Kentucky Divorce Records Database
Finding Kentucky divorce records is simple when you know where to look. The state maintains these public documents through county Circuit Court Clerks and the Office of Vital Statistics. You can search for divorce decrees, case filings, and certificates using online tools or by visiting local offices. Each of the 120 counties stores divorce case files at their courthouse. The state also holds divorce certificates dating back to June 1958. Start your search today using the resources available across the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Divorce Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Kentucky Divorce Records
There are two primary sources for divorce records in Kentucky. County Circuit Court Clerks maintain the complete case files for every divorce filed in their jurisdiction. These files contain the divorce petition, response from the other spouse, settlement agreements, and the final decree signed by the judge. The Circuit Clerk in each county stores these records and can provide copies upon request. You can visit the courthouse in person or search some records online through Kentucky CourtNet 2.0.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains divorce certificates. A certificate differs from a decree in that it contains only essential facts: the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where it was granted. The office holds certificates for divorces recorded since June 1958. You can order these by mail, online through the Kentucky Vital Statistics portal, or at a local health department office. Certificates cost $6 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.
The Office of Vital Statistics provides same-day service for walk-in requests submitted before 3:45 PM. Their office is located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort. You can also call them toll-free at (800) 241-8322 for assistance with divorce certificates.
Note: Divorce certificates contain less detail than full court records from the Circuit Clerk in Kentucky.
How to Search Divorce Records in Kentucky
Kentucky provides several methods to look up divorce records. Online access is the fastest route for most searches since you can check from home at any hour. In-person visits work well when you need certified copies or want to review the complete case file. Both options are available to any member of the public in Kentucky.
Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 is the statewide court records database operated by the Administrative Office of the Courts. It covers all 120 county Circuit Courts in Kentucky. You can search by party name or case number to locate divorce cases. The system allows you to view case information including party names, filing dates, and case status. Visit CourtNet 2.0 to begin your search.
To search divorce records on CourtNet 2.0, you will need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate date of the divorce filing
- County where the case was filed
You can also search in person at any Circuit Clerk office in Kentucky. Go to the county where the divorce was filed. Staff can assist you in locating records and provide copies. Most clerks charge a small per-page fee for copies, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. For divorce certificates only, you can order through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics by mail or online. Processing times vary depending on the method you choose.
Types of Divorce Records Available in Kentucky
Kentucky divorce records include several categories of documents. The divorce decree is the final court order that dissolves a marriage. A judge signs this after the case is concluded. The decree states that the marriage is terminated and addresses child custody, support, and property division. This is the most comprehensive divorce record available in Kentucky. It comes from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was heard.
The divorce certificate is a shorter document issued by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. A certificate confirms that a divorce occurred but does not include the terms of the settlement. Many people need a certificate for matters such as changing their name, remarrying, or updating other legal documents. You can obtain a certificate from a local health department office or order one online through VitalChek.
Divorce records in Kentucky typically contain the following:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Date and place of the marriage
- Date the divorce petition was filed
- Date the divorce was finalized
- County and court where it was heard
- Grounds cited for the divorce
- Terms of property division
Court case files may also contain motions, responses, and other documents filed during the proceedings. These show the complete history of the divorce case. You can obtain copies of any document in a case file from the Circuit Clerk.
Kentucky Divorce Laws and Requirements
Kentucky law governs the rules for obtaining a divorce. These statutes affect how long the process takes and what records are generated. The General Assembly has established specific requirements for residency, grounds, waiting periods, and property division. You must comply with these rules to file for divorce in Kentucky.
Under KRS 403.140, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for 180 days before filing. This is the residency requirement. You file in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. The petition must state that you meet this requirement, and you must demonstrate it to the court.
Kentucky is a pure no-fault divorce state. KRS 403.170 provides that the sole ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." There are no fault-based grounds in Kentucky. The court does not consider marital misconduct when granting the divorce, though it may factor into property division and custody decisions.
