I always check probate records, which in Pennsylvania are maintained by the County Register of Wills, but if an estate hasn't been raised, there will be no death record at the county level.  Those records are found in the Vital Records Division of the Department of Health in New Castle, PA.

The County Courts of Common Pleas are the general trial courts, and have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters.  They also have appellate jurisdiction over the local Magistrate Courts, which generally handle small claims where the amount in controversy is less than $8000.00.

Foreclosures, Federal and Commonwealth Tax Liens, as well as Municipal (water & sewer) Liens,  Civil Judgments and records from the Magistrate Courts are generally filed in the Office of the Prothonotary (or "first notary", our word for the Clerk of the Civil Court).  It is therefore unnecessary to check each local Magistrate's Office for liens.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Scott Perry