Clerk of Orphans’ Court

The Clerk of Orphans' Court is an elected official who serves as Clerk of Orphans' Court and Register of Wills.

The responsibilities of the Clerk of the Orphans' Court include the maintaining of dockets and files for petitions for incapacitated persons, appointment of guardians, adoptions (which records are confidential) and any other issues which may come before the Orphans' Court Division. The Clerk of the Orphans' Court is also responsible for preparing and maintaining documents pertaining to Orphans' Court proceedings, as well as assisting the Judge of the Orphans' Court regarding proceedings. The Clerk's office is also responsible for taking applications for and issuing marriage licenses.

Birth and death records from 1893 through 1906 are maintained by the Clerk of the Orphans' Court in the County Archives Department. Birth and death records of individuals born after 1906 are kept on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 101 South Mercer Street, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101.

The Clerk of Orphans' Court is located on the second floor of the York County Judicial Center, 45 N George Street York, PA 17401 and may be reached at 717-771-9288.

The office of Clerk of Orphans' Court is open for the transaction of business (i.e. marriage applications/licenses, filings) weekdays from 8 am to 4:15 pm.

Attention: No cell phones, pagers, weapons, or cameras are permitted in the York County Judicial Center. View a for a full list of prohibited items.