. If you have a problem getting a transition fill, your first step should be to contact your drug plan. 

10. What happens if you lose your Employer Group Health Plan when you are eligible for Medicare?

Some people choose to work past their age of eligibility for Medicare. As long as you have coverage with an employer group health plan (EGHP) larger than 20 employees through you or your spouse’s employment, you do not need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. Many people in this situation enroll in Medicare Part A and defer Part B until the EGHP ends.

What happens if you suddenly lose your job and employer medical benefits?

Even though your Medicare special enrollment period continues for eight months after losing your EGHP, enrolling in both parts of Medicare should be the first item on your immediate action plan. The enrollment period for enrolling in a new prescription drug plan is only 63 days and is dependent on having at least one part of Medicare. You need both parts of Medicare to complete your coverage with either a Medigap plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare enrollment is facilitated by the Social Security Administration. If you are just adding Part B, Social Security has recently created a special portal on ssa.gov to allow for online Part B enrollment. On the website, look for the “Medicare Enrollment” window and then scroll down to “Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period.” Medicare coverage begins the first of the month after you enroll, unless you specify a different date.

You can also submit your enrollment request during this SEP by doing one of the following:

1. Fax your forms CMS-40B and CMS-L 564 and documentation of EGHP to 1- 833-914- 2016. Forms are available on the SSA website under “Forms”. Send a cover letter with the forms and keep copies of everything.

2. Mail forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564 and documentation of EGHP to your SSA local field office

11. What's new for 2023?

• The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is 8.7%.  
• Part B premium is $164.90 per month and the yearly deductible is $226.
• The Part D drug deductible will range from $0-$505 depending on the plan you choose. 
• Income Related Medicare Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for high-income households-more than $97,000 for individuals and $194,000 for couples- have also changed.  IRMAA applies in addition to the standard Medicare premiums for Part B and/or Part D.

Discussions of offering coverage for dental, vision and hearing to those with Original Medicare continue but no decisions have been made in this year’s budget talks, so coverage if approved may come in later years.

For those in Medicare Advantage plans the maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit for 2023 is $8300.  Note that this maximum is only for Part A and Part B deductible and co-pays.  Part D drug costs are not included. Studies have shown that even with MOOP and a $0 premium, Advantage plans can end up costing more than Original Medicare and a supplemental insurance policy.  So be sure to read and understand the coverage being offered and the costs to you.

PA MEDI counselors are trained and available to provide FREE, personalized, unbiased counseling.   If you have questions about your current Medicare coverage or are new to Medicare, counselors are available to help you.  Please call your local senior center to schedule an appointment or leave a message on  our Helpline 610-344-5004 to talk to a counselor. Calls will be answered in 24 hours.

12. When are the Medicare General Enrollment Period and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

There are 2 enrollment periods that run concurrently from January 1 through March 31: 

General Enrollment Period (GEP)
The GEP is primarily used by those who did not sign up for Part B during their Initial enrollment period and who do not have a special enrollment period. It also applies to those who must pay a premium for Part A and who did not sign up when first eligible for Medicare. This is the only time of year these individuals can enroll in Medicare. Coverage will start the month after enrollment. Also, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty that lasts as long as they have Medicare (Part B) or twice as many years as they weren’t covered (Part A).

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP) 
The MAOEP can be used only by those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan to: 

1. Change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, or 
2. Drop their Medicare Advantage plan and return to original Medicare and enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). 

Those with a Medicare Advantage Plan and a stand-alone prescription drug plan can drop the Medicare Advantage plan but cannot change the prescription drug plan. Those with Original Medicare with or without a Medigap plan or stand-alone prescription drug plan cannot use this enrollment period to change or join a prescription drug plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Changes made during the MAOEP will go into effect the first day of the following month.

Before dropping a Medicare Advantage Plan, individuals should consider how they will handle the costs associated with Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurances and copayments. The MAOEP does not include the right to purchase a Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) policy with guaranteed issue. This means that an insurance company may or may not accept an applicant with underlying medical conditions. It always pays to investigate this option before dropping a Medicare Advantage Plan.  

13. How do I avoid Medicare scams?

Things to remember:

• Medicare does not randomly call beneficiaries. If you called at a busy time, you may be asked for a call-back number.
• Medicare does not sell products or services.
• Scammers are frequently able to “spoof” a phone number so that it looks like someone you know.
• Do not give anyone you do not know your Medicare or credit/debit card number.
• If you are not comfortable with the person or request being made, you can always ask for a number to call the person back. If the call is a scam, the caller will usually hang up.
• Always review your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to determine that all services billed are for items and providers you recognize. It is advisable to save these documents for at least a year. If you have Original Medicare and a MyMedicare account, you can go online to review your claims history

14. What are 5-Star plans and when can I enroll?

Beneficiaries eligible for Medicare can take advantage of a special enrollment period if there is a plan in your service area that has been awarded a rating of five stars. To make this change, Medicare beneficiaries must currently be enrolled in one of the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)
• Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Plan
• Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan with no drug coverage
• Not enrolled in any plan

If there is more than one five-star plan in your service area, it's possible to switch from one of these plans to another. This special enrollment opportunity can be used once between December 8th and November 30th. Enrollment changes are effective the first day of the month following the month you submit your enrollment request.

There are risks involved in making this change. The key is that you understand the benefits of the plan that you currently have, and the benefits of the five-star plan that you may be considering. Consideration must also be given to any network changes, formulary changes and benefits of the new plan chosen. It is possible to lose your prescription drug coverage if you unintentionally join a five-star Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include prescription drug coverage. In this case, you would have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - Dece mber 7) to join a drug plan. The new plan would be effective January 1st. You might have to pay a late enrollment penalty for being without Part D drug coverage.

The star ratings of Medicare plans are awarded to plans based on member satisfaction surveys and health care provider comments. The rating system for Medicare Advantage Plans uses five key criteria in their assessment. These criteria help evaluate member access to preventive services; how often members receive treatment for long-term health conditions; overall satisfaction; number and type of complaints against the plan; quality of customer service. The ratings range from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars considered excellent. Medicare updates these ratings annually. The ratings can change from year to year.

If the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notifies you that your current PDP or MAPD has failed to achieve at least a 3-star rating for three years straight, you may switch to any 4- or 5-star plan. The switch can be made any time during the year following notification and at any time the following year. This switch must go through 1-800-MEDICARE. 

Medigap plans are not included in the five-star Medicare rating system. These plans are rated, but with different criteria, mostly dealing with financial stability; and by different agencies. There are several independent rating agencies, such as, A.M Best Company and Standard and Poor’s Insurance Rating Services. These rating agencies use letter grades to indicate a company’s financial stability. The letters A++ or A+ show a superior financial rating for the company. 

15. How can I get help paying for Medicare Part B and Part D?

If you have monthly income below $3,460 if married, or below $2,790 if single, you may be eligible for one or more of the following programs that help pay for Part D (prescription drug) coverage and in some cases Part B (medical) coverage:

• Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as Extra Help, reduces the cost of prescription drug coverage by reducing or eliminating Part D plan premiums, deductibles, and copays. It also eliminates the “donut hole.”  Apply for Part D Extra Help
• The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) pays the Medicare Part B premium, and applicants in the lowest income and resource categories also get help with Part A and Part B deductibles and copays. Those eligible for any level of MSP are also automatically enrolled in LIS.  Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Coinsurance and Deductibles
• LIS and MSP have resource as well as income limits. For Pennsylvania residents with low income, but with resources too high to qualify for LIS or MSP, the PACE/PACENET program helps pay prescription drug costs. This program has a very broad formulary, low copays, and no donut hole.  PACE/PACENET Brochure and Application
• Certain low-income individuals covered by Medicare are eligible for a program called Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as Extra Help. LIS provides assistance paying for Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) premiums and co-pays. To qualify for LIS, individuals must be covered by a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. There may be a gap in time between a person being granted LIS coverage and the time when Part D coverage takes effect. To assist with drug costs during this gap, the LI NET (Low Income Newly Eligible Transition) program provides temporary drug coverage that lasts about 2 months. Note that if you do not enroll in a Part D plan, you will be auto-enrolled by Medicare. LI NET pays for all drugs covered under Part D and can be used at any pharmacy. Once your Part D plan becomes effective, LI NET will be discontinued and only those drugs that are in your plan's formulary will be covered.

  
  If you are covered by LI NET, you will receive a welcome letter from Medicare or Social Security including the effective date for your coverage, a membership card, and instructions. If you need a prescription, take all this information to the pharmacy. The pharmacist will know how to process the claim for coverage. Your level of assistance will determine co-pays. If you incurred out of pocket expenses on covered drugs while eligible for LI NET, you can apply for reimbursement.

16. What are the different parts of Medicare?

PA MEDI is Pennsylvania’s statewide program of Medicare counseling under the auspices of the Chester County Department of Aging in Chester County. This newsletter from the PA MEDI program will help you understand what each of the parts of Medicare provides. The four parts of Medicare are:

Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for medically necessary inpatient hospital care, inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice care. The Part A premium is free

if you have worked ten years (40 quarters) and paid your FICA (Medicare) taxes. 

Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient services and other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. There is a monthly premium for Part B.

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, covers all Medicare Part A and Part B services and may offer other services such as vision and dental assistance. Most Part C plans include prescription drugs. Premiums for Part C vary and most plans have co-pays when you receive medical services.

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage for those not enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan. There is a monthly premium for Part D. 

17. How do I update my contact information if I'm moving?

One to two months before the move make sure that you update Social Security and your insurance carrier. If you are receiving any level of assistance from your state, such as Medicaid, notify the appropriate agency in your home area. 

The quickest way to change your address for Social Security and Medicare accounts is to go to ssa.gov. If you have a MySocialSecurity account, you can make the change through that account. If you don’t have one, it is easy to open one. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday-Friday 7am to 7pm or visit your local office. If you receive benefits through Railroad Retirement, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 Monday-Friday 9am to 3:30pm. 

If you have a Medigap plan (officially called a Medicare Supplement), contact them to see how to change your address. You can usually keep that plan, even if moving out of state. However, your premiums may change; ask about this when speaking to the insurer. There are two exceptions to being able to keep your plan: 1) if moving in or out of Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, all of which have different Supplements than the other states, and 2) if you have a Medicare SELECT plan. These use hospital networks, thus limiting their service areas. They are not sold in Pennsylvania. If losing coverage for either of these reasons, you have a guaranteed issue right to buy certain Medigaps within about 2 months of your move. If you can keep your current plan, but find that the premiums at your new address will increase significantly, you may want to shop for a new Medigap. In this situation you have no guaranteed issue rights, which means you may be turned down if you have certain pre-existing conditions. Consult the State Health Insurance Assistance program (SHIP) in your new state (PA MEDI in Pennsylvania) for more details. 

Part D (Prescription Drug) plans have coverage areas. Check with your plan to see if it will still cover you in your new home. If not, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to get a new plan that starts one month before your move and lasts 2 months after. To assure seamless coverage, pick a new plan the month ahead of your move. A SHIP counselor can help you. 

Similarly, Part C plans (Medicare Advantage) have coverage areas. Your current plan can tell you if you will be covered at the new address. If not, you can switch to a new plan or go back to Original Medicare. The SEP for getting a new Medicare Advantage plan is the same as that for Part D plans described above. Should you choose Original Medicare, you will have a guaranteed issue period to obtain certain Medigap plans without health questions, and an SEP to enroll in a Part D plan.

If you are receiving any level of assistance from your state, the appropriate agencies must be notified of your move. For Medicaid in Pa., call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355 or your County Assistance Office (The Chester Co. number is 610-466-1000.) Pennsylvania residents who have PACE or PACENet can call 800-225-7223. Since these programs are funded by the state, you will lose this coverage if you move to a different state and have to reapply. Note that the Extra Help program is federal, so it will follow you based on your change of address with Social Security.

