When searching for Lawrence County public records, you can avoid some extra time and work by including the county name in your search rather than searching the whole state of Pennsylvania for the documents you need. In this case, for instance, you are seeking public records in Lawrence County, so you could skip the statewide search.

Even the most basic data like Lawrence County birth records, Lawrence County divorce records, and other documents were once hard to get. To get them, you would have needed to request them in writing from local offices or visit in person. But if the records even existed, you may not have been allowed access to them.

All of that has changed thanks to a fairly recent law. In 2008, Pennsylvania passed what’s called the “Right to Know” Law which makes getting these types of documents easier. The law actually guarantees your rights to access many types of documents that may not have been available to you before. Logistically it is also much easier to get what you need thanks to online availability of public records. Now you may be able to access such documents as Lawrence County birth records, marriage records, divorce records, criminal records, and death records.

The Pennsylvania “Right to Know” Law Makes Public Record Research Easy

Any citizen, including media, private investigators, genealogists and others can use Pennsylvania’s 2008 “Right to Know” Law to access Lawrence County public records. In the past, some counties might have given access to certain types of documents while others may have prohibited it. That has changed now that the law spells out which records you have rights to see. In fact, if you are denied access to records that the law states you have a right to access, you can take it to court.

Restricted Information Under Pennsylvania’s “Right to Know” Law

Some types of information are still protected from any member of the public viewing them. Examples are RNA and DNA reports as well as information that could be used for fraud and identity theft, like your driver’s license number or Social Security Number. Some people’s home addresses are also protected, like judges and law enforcement agents, to protect them from possible retribution from criminals. Also, if you have ever applied for a job and been turned down, those kinds of records are not considered public and will not be available to people searching for information.

Searching for Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, Public Records Today

The easiest way to find Lawrence County public records is with an online search. Many databases are available that will provide birth, death, marriage, divorce, criminal and other records. You could start with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records website to see if what you need is there. Lawrence County also has a website where you may find documents, or you can simply call the county office to find out how exactly to access the public records you’re looking for.