About Lancaster County

Lancaster County is nestled in the heart of south-central Pennsylvania, encompassing approximately 949 square miles of some of the most productive and scenic farmland in the eastern United States. The county is bounded by the Susquehanna River to the west, which forms a natural border with York County, and stretches eastward through rolling hills, fertile valleys, and historic townships that have shaped its identity for centuries. Lancaster County is renowned for its patchwork of Plain community farmsteads, covered bridges, and classic Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, making it one of the most visited rural destinations in the country while simultaneously functioning as a thriving modern region. With a population of approximately 552,984 residents, Lancaster County ranks among the most populous counties in Pennsylvania and continues to experience steady growth. The county is home to a remarkably diverse population, blending longtime Amish and Mennonite communities with a growing Latino population—particularly concentrated in the city of Lancaster—as well as an influx of residents relocating from Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey drawn by the county's relatively affordable cost of living and quality of life. This demographic diversity enriches the cultural fabric of the region and presents a wide range of community needs and services. The county seat, the City of Lancaster, serves as the economic and civic hub of the region. Lancaster's economy is multifaceted, supported by healthcare and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, agriculture, and a burgeoning tourism industry. Major employers include Lancaster General Health (part of Penn Medicine), Armstrong World Industries, and numerous agribusiness operations. The county's agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of its identity, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually through dairy, poultry, and crop production. Lancaster has also experienced a revitalization of its downtown corridor, with a thriving arts scene, restaurants, and small businesses establishing it as a regional destination for commerce and culture alike.

Practice Areas in Lancaster County

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

Courts in Lancaster County

Lancaster County's court system is anchored by the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, located at 50 North Duke Street in Lancaster, which serves as the county's primary trial court handling felony criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters including divorce and custody, orphans' court proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. Below the Court of Common Pleas, Lancaster County has a network of Magisterial District Courts—also known as district justice courts—spread throughout the county that handle preliminary arraignments, minor criminal matters, summary offenses, small claims up to $12,000, and landlord-tenant disputes; these magistrate courts are located in various townships and boroughs across the county including locations in Lititz, Ephrata, Manheim, Elizabethtown, and the city of Lancaster itself. The Superior Court of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania do not hold permanent sessions in Lancaster but hear appeals from Lancaster County cases at their regional locations. Lancaster County also has a dedicated Family Court division within the Court of Common Pleas that addresses juvenile delinquency, dependency, and child welfare matters, as well as a Drug Treatment Court and Veterans Court designed to provide alternative sentencing pathways for eligible defendants.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Lancaster County

In Lancaster County, the distinction between federal and state jurisdiction determines which court system will hear a particular legal matter and under what body of law. The vast majority of cases involving Lancaster County residents—including criminal charges under Pennsylvania law, family disputes, personal injury claims, contract disagreements, and landlord-tenant issues—are handled within Pennsylvania's state court system, beginning at the Magisterial District Courts or the Court of Common Pleas. Federal jurisdiction applies when a matter involves a federal law or constitutional question, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000 (diversity jurisdiction), cases involving the federal government, or certain specialized areas such as bankruptcy, immigration, and federal criminal charges; these cases are heard at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which is located at 601 Market Street in Philadelphia and also holds court at the Edward N. Cahn Federal Building and United States Courthouse at 504 West Hamilton Street in Allentown. Understanding which court has jurisdiction over your matter is a critical first step in any legal proceeding, and an experienced attorney can help Lancaster County residents navigate the boundary between state and federal systems.

Common Legal Situations in Lancaster County

Lancaster County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations that reflect both the county's rural agricultural character and its increasingly urban and diverse population. Traffic and vehicle-related offenses are among the most frequent matters handled by local magistrate courts, ranging from speeding on Route 30 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike to DUI charges that carry serious consequences under Pennsylvania law. Family law matters—including divorce, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, and protection from abuse orders—are consistently among the highest-volume case types in the Court of Common Pleas, particularly as the county's population grows and family structures evolve. Landlord-tenant disputes are increasingly common given the competitive rental market in Lancaster City and surrounding boroughs, while agricultural and land use disputes, zoning appeals, and estate planning and probate matters reflect the county's unique rural heritage. Employment law issues including wage theft, discrimination claims, and workers' compensation matters affect Lancaster's large manufacturing and healthcare workforce, and small business owners frequently seek assistance with contract disputes, business formation, and regulatory compliance.