18. Can I change my Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan anytime?

You can make changes to these plans when certain events happen in your life, such as moving or losing other insurance coverage. When these, or other changes occur outside the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP), you are given a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This newsletter will address the SEP that you have when you are eligible for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or Pennsylvania’s PACE or PACENET programs. 

Low-Income Subsidy is also called Extra Help which is a federal program that helps to pay out-of-pocket costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Eligibility for the program is based on income and certain available assets. Depending on your income and assets, you may qualify for either full or partial Extra Help. People eligible for any level of Medicaid automatically receive Extra Help.

When you are eligible for either level of Extra Help, you qualify for more than one Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in a calendar year. Medicare beneficiaries typically have a chance in the fall during

Annual Open Enrollment Period to make changes with Medicare plans that will become effective January 1 of the following year. Extra Help eligibility allows for a SEP each quarter during the first nine months of the calendar year. If you make a change, it will become effective the first of the following month. To make another change, you will need to wait for the next quarter. PACE or PACENET eligibility allows for one SEP during the calendar year.

You may wish to make a change if your preferred pharmacy is out-of-network for your current plan. Other reasons for making a change could include your plan’s formulary change mid-year, your medications may change during the year, your plan is not performing as you expected, or perhaps you were automatically enrolled into a plan that is not working for you. If you need help making a change, PA MEDI counselors or Medicare can assist you. You can contact PA MEDI counselors by phone on our Help Line (610-344-5004, option 2) or by email ([email protected]). Counselors pick up these messages daily and return calls within one business day. Most of the Chester County Senior Centers are opening for in-person visits. Call your Senior Center to see about meeting with a PA MEDI counselor.

19. How do I create a Medicare account?

A Medicare account is a helpful, online tool that you, as a Medicare beneficiary, can access easily. To set up an account, go to Medicare.gov, click on the “Log in/Create Account” button, then click “create an account now” and follow the instructions. Once you create your username and password, and a security question, put them in a safe place where you will find them easily when needed. 

An online Medicare account has many useful features:

• The ability to enter, save, and edit a list of your prescription drugs and preferred pharmacies. This simplifies using the Medicare Plan Finder to compare Part D (prescription) and Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 through Dec.7). Without an account, you must enter your drug list each time you want to check your coverage. Even if you aren’t a regular computer user, having this available will be a big help to a PA MEDI counselor or other person helping you shop for your next plan.
• Print a copy of your Medicare card if yours is damaged or lost.
• View your current plans, including the subscriber number.
• If you have Original Medicare, you can view the details of your claims as soon as they are processed, and view claims up to 36 months old. Your Medicare Summary Notices are also available, and if you want, you can receive them electronically rather than wait for paper copies in the mail. Any of this information can be downloaded and printed  (Those with Medicare Advantage Plans can get all claims information through the plan provider.) 
• Choose to receive email notifications from Medicare with information about preventive services and account alerts.

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Orphans' Court

Show All Answers

1. What services does the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court provide?

The Clerk of the Orphans’ Court provides a variety of services. Among these are accepting filings for Adoptions, Guardians of Minors and Incapacitated Persons and the issuance of Marriage Licenses.

2. I was adopted and want to locate my birth parents. How do I get access to the adoption records?

Adoption information is confidential and the records are sealed (impounded) by the Court. Access to the information requires the permission of the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas.

3. How do I request court permission to access adoption records?

The office provides a form, Adoption Search Questionnaire, on this website. Filing this form is the first step that must be taken to obtain any information from the adoption files. Further communications and directions will then come from Orphans’ Court Administration (a different office than Clerk of the Orphans’ Court). That office is the next link between you and the Court.

4. I adopted a child who was born in a foreign country. How do I get a Pennsylvania birth certificate for the child?

The information is available on this website in the Forms & Documents section under Adoption of Foreign Born Children. Instructions and forms for the Registration of a Foreign Adoption and the Full Adoption of a Foreign Born Child are provided. This office cannot offer any direction on whether a Registration or Full Adoption is required in your particular circumstances.

5. How do I get appointed as the Guardian of a Minor?

Due to the complexity of the requirements to file a Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian of a Minor, no forms or instructions are provided on this website or by this office. Information may be found at the Chester County Law Library, located in the Chester County Justice Center. It is strongly recommended that you engage an attorney. Contact the Chester County Bar Association at 610-692-1889 or www.chescobar.org. or Lawyer Referral Service at 610-429-1500.

6. How do I get appointed as the Guardian of an Incapacitated Person?

Instructions and forms are provided on this website in the Forms and Document Section under Guardianship of Incapacitated. This office does not provide legal advice or guidance on the preparation or completion of any of the forms. Due to the complexity of the process, it is strongly recommended that you engage an attorney. Contact the Chester County Bar Association at 610-692-1889 or www.chescobar.org. or Lawyer Referral Service at 610-429-1500

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Parks + Preservation

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find a list of all Parks and Trails to visit?

A comprehensive directory of Chester County Parks + Trails can be found at: https://www.chesco.org/4520/Parks-Trails

2. Are there rules/regulations behind what types of gatherings can be held at the parks?

Yes.  All gatherings must abide by the Chester County Parks Ordinance.  Larger gatherings and gatherings open to the general public must be approved under a Special Event Permit.  Further information about the requirements of hosting an event at a Chester County park or trail can be found at: https://chesco.org/4613/Permits-Events

3. How many parks are there in Chester County?

Chester County currently owns seven dedicated Parks: Black Rock Sanctuary, Exton County Park, Hibernia County Park, Nottingham County Park, Springton Manor Farm, Warwick County Park, Wolf’s Hollow County Park

And three Regional Trails: Chester Valley Trail, Schuylkill River Trail, Struble Trail

4. What’s the biggest park in Chester County?

Hibernia County Park at over 1000 acres with Chambers Lake at 94 acres boasts some of the best recreational opportunities in Chester County.  Offering meadow and woodland trails, the West Branch of Brandywine Creek, Campgrounds, Playgrounds, Chamber’s Lake and Historic Structures visitors will have plenty of opportunities to fulfill their recreational needs.

5. I’m interested in volunteering for the county’s parks and trails - how can I do so?

You’re amazing!  We’re so happy you’d like to come help us keep the parks in tip-top shape.  For information on how to get involved please contact us at: [email protected] or visit: https://chesco.org/4611/Volunteers

6. Are there hours or holidays that my local park is not open?

Excluding Christmas Day the Parks will remain open from 8 AM until approximately Sunset year-round. Regional Trails are open 30 minutes before Sunrise and 30 minutes after Sunset. For a complete listing of Park Closing times please visit: https://chesco.org/4605/Parks-Trails

7. What kinds of wildlife are found in Chester County parks?

All kinds!  You never know what you’ll see on your next hike. Commonly sighted species are Whitetail Deer, Red Foxes, Eastern Bluebirds, Red-tailed Hawks, Eastern Chipmunks, Woodchucks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Norther Flickers... the list goes on and on! Come out and see what you can spot and be sure to ask a Park Ranger about the fascinating wildlife in Chester County.

8. Is camping permitted in any of the parks or trails?

Hibernia County Park is home to three separate camping areas. Whether you are looking for a large, group-camping for a scout troop or just a weekend get-away with your significant other Chester County Parks + Trails have the perfect solution. To reserve a campsite, for $15 per night, please visit: Reserve a Campsite (Note: Group-camping please call us at 610-344-6415.)

9. Can I host a party or gathering in my local park?

Parks are the perfect place for your next party or gathering!  Many of our parks offer amenities such as pavilions, picnic areas, camping and more.  Larger gatherings and events open to the public require some special considerations and organizers must submit an application for a Special Events Permit.  More information on these options can be found at: http://chesco.org/4613/Permits-Events

10. Is food/alcohol permitted if i’m hosting an event in the park?

Food is permitted at privately hosted park events provided the organizers follow the complete guidelines put forth by the Chester County Department of Health.  If food vendors are present they must also be licensed to operate by the Chester County Department of Health.  Alcohol is not permitted in the parks.

Chambers Lake at Hibernia County Park

11. What should I do if i see an injured animal?

Finding an injured animal can be heart-breaking, but please do not approach the animal.  Contact a Chester County Park Ranger immediately by calling 911 and maintain a safe distance.  Never put yourself in danger.  The Park Ranger will attend to the well-being of the animal by contacting the appropriate entities for wildlife rescue/rehabilitation depending on the species, location, and nature of injury.  

12. Who can I speak to regarding press or news opportunities for the parks/trails/open space preservation?

All press-related inquiries regarding Chester County Parks and Preservation contact our Public Information Officer at 610-344-6279 or via email at [email protected]

13. Are there any special events or activities geared towards children?

Yes, all of our events are incredibly family-friendly and many programs are geared towards children.  We strongly encourage all ages to come out and help us foster a sense of community in the beautiful natural setting our Parks provide.  Upcoming events, programs, and activities will be posted on the park’s website and social media, and throughout your local park. http://chesco.org/4613/Permits-Events

14. Is hunting permitted in any of the parks?

Regulated archery hunting is permitted in limited park areas during open seasons, by application and lottery selection process. In order to be considered the applicant must have successfully completed the PA Game Commission Successful Bowhunting Course. Hunting permits are issued upon approval and successful completion of an Archery Proficiency Test. Further information about Archery permits can be obtained at https://www.chesco.org/4641/Hunting. County-regulated goose hunting is permitted at Chamber’s lake.  Public hunting for geese and pheasant is permitted at Struble lake.

15. Is personal/professional photography and video permitted in any of the parks/trails/open spaces or do I need a permit?

Personal photography and video is permitted.  Professional photography/video sessions are required to apply for a Special Event Permit.  You can apply for a permit at www.chescoparkspres.org.

16. Is feeding the wildlife in the parks/trails permitted?

No.  Feeding is prohibited for the well-being of the wildlife in our parks.  When we feed the animals they learn to become dependent on our involvement and it disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem.  

17. Are the parks/trails ever closed due to inclement weather? If so, where should I turn to to find this information?

Yes.  Up-to-date park/trail closing information will be available on social media or you can subscribe to ChescoAlerts for information.

18. Can I bring my dog to the County parks/trails?

Of course!  Enjoying the outdoors with your furry friends is a great way to spend the day.  Just remember to keep any pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet, make sure they have access to drinking water, and check them for ticks before returning home.  The only location pets are not allowed is the Great Barn complex at Springton Manor Farm.

19. I had a bad experience at the park, who can I speak to about this?

You can inform any Staff Member or Ranger on duty of any unfavorable conditions in the park or regional trails. We want every visitor to have the most positive experience possible and will make an active effort to provide a safe and enjoyable environment.  If you would like to speak directly with the Lead Ranger, Park Manager, or Director you can email us at [email protected]

20. Are all parks/trails free to visit?

Absolutely!  We work hard to ensure all individuals are welcome and are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of nature free of charge.

21. Can the parks accommodate visitors with disabilities?

Our park staff make every effort to accommodate visitors with disabilities.  Most County park trails are ADA accessible. Hibernia, Nottingham and Warwick Parks offer playgrounds accessible to those with disabilities per ADA standards.

22. Can I ride my horse at the parks?

Parks
All of our parks have some internal trails particularly well-suited to horseback riding, except for Wolf’s Hollow, which is only open to hiking, per township requirements. 

Trails
Horseback riding is permitted on the Schuylkill River Trail because it is unpaved and does not have a high degree of pedestrian and bicycle activity. Other county trails are off-limits to equestrian due to the large numbers of joggers and cyclists and the excessive damage that regular horseshoes can cause to paved, macadam trail surfaces.

23. Can weddings be held at the parks?

Yes, any of the County parks would make a lovely backdrop for an informal outdoor wedding. Please submit a special event permit request via ChescoParksPres.org at least 60 days prior to the event date. An agreement must be signed and fees paid in advance, including pavilion or other needed rentals. For a more formal occasion, The Manor House at Springton Manor Farm is available. For more information on the Manor, call J. Scott Catering at 610-733-2516.

