About Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County is nestled in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, carved through the Pocono Mountains and the Wyoming Valley region. Covering approximately 459 square miles, the county is defined by its rugged Appalachian terrain, the winding Lackawanna River, and a patchwork of dense forests, former mining towns, and suburban neighborhoods. The landscape reflects the county's layered history — from Indigenous Lenape territory to colonial settlement to one of the most heavily industrialized regions in 19th and early 20th century America. Today, the county blends its gritty industrial heritage with a more modern, service-oriented identity, making it a distinctive corner of the Keystone State. With a population of approximately 215,896 residents, Lackawanna County is one of the more densely populated counties in Pennsylvania outside of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Its county seat, Scranton, serves as the economic and civic hub of the region and gained national cultural recognition as the fictional setting of the long-running television series 'The Office.' Beyond pop culture, Scranton is a genuine urban center offering hospitals, universities, government services, and a growing downtown scene. Smaller communities such as Carbondale, Dunmore, Jessup, and Archbald round out the county's municipal landscape, each with its own distinct character shaped by waves of immigrant labor from Ireland, Italy, Poland, and beyond. The economy of Lackawanna County has undergone a significant transformation since the collapse of the anthracite coal industry in the mid-20th century. Healthcare, education, retail, logistics, and government services now form the backbone of the local workforce. Major employers include Geisinger Community Medical Center, the University of Scranton, Commonwealth Health, and a growing number of distribution and call center operations drawn by the county's proximity to major Interstate corridors including I-81 and I-84. Tourism tied to the Pocono Mountains, Delaware Water Gap, and the region's anthracite heritage also contributes meaningfully to the local economy, attracting visitors year-round and supporting hospitality and service industries throughout the county.

Practice Areas in Lackawanna County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County is served by several layers of courts that handle matters ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious felony cases. The Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, located at 200 North Washington Avenue in Scranton, is the county's primary trial court and handles civil litigation, criminal felony cases, family law matters including divorce and custody, orphans' court proceedings such as adoptions and estates, and juvenile cases. Below the Court of Common Pleas sit several magisterial district courts — commonly called magistrate or district justice courts — spread across the county, which handle preliminary hearings in criminal matters, small claims disputes up to $12,000, landlord-tenant evictions, and minor traffic and summary offenses. Pennsylvania's appellate courts, including the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, are located in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh but hear appeals arising from Lackawanna County decisions. The Lackawanna County Clerk of Courts office, also located in Scranton at the courthouse, maintains records for criminal and civil proceedings and is an important resource for anyone navigating the local court system.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Lackawanna County

In Lackawanna County, as throughout Pennsylvania, the vast majority of legal matters — including family law, criminal cases under state statutes, landlord-tenant disputes, and personal injury claims — are handled by Pennsylvania state courts, primarily the Court of Common Pleas. However, when a legal issue involves a federal question such as civil rights violations, federal criminal charges, immigration matters, Social Security disability appeals, or disputes between parties from different states involving amounts over $75,000, the case falls under federal jurisdiction and is heard by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which serves Lackawanna County. That federal court is headquartered at the William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at 235 North Washington Avenue in Scranton — notably just steps from the county courthouse — making Scranton one of the few mid-sized American cities where both state and federal trial courts sit in close proximity. Understanding whether your legal matter belongs in state or federal court is a critical first step, and an experienced attorney can help ensure your case is filed in the correct venue.

Common Legal Situations in Lackawanna County

Residents of Lackawanna County encounter a wide range of legal situations shaped by the county's demographics, economy, and geography. Traffic and DUI offenses are among the most frequent matters handled in the magisterial district courts, particularly given the volume of commuters and commercial traffic along I-81 and surrounding highways. Family law issues — including divorce, child custody disputes, child support modifications, and protection from abuse orders — represent a large portion of Court of Common Pleas filings, reflecting the stresses faced by families in any mid-sized post-industrial community. Criminal defense matters, ranging from drug possession and theft charges to more serious felonies, are a consistent area of need, as are landlord-tenant disputes that arise in Scranton's dense rental housing market. Workers in healthcare, logistics, and service industries frequently encounter employment law issues such as wage theft, workplace discrimination, and workers' compensation claims. Estate planning, probate administration, and Social Security disability appeals are also common concerns given the county's aging population, and personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall incidents on winter-slicked sidewalks are a year-round legal reality in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Why Go To Court for Lackawanna County Legal Matters

Go To Court offers Lackawanna County residents a reliable and accessible path to quality legal representation, no matter where they are in the county or what time a legal issue arises. Our 24/7 free legal hotline means you can speak with a knowledgeable team member whether your concern comes up on a Monday morning or a Saturday night, removing one of the biggest barriers people face when trying to get legal help. Our experienced team understands the local courts, the judges, and the particular legal landscape of northeastern Pennsylvania, giving clients a meaningful advantage from the outset of their matter. With fixed-fee pricing options coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making legal services transparent and affordable for everyday Lackawanna County residents and families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Lackawanna County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Lackawanna County, you have the option to pay the fine, plead not guilty and request a hearing before a magisterial district judge, or consult with an attorney about contesting the charges. Certain violations, including those that carry significant points on your driving record or risk license suspension, may be worth fighting with legal help. An experienced traffic attorney can sometimes negotiate reduced charges or have citations dismissed, potentially saving you money on fines and insurance increases.

How does the child custody process work in Lackawanna County?

Child custody matters in Lackawanna County are handled by the Court of Common Pleas in Scranton, and Pennsylvania law encourages both parents to be involved in a child's life when it is in the child's best interest. Parties may be required to attend custody conciliation conferences before a judge hears the case, and the court will ultimately base any custody order on a broad set of factors focused on the child's welfare. Whether you are initiating a custody case, seeking to modify an existing order, or responding to a filing by the other parent, having an attorney represent your interests can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Can I expunge a criminal record in Pennsylvania if I was arrested in Scranton?

Pennsylvania law does allow for the expungement of certain criminal records, including arrests that did not lead to conviction, summary offenses after a period of five years, and some other limited circumstances. More recently, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Act has enabled the automatic sealing of certain low-level, non-violent offense records after a period of ten years without additional criminal activity. If you are unsure whether your Lackawanna County record qualifies for expungement or sealing, speaking with an attorney is the best first step.

What are my rights if my Scranton-area landlord tries to evict me?

In Pennsylvania, a landlord must follow a specific legal process to evict a tenant, beginning with proper written notice and, if the tenant does not comply, filing a complaint in the local magisterial district court. Tenants have the right to appear at the eviction hearing and present a defense, which might include disputing the reason for eviction, asserting that rent was paid, or raising the issue of the landlord's failure to maintain the property in habitable condition. If you receive an eviction notice in Lackawanna County, you should act quickly and consider speaking with an attorney, as the timelines involved are short.

How do I start the process of filing for divorce in Lackawanna County?

To file for divorce in Lackawanna County, a petition must be filed with the Court of Common Pleas in Scranton, and Pennsylvania allows for both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. In a no-fault divorce, both spouses can consent to the divorce after a 90-day waiting period, or either spouse can seek divorce after the parties have been separated for at least one year. Issues such as property division, spousal support, and child custody are often resolved as part of the overall divorce process, and having an attorney helps ensure your rights and financial interests are fully protected throughout.

Neighbouring Counties

Lackawanna County is bordered by Wayne County to the north and east, Monroe County to the southeast, Luzerne County to the south, Columbia County to the southwest, and Susquehanna County to the northwest.