Why Go To Court for Lancaster County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Lancaster County residents seeking reliable and accessible legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm offers a free 24/7 legal hotline, meaning that whether you are facing an unexpected arrest late at night or need urgent legal guidance on a family matter over the weekend, qualified assistance is always within reach. Go To Court's experienced team understands the nuances of Pennsylvania law and the Lancaster County court system, providing clients with knowledgeable representation tailored to local procedures and expectations. With transparent fixed-fee arrangements coming soon, Lancaster County residents can expect straightforward pricing that removes the uncertainty often associated with legal costs.

Free — available now

In Lancaster County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Lancaster County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Lancaster County, you have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as an admission of guilt, or contest the citation before the Magisterial District Court that has jurisdiction over where the offense occurred. It is worth consulting an attorney before simply paying, as certain violations can add points to your license, increase your insurance premiums, or even trigger a suspension under Pennsylvania's point system. An experienced traffic attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges depending on the circumstances.

How does child custody work in Lancaster County when parents cannot agree?

When parents in Lancaster County cannot reach a custody agreement on their own, the matter is handled by the Family Court division of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, which applies Pennsylvania's custody statute to determine an arrangement that serves the best interests of the child. The court considers factors such as each parent's involvement in the child's daily life, the child's relationship with siblings and extended family, stability of the home environment, and in some cases the preferences of older children. Mediation is often encouraged before a formal hearing, and having legal representation ensures that your parental rights are effectively advocated for throughout the process.

Can I be evicted from my rental home in Lancaster County without much notice?

In Pennsylvania, landlords must follow a specific legal process before evicting a tenant, which includes providing written notice—typically 15 days for nonpayment of rent on a month-to-month lease—and filing a complaint with the local Magisterial District Court if the tenant does not vacate. A tenant has the right to appear at the hearing and present a defense, and a landlord cannot legally remove a tenant, change the locks, or remove belongings without a court order and the involvement of a constable or sheriff. If you have received an eviction notice or believe your landlord is acting unlawfully, speaking with a tenant's rights attorney as soon as possible can help protect your housing situation.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania uses a tiered DUI system based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and even a first-time DUI can carry significant consequences in Lancaster County. At the general impairment level (BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%), a first offense is an ungraded misdemeanor that may result in six months of probation, a $300 fine, and mandatory alcohol safety school, while higher BAC levels or refusal of testing can lead to license suspension, mandatory jail time, and steeper fines. An attorney familiar with Lancaster County DUI proceedings can evaluate whether there are grounds to challenge the stop, the testing procedures, or negotiate entry into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which allows eligible first-time offenders to avoid a criminal conviction.

Do I need a lawyer to write a will or handle an estate in Lancaster County?

While Pennsylvania law does not require you to hire an attorney to draft a will or administer an estate, the complexity of estate planning and probate proceedings makes professional legal guidance highly advisable, particularly in Lancaster County where many estates involve agricultural land, family businesses, or Plain community inheritance customs. A valid will in Pennsylvania must meet specific formalities including being signed by the testator before two witnesses, and errors in drafting can result in unintended distributions or costly disputes among heirs. If a loved one has passed away, the estate must generally be probated through the Lancaster County Register of Wills, and an attorney can help executors navigate the process efficiently while minimizing tax exposure and potential conflicts.

Neighbouring Counties

Lancaster County is bordered by York County to the west, Dauphin County to the northwest, Lebanon County to the north, Chester County to the east, and Berks County to the northeast, with the Susquehanna River forming much of its western and southern boundary adjacent to York County.