24. What activities are permitted on regional trails?

Regional trails with smooth, asphalt macadam surfaces (ie., the Chester Valley Trail) are permitted for: walking, jogging, cycling, non-motorized scooters, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, Battery-operated wheelchairs or battery-powered bicycles by persons with doctor-verifiable disabilities, Dog walking under leash (maximum 6’ length), and Strollers, including those connected to bicycles.

The following are NOT permitted for use on our trails: Motorized vehicles including segways, motorcycles and mopeds, Powered scooters , Snowmobiles (excluding authorized vehicles), Skateboards, Horses or horseback riding, and Horse carriage, pony carts, etc.

25. Can I take my ATV to any of the parks?

The operation of any type of mini-bike, trail bike, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or other vehicle that cannot be registered for operation on public highways, except in areas designated for that purpose, is prohibited. Only then, with County approval and the appropriate permit, are such vehicles permitted.

26. Can I ice skate on Chambers Lake?

No, ice-skating is strictly prohibited on any pond or lake at all County parks.  

27. Can I swim at any of the parks?

Swimming is not permitted at any County Park.

28. Can I fish/boat at Chambers Lake?

Chambers Lake is stocked with warm water species including channel catfish, chain pickerel, smallmouth and largemouth bass.  Non-motorized or electric powered boats ONLY. No sailboats. All watercraft must be registered with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Boating for the purpose of fishing is also permitted after park hours. A public fishing pier is open on the north side of the lake and may be accessed from Lake Trail. Other shoreline fishing is permitted, but is prohibited from the dam breast itself. Swimming is prohibited at Chambers Lake.

29. Can I fly my drone at a County park?

No, drone flight is not permitted by the public over any County park or trail property.

30. Can I use my metal detector at a County park?

No, metal detecting is not permitted by the public on any County park or trail property.  

31. Where can I find information on events being held in my local park?

We would love to see you at our next event!  Please check out our website for a listing of upcoming events: chesco.org/390/Events

If you would like to receive notifications of all programs and events you can subscribe to our newsletter Nature of Things.

32. I've noticed numerous Nature Preserves in the area. Are these owned by the County?

Many of these nature preserves are owned and managed by land trusts.  If you look up the name of the nature preserve you can see who manages and owns that preserve.  

33. Who do I contact for information about local parks in my neighborhood?

Many of the local parks in your neighborhood are under the jurisdiction of the municipality you are in.  The best option is to look up the municipality for their individual contact information.  

34. Can I review the easement of a preserved property to see what is allowed?

An easement deed is public record, and you can find and review most easements on the Chester County Recorder of Deeds. If you can’t find a deed you are looking for there, contact staff via phone (610) 344 - 5656, or by email: [email protected]. If the property was preserved by the county, they will be able to provide a copy to you.

35. I have a complaint or question about a preserve, farm or Township park that has been preserved by the county - who can I ask?

If you’re concerned that a property the county helped to protect is not following the terms of the easement, you can contact our compliance staff at [email protected]

36. Are preserved farms open to the public?

Preserved farms are not open to the public; they remain under the control of the owner.  The public can benefit from the pristine views, and the knowledge that the landscape will remain in farming in perpetuity.

37. What are the eligibility requirements for preserved farms?

Farms must be at least 50 acres in size, unless they are adjacent to preserved land.  If the property is adjacent to preserved land the minimum is 10 acres.

38. How many farms has Chester County preserved?

Chester County has preserved over 500 farms.

39. How is the farmland preservation program funded?

The program is funded through County, State, Federal, and municipal funding.  Landowners also may choose to provide a donation, which helps the County leverage more funding.

40. Are only farms able to be preserved?

The farmland preservation program is for productive farmland, however, Chester County has multiple programs in place to preserve multiple facets of land.  For more information please visit https://www.chesco.org/4618/Farmland-Preservation

41. Are preserved farms inspected?

Yes, it is required that Chester County visits each farm at least once every two years.

42. Is a conservation plan required for preserved farms?

Yes, all preserved farms are required to have a conservation plan and follow the stewardship practices.  https://www.chesco.org/4621/Stewardship

43. Are landowners compensated for preserving their farms?

Yes, a real estate appraisal is completed to provide the easement value that is offered for each farm.

44. Where can I find a listing of all the farms preserved in Chester County?

A parcel map of all the preserved farms is located at https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/5759/ProtectedOpenSpace?bidId=

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Passports

Show All Answers

1. How long does it take to get a Passport in the mail?

Due to Covid-19, passport applications could face a significant delay in processing. If you are traveling within 72 hours due to a life or death emergency, please call 1-877-487-2778, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, except federal holidays.

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It takes a minimum of 18 weeks for processing of a routine passport application. The fee for an expedited passport is an additional $60 and takes a minimum of 12 weeks. 

2. What do I need to bring with me to apply for a Passport?

1. Previous Passport or Long Form Birth Certificate
If you have had a previous passport, you must bring it in and submit it. An expired passport can also be used as proof of citizenship, no matter how old the document is. If your passport is damaged/illegible, you must bring either the long form birth certificate or an even older passport that is not damaged as proof of citizenship. Please note that hospital birth registrations, birth notifications, and baptismal certificates are not acceptable forms of citizenship.

2. Naturalization certificate if you became a naturalized citizen.

3. Valid drivers license. Parents ID will be used for minors who do not drive.

4. Two 2” x 2” identical photographs. Photographs may be taken at the Sheriff’s Office, located at the same address, for a fee of $10 payable by check or money order. School photos are not acceptable.

Information required on the form: your social security number, parent’s birthdate and birthplace, current or previous marriage information.

3. Are there special requirements for children?

Children aged 15 years or younger require both parents/legal guardians consent at the time of applying. A long form birth certificate must be presented. Parental information must appear on the birth certificate.

If one parent or guardian cannot be present, a statement of consent form (#DS3053), or a comparable written statement, must be presented at the time of applying and must be notarized within 90 days of the application. Please be sure to include a front and back copy of the non-appearing parent's ID. It must be the same ID the parent used to notarize the documentation. All minor children age 15 years and younger that had a previous passport are required to bring both the expired passport and the long form birth certificate.

4. What is the fee for a passport application?

   

Passport Fees

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Pocopson Home

Show All Answers

1. When are visiting hours?

The facility has no set visiting hours. Please be mindful that our residents are generally early to bed and late risers.

2. What address do I use to send mail to a resident?

1695 Lenape Road, West Chester, PA 19382-6800

You do not need to include the resident's room number.

3. How do I schedule a tour of Pocopson Home?

Call 610.793.1212. Tours are given Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm. Tours must be scheduled.

4. Is there a waiting list?

There may be a waiting list, call 610.793.1212 to inquire.

5. How long is the waiting list?

It depends on the total number of completed applications and availability of beds. Admission from the waiting list are based on need.

6. How do I add someone's name to the waiting list?

Contact the Admissions Office at 610.793.1212.Staff will explain the pre-admissions process and can provide the forms to get started.

7. Are the forms to apply for admission found on the website?

No. The forms are available by calling 610.793.1212.

8. How is the cost of care covered?

Pocopson Home accepts most medical insurances and is enrolled as a provider with the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Private pay is also accepted.

9. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a Federal health insurance program which may provide for skilled care and therapies in a long-term care setting, providing that the Medicare recipient meets skilled level of care criteria. Those who qualify are eligible for up to a 100 day skilled benefit period of care as long as the Medicare recipient continues to make progress in their care/therapies.

Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that will pay for care in a long-term care setting if the resident does not have the financial means to be able to cover the cost of care. The Medicaid applicant must be medically eligible and meet financial criteria.

10. Does the facility provide short-term rehabilitation therapies?

Yes. Our goal is to provide rehabilitative physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies for the resident to return home as independently as possible.

11. Can my personal physician continue to treat me at Pocopson Home?

The facility has three primary care physicians on staff to manage our residents medical needs.
Physician choices will be provided during the pre-admission assessment.

12. Is there a Volunteer Program?

Yes.Call 610.793.1212 and ask for the Activities Director who will be happy to discuss volunteer opportunities at Pocopson Home.

13. Are pets allowed to visit the Home?

Pets are welcome to visit once documentation is obtained regarding current vaccinations and a County dog license. All pets must be kept on a leash.

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Poll Workers

Show All Answers

1. What are the duties of a poll worker?

The basic responsibilities of a poll worker is to check in voters on election day and help to maintain a safe, secure and efficient voting system at voting precincts.

2. How many poll workers are needed at each polling place?

Every polling place should be staffed by a minimum of five poll workers:

• Judge of Election - 1
• Inspectors - 2
• Clerks  - normally 2. Sometimes, larger precincts require more staff.

3. What is the time commitment?

There are two elections each year:

1. Primary elections are held on the third Tuesday in May, except during a Presidential year, in which case the primary is held on the fourth Tuesday in April. 
2. General and Municipal elections are held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

The Judge of Elections and inspectors are required to work the full day (6:00AM until about 9:30PM). Clerks can choose to work full or half-day shifts.

4. What are the benefits to being a poll worker?

The benefits of being a poll worker are ever expanding, but include serving your community, meeting your neighbors and making new friends all while getting paid.

5. Are poll workers paid?

Yes, although it is primarily a volunteer position, poll workers are compensated for their respective shifts as well as for attending poll worker training classes. 

 Judge of Elections

Base Pay	$135.00
Training	$75.00
Supplies Pick Up	$20.00
Election Night Drop Off	$20.00
Mileage Reimbursement	Applicable IRS standard mileage rate
Total	$250.00 + mileage

 

Machine Inspectors

Base Pay	$125.00
Training	$75.00
Total	$200.00

 

All poll worker positions, including appointed students

Base Pay	$125.00
Training	$50.00
Total	$175.00

 

Roamers (non-County employees)

Base Pay/Total

$250.00 + mileage

 

Constables

Base Pay/Total

$175.00

6. Am I eligible to be a poll worker?

You are eligible if:

• you are registered to vote in Chester County
• yoiu enjoy meeting new people and serving the public
• you are detail oriented, able to take direction well, and not easily distracted

students are encouraged to volunteer.

You are not eligible if: 

• you hold another elected position or work for any state, county or other government organization
• you are a member of a local board

7. How do I apply?

 Submit the poll worker application below, or contact us at 610-344-6410 or [email protected].

Poll Worker Application

8. What happens if no one runs as an election official or if an elected poll worker resigns?

The political parties and the Department of Voter Services must then fill the position by appointment.

9. Do poll workers receive training?

Yes. Comprehensive training typically begins six weeks before each election. 

10. Can students work at the polls?

Yes, students of good standing who are 17 years of age or older may serve as clerks or machine operators. Students must complete and submit the Student Authorization Form. The form must be signed by both the school and the student's parent/guardian prior to the election.

11. Can a committee person serve as an election official?

Yes, as long as the committee person does not engage in any political activity while the polls are open and acts in a nonpartisan manner while working the polls.

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Protection from Abuse

Show All Answers

1. What is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order?

A PFA order from a court gives protective "relief" for a victim (and sometimes children) for up to three years. A person can file for a PFA order from the court for themselves or on behalf of their children who are under age eighteen. A PFA order describes certain things the abuser must do or is forbidden to do in regard to a victim, and can include many kinds of protection. For example, a PFA order can make it illegal for the abuser to contact, harass and abuse the victim and the victim's children. The PFA order can order the abuser to give back keys, papers, toys, clothes and other items. If the abuser does not follow the order, there can be criminal charges.

2. How long does it take to file a petition for a PFA?

The process of filing a petition for a PFA in Chester County takes approximately two hours. The filing procedure to file a petition is a multi-step process that includes the drafting of the narrative and petition, a hearing for the petitioner alone with the Court, and the actual filing, certifying and submitting of the completed petition to the Sheriff for service.

3. When is the Court available for the filing of petitions for PFAs?

The Court of Common Pleas is available from 8:30AM with the last hearing held at 3PM. PFA petitions are filed in the order in which they check in which means that if a petitioner checks in for a PFA at 3:00PM there may be other petitioners that checked in before who will file ahead.

