Editing Philadelphia Courts (section)

=== Court of Common Pleas ===

The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court operates through several divisions:

'''Trial Division''' hears major civil cases including personal injury, contract disputes, and real estate matters, as well as criminal cases involving felonies and serious misdemeanors. Jury trials occur here for the most significant civil and criminal matters.

'''Family Division''' handles divorce, custody, support, and adoption cases, as well as juvenile delinquency and dependency matters. The division's jurisdiction over family matters makes it central to many Philadelphians' court experiences.

'''Orphans' Court Division''' manages estates, trusts, guardianships, and other matters involving decedents' property and incapacitated persons. The division's work includes probate proceedings, will contests, and charitable trust oversight.<ref name="courts"/>