Dear David:

With regard to your question, "What is a prothonotary?":

Pennsylvania is one of four states known as a "Commonwealth".  (the other three are Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky, in case you're curious).  The courts in Commonwealths are set up a little differently than in other states.  I can't specifically speak for the other three Commonwealths, but Pennsylvania counties have a separate clerk for each of the Civil and Criminal Divisions.

The "prothonotary" is the clerk of the civil court. (Criminal Division calls their clerk the "Clerk of Court"...go figure).  The word, loosely translated, simply means "first notary".  The office of prothonotary is essentially a holdover from colonial times, but it's basically analagous to what would be called a "court clerk" in other states.  Same dance, different tune. LOL.

Hope that answers your question, David. It's good to hear from you again.

Regards,
Scott Perry