4. What if I can't get to the Court during those times or show up too late to file?

The PFA statute authorizes Magisterial District Judges to grant emergency temporary PFAs when the Court of Common Pleas is unavailable. Contact your local police department to find out where the oncall district judge is located. These orders are temporary and expire at the end of the next day the Court of Common Pleas is available. For example, if an emergency temporary order is granted on a Monday, then that order would expire at 4:30pm on Tuesday. If you seek the same protection offered by the emergency temporary PFA then you must file a petition for a PFA in the Court of Common Pleas before the end of the next available day.

5. Who Can Obtain a PFA Order?

A victim of abuse may file for a PFA order against an intimate partner or a family member, such as:
• Spouses or ex-spouses;
• Persons who have lived as spouses;
• Domestic partners;
• Same sex couples;
• Parents;
• Children;
• Persons related by blood or marriage (including bothers/sisters); or
• Current or former sexual or intimate partners (including dating relationships).

The PFA Act does not cover abuse by a stranger or a roommate that the victim is not intimately involved with.

6. How Do I file a petition for a PFA?

Although the PFA Act is a Pennsylvania law, every county has a different process to get a PFA order.

Even though each county is different, the legal process follows the same general pattern. The PFA process usually starts by filling out a form called a "petition" at the local county courthouse. The questions in the petition ask victims to explain why they want protection and to describe the abuse they suffered. In legal terms, the person who wants the PFA is called the "petitioner" or the "plaintiff". The
PFA petition also asks the petitioner to tell what they want the PFA to do. Usually, there are employees at the courthouse who can help to complete PFA petitions, and give information about free or low-cost legal services in the county or region. The PFA Act says that courthouse information and assistance to PFA petitioners should be provided in both English and Spanish.

After the petition is filled out, a judge will read it and may ask the plaintiff to answer a few questions. The abuser will not usually be present in the court for this. The judge may grant or deny a temporary PFA order and will schedule a date for a final hearing. A temporary PFA order will protect a victim and/or children until the date of the final hearing. This hearing will take place within 10 business days.
Even if the judge does not grant a temporary protection order, the judge will schedule a final order hearing.

7. When is the hearing?

When the petition is filed it will include a Notice of Hearing and Order. This serves a notice to both the plaintiff and the defendant that the court will hold a hearing on the just-filed petition. The PFA statute requires that the Court hold a hearing within ten business days of the filing of the petition.

On the date of the PFA hearing, the plaintiff/victim and defendant/abuser will come before a judge. Both are allowed to have attorneys to represent them at this hearing. A domestic violence advocate may also come with the victim. If both the plaintiff and defendant agree on the terms of an order, the judge will make it official. If either does not agree, the judge will give the victim and abuser the chance to talk on the record about the abuse described in the petition.

After listening to the testimony, the judge may grant the plaintiff a final PFA order. Final orders can be in place for any period of time up to and including 3 years.

8. Do I really need an attorney for a PFA hearing?

The short answer is yes. Please remember that this is a legal proceeding. While the statute does not require a petitioner to have an attorney it is a very good idea to have someone who can advocate on your behalf to the court. Unlike the hearing with the judge that occurred in chambers when the petition was filed initially, this will be before a judge in open court. Furthermore, if the defendant has an attorney and you do not, you may be at a disadvantage in court. Petitioners granted a PFA are entitled to a free attorney from Legal Aid, regardless of income.  Please contact Legal Aid if you are granted a PFA at 610-436-4510. 

9. What Can a PFA Order Do?

A plaintiff can ask for any or all of the following forms of relief in the PFA petition. The judge will consider the requests and may grant all or some of them in the final PFA order:
• ask the judge to order the abuser to stop threatening, abusing, harassing or stalking the victim and the victim's children
• ask the judge to make the abuser leave the home or household (even if both parties own it or are on the lease)
• request that the victim's new address or location remain confidential
• ask the judge for temporary custody of the children
• ask the judge to prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim, victim's children, or family members
• ask the judge to order the abuser to turn over any firearms or other weapons
• ask the judge to order "any other appropriate relief" like the return of a pet, car keys, important papers, or other personal property

10. How Much Does a PFA Order Cost?

The PFA Act says that PFA orders are free for the person seeking protection. In most cases, the defendant will have to pay for all or part of the PFA process. Otherwise, the county must pay.

11. Once I leave the courthouse what do I do with the PFA?

When you leave the courthouse with a temporary order it is very important that you take a certified copy to your local police department or Pennsylvania State Police barracks. A certified copy will have a raised stamp and a red seal that says "Certified from the Record." Always keep a copy of the PFA with you. If there are minor children protected by the PFA provide a copy to the children’s school or daycare center. You may also give a copy to your employer if you so choose.

12. What if an Abuser Violates the PFA Order?

In most cases, the victim should immediately call the police if the abuser doesn't keep to ("violates") the terms of the PFA order. According the PFA Act, the police can and should arrest the abuser for any violation of the PFA order. The only exception is that the police cannot arrest an abuser for not paying expenses and support as ordered.

A defendant who violates a PFA order can be arrested and charged with a crime called indirect criminal contempt. The victim may be asked to testify about the violation at a court hearing. If the court finds the defendant guilty of violating the PFA order, the court can give jail time, probation, and/or fines. Even though the police may arrest and charge an abuser for indirect criminal contempt, the abuser may be released before the hearing. Victims should consider talking to a domestic violence advocate about steps to take to stay safe.

13. Are PFA and Protection Orders Valid Across State Lines?

Yes, a PFA order from Pennsylvania is valid in every county in Pennsylvania, every state across the country, and on tribal lands. Protection orders from other states or tribal courts are also valid in Pennsylvania. This is because the Violence Against Women Act {VAWA), a federal law that protects victims of domestic violence, makes all states honor other courts' protection orders. There are law enforcement databases that make it easier for police to electronically check protection orders, but they are not foolproof. It is important for victims to have their PFA orders with them whenever they are traveling or if they move to a new address, especially out of state.

A plaintiff who has a PFA order does not have to register it in a different county or state for it to be valid, but registering it with the local courthouse may be helpful. On the plus side, registering an order allows police to quickly verify the order and respond faster to if an abuser violates it. On the downside, some states will notify the defendant when the victim registers a PFA order in a new county or state. If the
victim does not want an abuser to know where they are, they may not want to register the PFA. Procedures for registering a PFA order vary from state to state.

It is good for a victim to have a certified copy of the order along at all times, especially if a victim decides not to register a PFA order after moving. (A certified copy is one that is stamped with a raised seal and initialed by the court.) It is also a good idea to have multiple copies of the order for work, home, and/or school.

14. How can my local Domestic Violence Center help?

In Chester the County the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) can assist with matters related to domestic violence. Their toll-free number is 1-877-711-6270 or the local number which is 610- 431-1430.

A domestic violence advocate can help victims with many services. They may be able to help victims fill out a PFA petition or go with the victim to court. Advocates can give victims information about the county PFA process and help victims to make a safety plan.

What a victim says to a domestic violence program advocate is confidential. By law, an advocate cannot repeat what victims tell them, even if called into court by a judge. The only exception is that the advocate must report it if the victim reveals that a child is in danger of being abused. Confidentiality between victims and advocates means that victims can speak freely about their circumstances and plan
for their future safety.

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Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation

Show All Answers

1. What is the Protecting Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation (PSVI} Act?

The PSVI Act provides relief for two separate actions: the first action is protection from sexual violence (PSV), and the second action is protection from intimidation (PFI).

Whether a plaintiff wishes to file a PSV or a PFI depends on the facts of the case.

A plaintiff files a PSV when the plaintiff has been a victim of sexual violence. Sexual violence is conduct between persons who are not family members that includes: sexual offenses, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, sexual abuse of children, and unlawful contact with minors and sexual exploitation of children.

A plaintiff files a PFI when the plaintiff is a victim of harassment or stalking AND the conduct is committed by a person over 18 against a person under 18.

2. What does a PSVI order do?

A PSVI order from a court gives protective "relief" for a victim (and sometimes children) for up to three years. A person can file for a PSVI order from the court for themselves or on behalf of their children who are under age eighteen. A PSVI order can restrain the defendant from contacting the plaintiff, entering plaintiffs residence, school or place of employment. The order can also prohibit indirect contact through third parties.

3. How long does it take to file a petition for a PSVI?

The process of filing a petition for a PSVI in Chester County takes approximately two hours. The filing procedure to file a petition is a multi-step process that includes the drafting of the narrative and petition, a hearing for the petitioner alone with the Court, and the actual filing, certifying and submitting of the completed petition to the Sheriff for service.

4. When is the Court available for the filing of petitions for PSVIs?

The Court of Common Pleas is available from 8:30am to 3:30pm. PSVI petitions are filed in the order in which they check in which means that if a petitioner checks in for a PSVI at 3:00pm there may be other petitioners that checked in before who will file ahead.

5. What if I can't get to the Court during those times or show up too late to file?

The PSVI statute authorizes Magisterial District Judges to grant emergency temporary PSVIs when the Court of Common Pleas is unavailable. Contact your local police department to find out where the oncall district judge is located. These orders are temporary and expire at the end of the next day the Court of Common Pleas is available. For example, if an emergency temporary order is granted on a Monday, then that order would expire at 4:30pm on Tuesday. If you seek the same protection offered by the emergency temporary PSVI then you must file a petition for a PSVI in the Court of Common Pleas before the end of the next available day.

6. Who Can Obtain a PSVI Order?

Victims of Sexual Violence and Intimidation are eligible for relief if they DO NOT have a family or household member relationship with the defendant. Victims of sexual violence who DO have a family or household relationship with the defendant should instead file a PFA.

7. How Do I file a petition for a PSVI?

Although the PSVI Act is a Pennsylvania law, every county has a different process to get a PSVI order.

Even though each county is different, the legal process follows the same general pattern. The PSVI process usually starts by filling out a form called a "petition" at the local county courthouse. The questions in the petition ask victims to explain why they want protection and to describe the abuse they suffered. In legal terms, the person who wants the PSVI is called the "petitioner" or the "plaintiff". The
PSVI petition also asks the petitioner to tell what they want the PSVI to do. The PSVI Act says that courthouse information and assistance to PSVI petitioners should be provided in both English and Spanish.

After the petition is filled out, a judge will read it and may ask the plaintiff to answer a few questions. The abuser will not usually be present in the court for this. The judge may grant or deny a temporary PSVI order and will schedule a date for a final hearing. A temporary PSVI order will protect a victim and/or children until the date of the final hearing. This hearing will take place within 10 business days. Even if the judge does not grant a temporary protection order, the judge will schedule a final order hearing.

8. When is the hearing?

When the petition is filed it will include a Notice of Hearing and Order. This serves a notice to both the plaintiff and the defendant that the court will hold a hearing on the just-filed petition. The PSVI statute requires that the Court hold a hearing within ten business days of the filing of the petition.

On the date of the PSVI hearing, the plaintiff/victim and defendant/abuser will come before a judge.
Both are allowed to have attorneys to represent them at this hearing. If both the plaintiff and defendant agree on the terms of an order, the judge will make it official. If either does not agree, the judge will give the victim and abuser the chance to talk on the record about the abuse described in the petition.

After listening to the testimony, the judge may grant the plaintiff a final PSVI order. Final orders can be in place for any period of time up to and including 3 years.

9. Do I really need an attorney for a PSVI hearing?

The short answer is yes. Please remember that this is a legal proceeding. While the statute does not require a petitioner to have an attorney it is a very good idea to have someone who can advocate on your behalf to the court. Unlike the hearing with the judge that occurred in chambers when the petition was filed initially, this will be before a judge in open court. Furthermore, if the defendant has an attorney and you do not you may be at a disadvantage in court.

10. What Can a PSVI Order Do?

A PSVI order can include "no contact" provision as well as restraining the defendant from entering plaintiff's residence, place of employment, business or school, as well as prohibiting indirect contact through third parties. This list is not exhaustive and the court and order nay other appropriate relief sought by the plaintiff.

11. How Much Does a PSVI Order Cost?

The PSVI Act says that PSVI orders are free for the person seeking protection. In most cases, the defendant will have to pay for all or part of the PSVI process. Otherwise, the county must pay.

12. Once I leave the courthouse what do I do with the PSVI?

When you leave the courthouse with a temporary order it is very important that you take a certified copy to your local police department or Pennsylvania State Police barracks. A certified copy will have a raised stamp and a red seal that says "Certified from the Record."

Always keep a copy of the PSVI with you. If there are minor children protected by the PSVI provide a copy to the children's school or daycare center. You may also give a copy to your employer if you so choose.

13. What If an Abuser Violates the PSVI Order?

In most cases, the victim should immediately call the police if the abuser doesn't keep to ("violates") the terms of the PSVI order. According the PSVI Act, the police can and should arrest the abuser for any violation of the PSVI order. The only exception is that the police cannot arrest an abuser for not paying expenses and support as ordered.

A defendant who violates a PSVI order can be arrested and charged with a crime called indirect criminal contempt. The victim may be asked to testify about the violation at a court hearing. If the court finds the defendant guilty of violating the PSVI order, the court can give jail time, probation, and/or fines.

Even though the police may arrest and charge an abuser for indirect criminal contempt, the abuser may be released before the hearing.

It is important for victims to have their certified PSVI orders with them whenever they are traveling. A certified copy is stamped "Certified" in red with a raised seal and initialed by the court.

It is also a good idea to have multiple copies of the order for work, home, and/or school.

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Prothonotary

Show All Answers

1. What methods of payment are accepted by the Prothonotary’s Office?

Currently, we accept check, cash, money order, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Please make checks payable to the “Prothonotary of Chester County.” 

In landlord/tenant cases, we only accept cash, money order or certified funds for payments to be escrowed.

2. Are docket entries available on-line?

Yes, ChescoPIN is a paid subscription service that provides access to docket entries. ChescoPIN may be accessed at no charge in the Prothonotary's Office or at libraries in the Chester County Library System.

ChescoPin

3. Can I file a pleading by faxing it to the office?

No, we do not accept faxed filings.

4. How do I obtain a copy of my divorce decree?

To obtain a copy of a divorce decree:

Come to the Prothonotary's office during regular business hours (M-F,8:30am-4:30pm).
201 W. Market Street, Suite 1425 
West Chester, PA 19380-0989

OR
Mail a request to our office. Include the name of both parties and approximately when the divorce occurred. Include case number if known. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with the exact amount for the cost of your divorce decree: 

• Regular copy - $0.25 
• Certified copy - $7
• Exemplified copy - $23

5. How can I change my address that is listed on the docket?

Address changes must be made in writing to our office. Please be sure to include the parties’ names and the case number if known.

6. Does your office conduct title searches?

Title and credit searches can involve the examining of many records. It's a complex process that investigates ownership, mechanics liens, tax liens, and judgments, to name a few. Our office will answer specific questions concerning a specific person and time. Due to time, manpower and legal constraints, we are unable to conduct in-depth research of all records in our database. For extensive research, we recommend that you employ the services of a title company.

7. Can your office help me with any legal advice?

No, we are not permitted to give legal advice. We suggest consulting an attorney by referral through the Chester County Bar Association. If you have financial constraints, contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA at http://lasp.org/. If you chose to represent yourself, information is available at the Law Library located on the 2nd floor of the Justice Center, 201 W. Market St., West Chester, PA. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA

8. Can I obtain a copy of my Marriage License at the Prothonotary’s Office?

No, Marriage Licenses can be obtained from the Register of Wills

9. The Prothonotary’s Office processes Passport applications, do you offer Visa applications?

No, we do not offer Visa applications. You must contact the US Department of State

10. Can I obtain copies of birth or death certificates from the Prothonotary's Office?

No. For information about birth or death certificates, please contact the

PA Department of Health

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Recorder of Deeds

Show All Answers

1. How far back do your records go?

Our records begin in 1688. However most of our records prior to 1900 are stored on microfilm and are available through the Chester County Archives Office. Most of these records are hand-written and some are difficult to read. Records are available in their original form. There are also other resources to supplement genealogical and other historic research.

2. Can I get information on your website or over the phone?

General Recording Requirements and Fees can be found on our website or by calling our office. pemloyees are not permitted to perform searches. For information regarding previously recorded papers you must come to the office or hire an attorney.

3. How can I get a copy of a document?

If the document was recorded after 1994, you can print it from our website using Records Search. If the document was recorded prior to 1994, there are three ways to obtain copies:

1. Visit our Search Library to look up and print documents. The fee is $0.50 per page for printed copies and $1.50 for certification if needed

2. Submit a written request - must include owner’s name, the book and page number of the document, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check covering the fee. Fee is $5 per page, and $1.50 to certify the document if needed.

3. FAX - must provide book and page number. The fee is $5 per page, plus $1 fax charge. We are not able to certify copies sent by fax.

4. What information do I need to check a deed or mortgage?

Records are kept by the property owner’s last name and by the book and page number assigned to every document recorded in our office. If you have this information, then you can search our database via the Records Search area of this website. You can also visit our Records Library. Library staff can get you started but are not permitted to conduct research for the public. If you do not have the book and page, you will need to refer to our indexes which list documents alphabetically by the last name of the party to a transaction.

5. How do I find the information I need in the indices?

To use the indices you must have a name of one of the parties to the transaction. It is also better to know the year of the transaction to narrow the search. One of our staff will instruct you in the use of the indices when you visit the Records Search Library.

6. Do I have to go anywhere else to record a deed?

If you are recording a plan [subdivision, septic, etc.], you may need additional approvals prior to recording. Check with your municipality for details.

7. Can I record by mail?

Yes. Make sure the document meets our Document Standards and include the a check payable to the Recorder of Deeds for the correct amount along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of your original documents. See also Recording Fees for more information.

8. How do I find the UPI number?

Every parcel in the County is assigned a Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) number. The UPI Number can be located using ChescoViews.

9. Do municipalities require pre-registration of deeds?

No

10. Can anyone look at my deed?

Yes. With the exception of military discharges, all documents recorded in this office are public information.

11. Can I prepare my own deed?

Yes, but it is best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, draft the deed. Employees of the Recorder of Deeds cannot draft a deed for you.

12. How do I replace a lost deed?

Physical possession of a deed is not necessary to prove ownership of land once the deed has been recorded in our office. Any documents filed in our office are there to provide public notice of the contents of those documents. You can obtain a copy of a deed or any other document from this office a number of ways. See How can I get a copy of a document recorded in your office?

13. How do I change, add or delete a name on a deed?

The Recorder of Deeds cannot alter documents once they have been recorded. Changes can only be made by recording a new deed. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, draft the deed. Employees of the Recorder of Deeds cannot draft a deed for you.

14. Is it necessary to delete a deceased spouse's name?

No. The Recorder of Deeds cannot alter any documents once they have gone on record. If you want to remove the deceased person’s name from the deed, you will need to have a new Deed prepared and recorded in this office. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, draft the deed.

15. If a woman marries, must she change her name on her deed?

No. If for some reason you wish to reflect that the property is now owned by the same people with different names you will need to have a new deed prepared and recorded in this office. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, to draft the new deed.

16. If I sell a portion of my land, do I get a deed for the remainder?

No. The Recorder of Deeds is merely a repository for any deeds that are recorded. If your current deed has been recorded and you subsequently sell a piece of that land on another deed which is then recorded, a title search will reveal these two transactions and allow a person to conclude that the amount of land you own has now changed. If for some reason you wish to reflect that the property's legal description is different, you will need to have a new deed prepared and recorded in this office. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, to draft the new deed.

17. If I build on my lot, do I get a new deed for the house?

This is currently not typical business practice in Pennsylvania. You should consult an attorney for a better explanation of whether or not it is a good idea to have a new deed prepared after you have built upon a lot.

18. If I find a mistake in my deed, how do I correct it?

You cannot alter any documents once they have gone on record. In order to replace the current deed, you will need to have a new deed prepared and recorded in this office. This is usually referred to as a Deed of Correction. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, to draft the new deed .

19. Can anyone look at my mortgage?

Yes. With the exception of military discharges, all documents recorded in this office are public information. This means anyone can look at any deed, mortgage, and any other documents filed in this office.

20. Who satisfies my mortgage?

The mortgagee (lender) upon receiving all money due under the terms of a loan should draft a satisfaction piece. The mortgagee (lender) may send the satisfaction piece to the Recorder of Deeds to be recorded or may send it directly to the borrower. By sending the satisfaction to the borrower, the lender places the responsibility of recording on the borrower. Ascertain at time of settlement how your lender plans to proceed.

21. How is a mortgage satisfied?

The satisfaction document, a check for the proper recording fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope should be mailed or delivered in person to the Recorder of Deeds Office. The original document will be returned in approximately four to six weeks.

22. What if the original mortgage was lost?

This office no longer requires that an original mortgage be produced along with a satisfaction piece. If you still wish to see a copy of a mortgage that has been lost, please see How to get a copy of a document from your office

23. Must a mortgage be satisfied?

According to the Pennsylvania Mortgage Satisfaction Act of 2002 [21 P.S. Section 721-6], a lender is required to satisfy a mortgage within 60 days after receiving payment of the entire mortgage obligation and all required satisfaction and recording costs. An attorney can assist you with any questions related to this matter.

24. Are there special rules for plans?

Subdivision plans are to be between 17" x 22" and 34" x 44". The print contrast must be suitable for microfilming black on white. Three copies are required. We do not accept linen or mylar originals. The plans must be signed by the Chester County Planning Commission and proper municipal authorities. If a plan has signatures dated prior to the 90-day limit, the plan may either be re-signed and re-dated by the proper municipal authorities, or a letter from an official of the municipality may be attached to the plan. The letter must state that the official is waiving the 90-day recording period on behalf of the municipality. This letter is then recorded with the plan.

25. Are subdivision plans required?

Check with your local municipality. They may have ordinances that require approval and recordation of any subdivision plans.

26. What is the real estate transfer tax?

There is a State Tax and a Municipal Tax each amounting to 1% of the fair market value of the property or interest being conveyed. For property located in the City of Coatesville, the Municipal Tax is 2%. For property located in both Tredyffrin Township and the Borough of Malvern, it is 1.5%. The fair market value of the property is not necessarily the sale price.

27. Who pays the transfer tax?

The state and local governments do not care who pays it, as long as it is paid. The Recorder of Deeds Office will not accept a deed unless the tax is paid at the time of recording, or a PA Statement of Value is included detailing the reason for the tax exemption. In many sales agreements, the seller and the buyer split the tax, however, the new owner is responsible if there is any question over the amount of tax paid.

28. Are any transactions exempt?

Yes. While most transactions are taxable, some are exempt. Conveyances between husband and wife, parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, and brothers and sisters are generally exempt from transfer tax. There are some other exemptions allowed in certain situations. Non-profits are not automatically exempt. Consult an attorney or contact the PA Department of Revenue with questions about exemptions.

29. When is a statement of value required?

Anytime the transfer tax is not paid or the true value of the land is not shown on the deed (such as in a $1 consideration). State investigators review each deed to see if the value is as stated or if the reason given for exemption is valid. Contact the PA Department of Revenue with any questions about the SOV. Please note: When a Statement of Value is submitted to our office, it is recorded with the Deed.

30. Why is additional transfer tax sometimes due?

This happens when the state investigator determines the property being sold is worth more than stated or when reason for exemption is not valid. The PA Department of Revenue collects any additional taxes owed to the Commonwealth and a municipality, along with any interest or penalties owed.

31. Is a transfer between divorced parties exempt?

A deed that was recorded with husband and wife holding title can be transferred to either ex-spouse and is exempt from tax. However, if the ex-spouse has remarried and the transfer is to both the ex-spouse and their new spouse, there will be a 1% state transfer tax and a municipal tax of 1% (except for properties located in Tredyffrin - 1.5% or the City of Coatesville - 2%) on a 25% interest of the value of the property if it is transferred within one year of the decree. Contact the PA Department of Revenue with any questions.

32. How can I determine the owner of a property?

Our records are organized by property owner name, not by property location. In order to determine the name of an owner based on a property's location, you will first need to contact Chester County Office of Assessment at 610-344-6105 or the Bureau of Land Records at 610-344-4561-5968 to determine the property owner name.

33. How do I check easements on my property?

Easements on property can come from a variety of sources, including government condemnations, federal legislation, and by agreements recorded in your name those of your predecessors in title. Our office contains some of this information, but even this information can only be discovered by doing a title search of your property. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field help you to determine any restrictions on your property.

34. How do I check deed restrictions on my property?

Restrictions on property can come from a variety of sources, including government regulations, declarations by a homeowners' association, and by restrictions placed directly on your deed or those of your predecessors in title. Our office contains some of this information, but this information can only be discovered by doing a title search. It is best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field help you determine any restrictions on your property.

35. What is the elevation of my property?

You must view a US Coast and Geodetic Survey Map of your area to determine elevation. Maps are available through the Chester County Planning Commission and Chester County Geographic Information Systems.

36. How can I determine the latitude and longitude of my ground?

You must view a US Coast and Geodetic Survey Map of your area to determine elevation. Maps are available through the Chester County Planning Commission and Chester County Geographic Information Systems.

37. How can I determine my property line?

Your deed will give you the legal description, but a surveyor is needed to actually locate property lines based on your deed. In some cases, surveyors can locate markers that were placed when the lot was originally surveyed. There may be conflicts in the information in your deed, and your neighbors' deeds, as well as other interests in your land. It is generally best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field help you determine the boundary lines of your property.

38. Do you have plans showing the location of my building on my lot?

The location of buildings might be on plans recorded in our office, but they are generally the proposed locations of buildings, not where they may actually have been built. The actual location may be shown on documents filed with your municipality for zoning or permit purposes.

39. Do you record deeds for cemetery lots?

Generally, no. A deed to a cemetery lot usually grants permission to use the ground. The cemetery still retains title to the ground. Such "Deeds" or "Titles" are maintained in the offices of the cemetery company. If a deed for a cemetery lot did in fact convey title, than it could be recorded in our office.

40. How can I check for liens against my property?

This is a complicated process that includes searches in several other County offices, including, potentially, the Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, Tax Claim Bureau, Register of Wills, and others. It is generally best to hire someone with a degree of expertise in this field.

41. How can I determine the location of old wells or water & sewer lines?

Records in the municipality in which your property is located may have this information. If they do not have it, you may be able to have a plumber trace your lines. The Recorder of Deeds does not have this type of information.

42. How can I trace ownership of my property?

Most deeds contain a section after the legal description of a property called the "recital". These clauses typically summarize how the current owner obtained title including the book and page number of any prior deeds. Once you have found your Deed, find the same information of the preceding transaction involving your property. Follow this process repeatedly and you can develop what is commonly referred to as a "Chain of Title." Recitals are not always correct and occasionally can be very complicated. It is best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field trace the ownership of your property.

43. How can I tell the age of my house?

A deed is typically intended to describe land, not buildings. It is possible that the township may have this information on file, depending on the age of the house. You can also check with the Chester County Historical Society. Also, the Chester County Office of Assessment may have information concerning more recent buildings.

44. How do I determine if relatives lived here years ago?

By checking the index books to see if their name appears in either the deed or mortgage books. Contact or visit the Chester County Historical Society for more information.

45. Why are microfilm copies made?

Microfilm is the mandated archival record for Recorder of Deeds' in Pennsylvania. A microfilm copy of each record is kept in our office for use by the public. Duplicates of the film are stored in an atomic-proof underground vault located in Western Pennsylvania. This is a safeguard against any catastrophic circumstance in our area. All records can be duplicated in the event the originals are damaged or destroyed.

46. What documents do you handle?

We handle as many as twenty-five different kinds of documents in addition to deeds and mortgages - including Notary Commissions, Power of Attorneys, Veteran Discharges, and filings under the Uniform Commercial Code.

47. Can I record my military discharge?

Yes. It is a good idea to record it in the event of loss. Contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs. They can ensure that your military discharge is recorded. We can provide you with a certified copy in the event you need it for various veteran benefits. There is no charge for this since the fee is paid by the county. Only the veteran, his family or a veteran organization official is permitted to look at these records.

48. How can I record my septic or sewer plan?

Prior to recording a septic plan, you will need to have approval from the Chester County Health Department. After the plan is approved, submit paperwork to the Bureau of Land Records for UPI# verification, and then to our office for recording.

49. How do I become a notary public?

Contact your PA State Senator or obtain information from the PA Department of State or the Pennsylvania Association of Notaries.

50. How do I find out about electronic recording?

For information on E-Recording[electronic recording] in Chester County, visit the E-Recording section of this website.

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Register of Wills

Show All Answers

1. Legal advice and information disclaimer

The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court frequently receive requests for assistance in preparing and/or filing forms required for a particular matter. Our staff are not permitted to offer opinions, directions or instructions on any matter that may be construed as legal advice. We provide, as required, many of the forms needed for estate administration, including the inheritance tax return. The offering of these forms is not a statement that no other forms are necessary or that those provided must be completed in every instance. The Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, acting as a conduit for the court, accepts filings for Orphans’ Court matters. The court, in accordance with federal, state and local rules and statutes, determines the correctness of the filings. The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court have prepared the information provided on this website. Nothing contained herein is intended to be legal advice or to offer any opinion of the legal remedies available or appropriate in any particular circumstance. It is hoped that the information presented will merely be useful in answering frequently asked questions concerning the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.

2. What are your office hours?

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, excluding holidays.  Please check the county website to see which days we will be closed.  Marriage applications and estate probates are accepted by appointment ONLY.  Please go to our main website at www.chesco.org/wills or call 610-344-6335 to make an appointment.  All other filings will be accepted until 4:15 pm.

Chester County Government Holidays

3. Can I request information by phone?

Yes. Call the office at 610-344-6335. If you provide a name, we will search our records for that name. If a record is found, a file number is provided. Once you know the file number, more detailed information can be requested by mail. There is a nominal fee depending on the type of information requested.

4. Can I request information by email?

Yes. Email us at [email protected] If you provide a name, we will search our records for that name. If a record is found, a file number is provided. Once you know the file number, more detailed information can be requested by mail. There is a nominal fee depending on the type of information requested.

5. How far back do your records go?

The records go back to 1924 for Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court. Marriage Licenses go back to 1930. Records are in various formats - paper, microfilm or scanned images. For records previous to these dates, contact the Chester County Archives Department at 610-344-6760 or visit chesco.org/archives.

6. What records are available to the public?

ALL records in the Register of Wills, Orphans’ Court and Marriage License Department are open to the public with the exception of adoptions or any other records impounded by court order. Public access to adoptions and other impounded records require a court order.

7. Can anyone obtain records from your office?

Yes. All non-impounded records are available to anyone. Copies of records are provided for a nominal fee.

8. What services does the Register of Wills provide?

The Register of Wills probates wills and appoints estate representatives for decedents who die with or without a will. Regardless of where the death occurred, the decedent MUST have been a legal resident of Chester County at the time of death. The Register of Wills also serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for filing and payment of inheritance taxes.

9. Are wills public record?

Yes.

10. What does it mean to register a will?

This is the process more correctly known as Probate of the Will. The procedure requires that the original will and, if applicable, codicil(s) be brought to our office. The document(s) are reviewed for proper execution. Details such as the original signatures of the decedent and witnesses are checked. Due to the complexities of proper execution, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney for the preparation and probate of a will.

11. Does a will get registered or filed after it is written?

No. A will is not registered until the person who wrote it (testator) dies. It is important that someone, usually (the executor) knows where the will is kept or the name of the attorney who prepared it.

12. Why is a will registered or probated?

There are many reasons to register or probate a will - chief among these is the need to transfer assets, e.g. real estate or personal property (cash, checking and savings accounts, etc.) from the decedent to beneficiaries.

13. What is probate?

Probate is the procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This term more commonly refers to the process in which a personal representative is appointed to administer the estate of the decedent.

14. What do the terms intestate and testate mean?

Simply put, intestate means the person died WITHOUT leaving a will. Testate means the person (testator) died leaving a will.

15. The decedent died without a will. What do I do?

If there are assets that must be transferred from the decedent to beneficiaries, you must come to the Register of Wills office. If you qualify, you may be appointed estate administrator.

16. What do the words "Open an Estate" mean?

This expression refers to the process in which an estate personal representative is appointed. A Petition for Probate and Grant of Letters is completed by the attorney or person qualifying as personal representative. The filing of this petition is the first step required to open an estate. The petition is available as a fill-in form on this website.

17. Is there a time limit or requirement to open an estate?

There is no time limit or requirement to open an estate unless or until a short certificate or proof of appointment is requested to transfer an asset from the decedent to a beneficiary. If it is more than 21 years after death, a court order is required.

18. What is a short certificate?

A short certificate is a document that is certified proof of the appointment of the estate personal representative (executor or administrator). It is required to gain access to the assets of the decedent. The term "short" certificate refers to the size of the document. The personal representative can request as many short certificates as necessary to complete the estate administration. There is no time limit to request extra short certificates.

19. Why do you keep the original will?

We are required by law to retain the original will and codicil(s). Since all records in this office are permanent, that is kept "forever," the document(s) will always be available in paper form or as microfilm or scanned images. It is recommended that you make a copy of the original document(s) for your records before you come to the office.

20. I cannot find the original will. I only have a copy. What can I do?

A petition to admit a copy of the will to probate is required. This petition is not provided by this office. We strongly suggest that you contact an attorney for the form of the petition that must be prepared and presented to the Register of Wills to accept a copy of the will for probate.

21. What are Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration?

"Letters" is a formal document appointing the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. If the decedent died with a Will, the document is referred to as Letters Testamentary. If the person died without a will, the document is called Letters of Administration. Estate administration typically requires more than this one document certifying the appointment of the personal representative. Rather than the formal letters, short certificates are provided as proof that the letters were issued by the Register of Wills.

22. Do I need an attorney to apply for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration?

No, however, due to the complexity of the process, it is strongly recommended that an attorney be engaged. This office provides the form for the Petition for Letters and other forms that may be required but cannot offer any direction or legal advice as to the preparation.

23. Who can be appointed administrator?

The order of appointment is very detailed and specific. Usually, the spouse is the first one to qualify. If there is no spouse, then the children can apply to be appointed. These situations often require the advice of an attorney.

24. What do I need when I come to the office to open the estate?

• Original will (and codicil(s), if applicable)---If the decedent had one. This office keeps the original documents.
• Death certificate (In some instances, other legal proof of death may be accepted until the death certificate is available)
• Person(s) who qualify as executor(s) or administrator(s). photo I.D. is required.
• Approximate value of the decedent’s estate. This is the value, as of date of death, of the real estate and personal property of the decedent. You must determine what items constitute the decedent’s estate. The staff may not assist you with this valuation. We suggest you consider this before you come into the office and discuss this matter with a professional, if necessary.
• Check, credit card, or cash for probate fees. This amount varies based on the value of the decedent’s estate as discussed in #4. See fee schedule.

Please be advised that this list is not all inclusive. There may be other forms or actions required that cannot be determined until the documents provided are reviewed by this office.

25. Does your office assist in the preparation of the inheritance tax return?

No. This office functions only as an agent for the filing of the Inheritance Tax Return and the payment of the inheritance tax. This means that we accept the return and payment and send them to the Commonwealth. The staff is not trained to give direction or advice concerning the correct completion of the return or calculation of the tax. If you have questions that are not answered in the return instruction booklet, you should contact an attorney or an accountant for assistance. The Inheritance Tax Booklet with instructions is provided by this office at the time that the Estate is opened. To download forms and instructions from the Inheritance Tax Department, visit http://www.revenue.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

Download forms and instructions

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Register of Wills/Orphans' Court - General

Show All Answers

1. Legal advice and information disclaimer

The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court frequently receive requests for assistance in preparing and/or filing forms required for a particular matter. Our staff are not permitted to offer opinions, directions or instructions on any matter that may be construed as legal advice. The Register of Wills provides, as required, many of the forms needed for estate administration, including the Inheritance Tax Return. The offering of these forms is not a statement that no other forms are necessary or that those provided must be completed in every instance. The Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, acting as a conduit for the Court, accepts filings for Orphans’ Court matters. The Court, in accordance with federal, state and local rules and statutes, determines the correctness of the filings. The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court have prepared the information provided on this website. Nothing contained herein is intended to be legal advice or to offer any opinion of the legal remedies available or appropriate in any particular circumstance. It is hoped that the information presented will merely be useful in answering frequently asked questions concerning the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.

2. Where is your office?

The office is on the second floor, Suite 2200, of the Chester County Justice Center, located at 201 West Market Street in West Chester, PA.

3. What are your hours?

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, excluding holidays.  Please check the county website to see which days we will be closed.  Marriage applications and estate probates are accepted by appointment ONLY.  Please go to our main website at www.chesco.org/wills or call 610-344-6335 to make an appointment. All other filings will be accepted until 4:15 pm.

Chester County Government Holidays

4. Can I request information by phone?

Yes. Call the office at 610-344-6335. If you provide a name, we will search our records for that name. If a record is found, a file number is provided. Once you know the file number, more detailed information can be requested by mail. There is a nominal fee depending on the type of information requested.

5. Can I request information by email?

Yes, email us at [email protected] If you provide a name, we will search our records for that name. If a record is found, a file number is provided. Once you know the file number, more detailed information can be requested by mail. There is a nominal fee depending on the type of information requested.

6. How far back do your records go?

The records go back to 1924 for Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court. Marriage licenses go back to 1930. Records are in various formats-paper, microfilm or scanned images. For records before those years, contact the Chester County Archives Department at 610-344-6760 or visit chesco.org/archives.

7. What records are available to the public?

ALL records in the Register of Wills, Orphans’ Court and Marriage License Department are open to the public with the exception of adoptions or any other records impounded by court order. Public access to adoptions and other impounded records require a court order.

8. Can anyone obtain records from your office?

Yes. All non-impounded records are available to anyone. Copies of records are provided for a nominal fee.

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Sheriff's Real Estate Sales

Show All Answers

1. When and where do Sheriff Real Estate Sales take place?

Sales are held on the third Thursday of the month, January through November. There is no sale in December. All sales begin at 11:00 a.m. and are conducted online via Bid4Assets.

2. How can I obtain a list of the properties to be sold?

Listings are posted, and printed listing books are available, in the Sheriff’s Office in Suite 1201 of the Chester County Justice Center, located at 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA.

Listings are advertised in the three weeks leading up to every sale in the Chester County Law Reporter, the Daily Local newspaper, and the Chester County Press newspaper.

Listings are posted and updated on our website under “Sheriff Real Estate Sales Information”.

3. Can I inspect a listed property prior to the Sheriff Real Estate Sale?

No. Sheriff Sale properties are not available for inspection prior to sale.

4. Do I need an attorney in order to purchase a property at a Sheriff Real Estate Sale?

No. Attorney representation is not required to purchase a property. However, you may wish to consult an attorney with expertise in this field as there are numerous legal issues that accompany the purchase of real estate at the Sheriff Sale.

5. How do I purchase a property at a Sheriff Real Estate Sale?

In order to bid on a Sheriff Sale, registration is required to participate in the Bid4Assets online auction at least 7 days prior to sale date.  A $35.00 non-refundable registration fee paid to Bid4Assets is required, along with a $10,000.00 deposit. Please visit the Bid4Assets website for more information, including our Conditions of Sale.

6. How will I know how much to bid on a property?

The minimum bid price, also called the upset price, is set by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s attorney. These upset prices can be obtained by contacting the plaintiff’s attorney of record on the day before the sale or can be viewed, once uploaded by plaintiff's attorney on the Chester County landing page on Bid4Assets. 

Contact information for plaintiff’s attorneys is in our website database under “Sheriff Real Estate Sales Information”. The Sheriff’s Office does not set or publish the upset prices.

7. Do Sheriff Real Estate Sales differ from Tax Sales or Judicial Sales?

Yes. There are significant differences between Sheriff Sales and Tax Sales or Judicial Sales. For information regarding Tax Sales or Judicial Sales, contact the Chester County Tax Claim Bureau at (610) 344-6360.

8. Can I get legal advice from anyone in the Sheriff’s Office?

No. No Sheriff’s Office employee is permitted to give legal advice; we can assist with factual and procedural questions. You may wish to consult an attorney for any issues related to Sheriff’s Sales or other matters involving the Sheriff’s Office, and you can reach out to the Chester County Bar Association for a referral at www.chescobar.org. If you have financial constraints, you can contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA at www.lasp.org. You may also choose to conduct your own legal research by visiting the public Law Library located in the Justice Center at 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA.

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Tax Claim / Tax Lien

Show All Answers

1. This is the first notice I’ve received about delinquent taxes - why didn’t I receive the original tax bill?

Tax Claim is not a taxing authority and does not issue real estate tax bills. Please contact the Chester County Treasurer (610-344-6370) or your school district/municipality business office concerning original bills.

2. I am not able to pay the full amount of delinquent taxes - can I make partial payments?

While Tax Claim encourages you to pay delinquent taxes as soon as possible to minimize additional interest costs, you have approximately sixteen months after your taxes become delinquent to pay off the balance. Making partial payments each month helps many taxpayers manage the process.

3. Can I make payments in cash?

Yes, however for your safety and ours we advise you to pay balances over $1,000 with a check or money order.

4. To whom should checks be made payable?

“Chester County Tax Claim Bureau” - Tax Claim is unable to accept third party checks made payable to other taxing authorities. Such checks will be returned.

5. Where can I make payment?

Visit Tax Claim at or mail to: 313 West Market Street Suite 3602 West Chester, PA 19380 Pay online at: Government - Departments - Tax Claim Bureau - Online Payments

6. Can penalties be waived?

No, penalties are added by taxing authorities and Tax Claim has no authority to remove them.

7. What is the interest rate on my unpaid balance?

Three quarters of one percent per month or 9% per annum, calculated on the first of each month.

8. What are the fees?

If one tax is delinquent, the fee is $35.
If two taxes are delinquent the fee is $50.
If all three taxes are delinquent, the fee is $65.
If your property is advertised in the newspaper, there is an additional fee of $75.
If your property is posted by the Sheriff’s Department, there is an additional fee of $75 per posting.

9. What is the Upset Sale?

It is the sale of properties that have delinquent taxes that are at least two years old. The Upset Sale takes place on the second Monday of September each year.

10. What is the Judicial Sale?

It is the sale of properties that were exposed during the Upset Sale but did not sell. A legal process is followed to remove any liens from such properties and they are offered for sale the following year lien and tax free.

11. What is the repository list?

It is a list of properties that have been through the upset and judicial sales but did not sell. As such, they are offered lien and tax free. The repository list and information on how to submit a bid can be found on this website.

12. Can I make an agreement to stop the sale of my property?

Agreements are only for properties that will be eligible for the current year Upset Sale (see “What is the Upset Sale?”). Therefore, properties with less than two years of delinquent taxes are not considered for an agreement. Agreements to stop the sale are for a one-year period, are not considered until June of each year and are at the sole discretion of the Director of Tax Claim.

13. When will my parcel be published in the paper?

All properties eligible for the Upset Sale (see “What is the Upset Sale?”) will be published in July and are published in the Daily Local News, Chester County Law Reporter and Chester County Press.

14. Why was my property posted by the Sheriff’s Department?

Your property was posted because Tax Claim did not receive a property owner-signed card back from the certified mailing of March or because the property is eligible for Upset Sale (see “What is the Upset Sale?”). Posting can be avoided by signing the certified mailing or paying all taxes delinquent two or more years by the last business day in June.

15. What is an interim assessment?

An interim assessment is derived from a straightforward mathematical calculation. Simply put, the interim assessment represents the value difference (increase) attributable to any assessable improvement to the land. It is important to note that an interim assessment is the difference between the prior and the revised total assessments. These assessable improvements include, but are not limited to; new construction of a primary structure (dwelling or other building type), the addition to any such structure and the construction of secondary improvements such as swimming pools, garages, barns, etc.

16. When is an interim assessment effective?

An interim assessment is generally effective when the improvement is complete and is retroactive to the first month following completion (ex: completed March 7th will be effective for April & forward). The effective date may be ascertained via several methods; as reported on the Use and Occupancy Permit (assuming that it is provided by the municipality), as implied by the instrument (deed) date or as might be “discovered” by an assessor, in the field.

17. How are interim assessments reported?

After the value of the improvement is calculated by an assessor and the interim assessment is derived, an Assessment Change Notice is processed by the Assessment Office. This Notice indicates the reason for the change in assessment, the previous assessment, the new assessment, the interim assessment and the effective date. The Notice is sent to the taxpayer and the assessment change data is sent to the taxing authorities (County Treasurer, school district and municipality). The taxing authorities will then issue tax bills for the increase in the assessment.

18. What is the procedure if a taxpayer does not agree with the assessment and/or the effective date?

If the taxpayer does not agree with the assessment and/or effective date, he/she has the right to file a Notice of Intention of Appeal with the Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals. This Notice of Intention of Appeal must be filed on or before the last day to appeal as indicated on the Assessment Change Notice. The last day to appeal, as indicated, pertains to both the assessment and the effective date. Upon receipt of the Notice, the Board of Assessment Appeals will schedule an appeal hearing and notify the taxpayer and the taxing authorities of the date and time. The taxpayer should be prepared to provide documentation and/or exhibits in support of his/her opinion of value and/or documentation to ascertain a “date certain” for the effective date, if this is at issue. In the event that the taxpayer remains dissatisfied after the Board’s action, further appeal can be taken to the Court of Common Pleas.

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Treasurer

Show All Answers

1. To whom do I make checks payable?

All checks must be made out to "Chester County Treasurer".

2. When are tax bills sent out?

The Chester County tax bills will be sent out on January 17th. Municipal bills will be sent out February 2nd.

3. What are the tax due dates for annual County taxes?

For County annual tax bills, we have three payment periods after the tax bills are mailed on January 15:

1. 60 day 2% discount period from Feb 1st.

2. Face value due during the 60 days after the discount payment period.

3. Payment made after the face value date incurs a 10 % penalty for payments made up to December 31 of current year.

4. When is the absolute last day I can pay my Chester County Tax?

The last date for payment must be postmarked or paid by December 31st of the current year, no later. No exceptions.

5. To whom are tax bills usually sent?

Tax bills are normally sent to person on record listed as the property owner. However, if your property is mortgaged, one of two billing events can occur: 

1. Electronically Billed: If the property owner has a mortgage, and the mortgage company (or a tax service company working on behalf of the mortgage company) has arranged for electronic billing, then the bank/mortgage company/service company receives the bill electronically. The property owner's payment is normally through escrowed funds withheld during the mortgage payment process. The property owner does not receive a copy of the bill. 
2. Tax bill is mailed directly to the property owner: The tax bill is sent to the property owner, who is then responsible for sending the bill to the mortgage company for payment.

6. What should I do if I'm a property owner who does not have a mortgage and did not receive a tax bill?

The ultimate responsibility for payment of the real estate tax in Chester County rests with the property owner even though they may not have received their tax bill. If you have not received a tax bill, contact our office and speak with a representative about how to correct the problem. If there has been a change of address, and this is causing your tax bill to be mailed to an incorrect address, the property owner must contact the County Assessment Office to complete the required forms to change the mailing address. Also, it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Treasurer's Office of the address change so that the tax bill can be mailed to the correct address.

7. How do I get my address changed for tax billing purposes?

You must send a written request to the Assessment Office, 313 W. Market St., Ste. 4202, PO Box 2748, West Chester, PA 19380.

8. What alternatives are there for paying my tax bill?

You can pay online, via postal mail, or in person. Tax bill payments are also accepted at any Chester County branch of S&T. For more information, visit the Treasurer's Office website.

9. Can I pay my Township or School taxes at the Treasurer's Office?

The Chester County Treasurer collects for some townships and boroughs but not for school districts. The authority for your school tax is the school district in which you reside. Any township tax imposed on your residence is under the authority of your local municipality. Municipalities collected by the Chester County Treasurer (listed by municipal number and name):

01 - West Chester Borough
06 - Oxford Borough
07 - Atglen Borough
09 - South Coatesville Borough
10 - Modena Borough
12 - Honey Brook Borough
22 - Honey Brook Township
28 - West Caln Township
29 - West Brandywine Township
32 - Upper Uwchlan
34 - West Pikeland Township
38 - Valley Township
40 - East Caln
35 - Charlestown Township
47 - East Fallowfield Township
50 - West Bradford Township
51 - East Bradford Township
53 - East Goshen
54 - Willistown Township
55 - Easttown Township
56 - Lower Oxford Township
58 - Penn Township
60 - New Garden Township
63 - Pocopson Township
65 - Birmingham Township
72 - Franklin Township

10. What is the current millage rate?

The current county tax rate is 4.551.

11. Is Chester County Government the tax authority for a Local Earned Income Tax?

No, Chester County Government is not the tax authority for the Local Earned Income Tax. This tax is imposed by local cities, boroughs, townships and the like, and may vary from community to community. The PA Department of Community & Economic Development website contains specific information about the many local taxing authorities throughout the state. Please contact your local township/borough with any questions regarding the Local Earned Income Tax.

12. How can I obtain a receipt as proof of payment?

Simply provide the top portion of your tax bill along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, when mailing your payment. The top portion is stamped "PAID", and returned to you via postal mail.

13. How long it takes to process a Tax Certification request?

A tax certification applied for in person is completed while you wait. For a tax certification by mail, the process takes one to two weeks from the date the request is received. An online application will be emailed the next day. We do not accept tax certifications by fax.

14. If I fax my completed Tax Certification form to the office, will it speed up the process?

No. Please do not fax requests for a tax certification. The request form must include payment, or the request will not be processed. Also, we do not fax-back any tax certifications.

15. What is the Hotel Room Rental Tax, and how does the County use the money?

Under Chester County Ordinance #2019-2, every business holding itself out as a “hotel” must apply a 5% tax  to each and every rental of a room with a bed. Other communities throughout the country sometimes refer to this type of tax as a bed tax, lodging tax, occupancy tax or transiency tax. Depending on the size or class of the county and the intended use of the collected revenue, some counties may apply a higher tax rate. In Chester County all but 4% of collected hotel tax dollars is paid over to the Chester County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The intended purpose is to provide the CCCVB with enough funding to allow them to market Chester County in a highly competitive tourism market. The process is cyclical in nature. That is, we generate revenue through taxes from transients in order to successfully promote our community to those we hope will return again.

16. Who must register for Hotel Room Rental Tax?

Anyone, who intends to rent a room with a bed in Chester County to anyone else for periods of less than 30 consecutive nights, meets the legal definition of “hotel”.

17. How do I register my hotel (motel, bed & breakfast business, inn, guest house)?

Complete the Hotel Room Rental Tax Registration Form  and send to the Office of the Treasurer.

18. What is the Hotel Tax rate?

The Hotel Room Rental Tax in Chester County is 5% of the gross room rental charge.
If breakfast is included as part of the room rate, the rate is 4.65%

19. Is anyone exempt from the Hotel Room Rental Tax?

Permanent residents, anyone occupying or possessing the right to occupy a room, for 30 consecutive nights or longer, are exempt. PA State and Federal employees, on official business, are also exempt.

20. Where can I find hotel tax forms?

Hotel Tax Forms

21. When is the Hotel Tax due?

Hotels must submit a tax report by midnight of the 25th day after the close of each calendar month. If your mailing is post-marked before the 25th day of the subsequent month, you will be on time and avoid a penalty.

22. How often must I file a hotel tax report?

All hotels must submit a Hotel Room Rental Tax Report on a monthly basis, unless they meet the requirements of Resolution 40.01, which allows for quarterly reporting if certain criteria are met. Contact the Hotel Tax Auditor to see if you qualify.

23. What is the meal exemption?

The meal exemption was intended to provide a small measure of tax relief to those whose hotel bill includes a meal and a room in the same basic charge. The exemption applies to only that portion of the charge, which addresses the meal. Because this charge is not separately identifiable, the allowable exemption rate is stated on the Hotel Room Rental Tax Report. This exemption should NOT be treated as a discount, nor is it intended to serve as an additional source of revenue to the hotelier. If this is difficult to apply, contact the Hotel Tax Auditor for assistance.

24. If I purchase my hunting license in January, is it good for the entire year?

Hunting licenses are issued for a fiscal year. Your license will expire on June 30 of the same calendar year.

25. Can I purchase a fishing license online?

Yes, you can purchase a license online through the PA Fish & Boat Commission or at a local sporting goods retailer if they are a state agent for the sale of fishing or hunting licenses.

26. Who can purchase a lifetime fishing license?

You must be a Pennsylvania resident 65 years of age, or older to apply for a lifetime license.

27. Do all dogs need to be licensed?

All dogs, 3 months of age or older, are required by the State of Pennsylvania to have a valid dog license. Lack of compliance could result in a fine of up to $300.

28. Where can I purchase a dog license?

Dog licenses can be purchased online, at the Treasurer's Office and at other locations throughout Chester County. Visit our Dog License page for options.  

29. Do I have to renew my dog license every year?

Dog licenses can be purchased for a calendar year and then renewed annually, or you can purchase a lifetime license if your dog is microchipped. For details, visit our website.

30. Are reduced rates available to seniors or the disabled for Dog Licenses?

Yes. 

• Senior Citizens: Adults 65 or older qualify for a discount rate; be sure to include your complete birth date on the application. Proof of age is not required with a signed application.
• Disabled Citizens: Those who provide proof of a disability are eligible for a discount rate. Acceptable forms of disability include a copy of a "letter of award" of Social Security benefits, a copy of a "wallet card" for a parking placard, or a letter from a physician.

31. What should I do if I find a lost dog?

If a lost dog is found, please contact the Treasurer's Office  at 610-344-6370 during normal business hours (8:30am-4:30pm) and provide the tag number and the year on the front of the tag. If you find a dog outside of regular business hours, call the Chester County SPCA at 610-692-6113. They may be able to shelter the dog until the owner can be found. 

32. Can anyone purchase a license for Small Games of Chance or Bingo?

No, licenses are only available to not-for-profit organizations.

33. Does my application for Small Games of Chance & Bingo have to be notarized?

Yes.

34. If I have a concealed weapon's permit, do I still need a pistol permit?

No.

35. If I am a non-resident, can I still apply for a Pennsylvania Pistol Permit?

Yes.

36. What can I do if I lose my pistol permit?

A replacement permit can be obtained for a $6 fee. Visit our website for details.

37. I received a check from the Office of The Treasurer of Chester County and I do not know why.

Refunds for overpayment or duplicate payments can occur. If you are in doubt as to why you received a check, please contact us at 610-344-6370 or email.

38. I received a check for $100 and the name of my deceased relative appears on the stub. What is this amount for, and why did I receive it?

The check may represent the amount provided as a one-time death benefit for veterans of the Armed Forces. All inquiries for this activity should be directed to the Department of Veterans' Affairs at 610-344-6375.

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Treasurer - Bingo

Show All Answers

1. What law governs the conduct of Bingo?

The Pennsylvania Bingo Law (the Law), 10 P.S. §§301-308.1, was passed in 1981. The Law allows certain nonprofit associations, known as “Associations”, to conduct Bingo for the purpose of raising funds for “Charitable” and “Civic” purposes.

2. Who can apply for and be granted a Bingo License?

A license cannot be granted to an individual. Only an “association” as defined in the Bingo Law, 10 P.S. §§301-308.1, can apply. Members of interested associations should refer to §303 of the Law which can be viewed or downloaded from this site, to see if their association is eligible for licensing.

3. How long is a license valid?

All licenses are valid for one year from date of issue. An association applying for a three consecutive day license must specify the dates they intend to conduct bingo and an association granted a three consecutive day license cannot apply for and be granted any other bingo license for one year from the date of issue of the three consecutive day license.

4. Can an eligible association permit its license to be used by another association to play bingo?

No, only the association in whose name the license is issued may conduct bingo.

5. Can anyone from the association bring the application and documentation to the Treasurer’s Office?

Yes, as long as they are a “bona fide member” of the association as defined by the Law and the application has been completed in its entirety, is signed by the President (Executive Officer) or Secretary of the association and the application is notarized.

6. Will documentation that must accompany a license application be returned?

No, it will be filed by the Treasurer with the application and becomes public information.

7. Must the association provide the documentation listed on Page 2 of the application each time application is made for a license.

Provided there have been no changes to the documentation and no lapse in the license, the documentation does not have to be provided unless specifically asked for by the County Treasurer's Office. However, an application must be prepared each time a license is renewed. The completed, signed and notarized application, along with those records that the association is required to keep concerning its conduct of bingo, must be brought to the County Treasurer’s Office for review.

8. Who investigates violations of the Bingo Law?

The district attorney is responsible for investigating violations of the Law, however, any State, county or local law enforcement official is empowered to investigate violations of the Law.

9. Where can bingo be played?

Bingo, with one exception, may only be played at the association’s “licensed premises” (regular place of business, or other location specifically listed on the association’s application for license). Each association must list its “licensed premises” on its license application. An association may conduct bingo at the association’s exposition, carnival or fair site for a period not to exceed ten days.

10. Are their age restrictions on who can play bingo?

Yes. No person under 18 years of age shall be permitted to play bingo unless accompanied by an adult.

11. Must an association maintain records concerning its conduct of bingo?

Yes. §305 (c) (7) of the Law states: “Each association shall keep written records of the moneys and merchandise collected and distributed for each day they conduct bingo. These records shall indicate the total proceeds collected, the total prize money distributed, the total value of all merchandise awarded as a prize and the amount of moneys paid as rentals or wages and to whom such rentals or wages were paid. All prizes awarded having a value greater than $250 shall be specifically described in the association's records”. In addition, §305 (c) (8) of the Law states: “Each association shall deposit with a financial institution all proceeds for each day's bingo game in an account in the association's name. This deposit shall be made before any of the proceeds may be used for any other purpose, except for payment of prize money and compensation to members employed in the operation of the game”.

12. Are there limitations on what an association may use the proceeds of bingo for?

Yes. The Law permits the proceeds to be used for only “charitable purposes” or “civic purposes” as defined in §303 of the Law.

13. Are there limits on prizes?

Yes there are very specific prize limits. §305 (c) (3) of the Law states: “Prizes awarded shall not exceed a value of $500 for any one game of bingo, except for jackpot games which shall not exceed a value of $4,000 for one such game. In addition, no more than $8,000 in prizes shall be awarded in any calendar day”.

14. Are there limits on how often an association can conduct bingo?

No. According to House Bill 411 there are no longer any limits to how often a licensed association may hold bingo.

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Youth Center

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1. How do I have my child admitted into the Youth Center?

Only youth who are under the jurisdiction of the Chester County Juvenile Probation Department, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the Chester County Court of Common Pleas may be authorized for admission to the programs.

2. When are visiting hours and who is permitted to visit?

Detention visiting hours are scheduled twice weekly. Parents and guardians will be notified during their child’s admission process of these times.

3. Are there any employment opportunities available at the Youth Center?

When opportunities are available, they are posted online. Job Opportunities