Under KRS 403.170(2), there is a 60-day waiting period after the respondent is served before the court can finalize the divorce. During this time, the court may issue temporary orders for child custody, support, or use of the marital home. This waiting period applies to all divorce cases in Kentucky.
Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. Under KRS 403.190, marital property is divided in a manner the court deems just, though not necessarily equally. The judge considers multiple factors when dividing assets, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, and each party's contribution to the acquisition of marital property.
Divorce Record Fees in Kentucky
Fees vary depending on what you need and where you obtain it. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges $6 for a divorce certificate search plus one certified copy. Each additional copy in the same order also costs $6. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee. Online ordering through the state portal may include a service fee on top of the state charges.
County Circuit Courts charge their own fees for divorce cases and records in Kentucky. Filing for divorce typically costs between $113 and $200 depending on the county. Fees increase if children are involved in the case. Obtaining copies of existing divorce records costs less. Most clerks charge per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones at any court in Kentucky.
Fee waivers are available for individuals with limited income who need to file for divorce in Kentucky. You can request the court to waive the fees by filing a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. You must provide proof of financial hardship. The judge will determine whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Note: Filing fees and copy fees can change, so contact the court or agency to confirm current costs.
How to Get Copies of Kentucky Divorce Records
You can obtain copies of divorce records in Kentucky through several methods. For divorce certificates from the Office of Vital Statistics, you have multiple options. First, order online through VitalChek for expedited service. Second, mail your request to the Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621 with the names of both spouses, the divorce date, the county, and your payment. Third, visit the Frankfort office in person for same-day service when you arrive before 3:45 PM.
For full divorce decrees and case files, contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. You can make a request in person or call ahead to verify what documents are needed. Some clerks accept mail requests for copies. You will need to provide the names of the parties or the case number. The clerk can search the records and produce copies for a fee.
Processing times vary by method and location. In-person requests at the Frankfort office are often same-day. Mail requests to the state office take up to 30 working days. Online orders through VitalChek typically arrive sooner. Court record requests depend on the workload at the particular county clerk's office.
Legal Help for Divorce in Kentucky
Several organizations offer assistance with divorce cases in Kentucky. Kentucky Legal Aid provides free legal services to individuals with limited income. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and domestic violence matters. Call (866) 452-9243 to inquire about their services. Their website at klaid.org has additional information on obtaining help with divorce in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Bar Association operates a Lawyer Locator service for individuals who need an attorney. Visit kybar.org to search for family law attorneys in your area. They can connect you with a lawyer who handles divorce cases in Kentucky.
Kentucky Legal Help at kylegalhelp.org offers self-help materials and legal information for people who want to handle their own case. You can find guides for managing your own divorce proceedings. The Kentucky Court of Justice website at kycourts.gov has all the official court forms you need to file for divorce in Kentucky, including the petition, answer, and other required documents.
VS-300 Certificate of Divorce Form
The VS-300 is a required form filed with the court when finalizing a divorce in Kentucky. This Certificate of Divorce or Annulment must be completed and submitted along with the petition for dissolution. The form collects essential information about both parties, the marriage, and the divorce. It is then filed with the Office of Vital Statistics to create the official record.
You can generate the VS-300 form online through the Kentucky Vital Statistics web portal. The form must be typed, not handwritten. It requires details including the full names and dates of birth for both spouses, the date of marriage, the date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted. You will also need to provide information about any children under 18 and whether an attorney represents you.
Important requirements for the VS-300 form include:
- Must be typed, handwritten forms are not accepted
- Must be printed on 25% cotton bond paper with watermark
- Signature must be in black or blue ink
- All required fields must be completed
For help with the VS-300 form, call the help desk at (877) 545-6175. You can also view the VS-300 instructions on the Office of Vital Statistics website.
Are Divorce Records Public in Kentucky
Yes, divorce records are public in Kentucky. The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884) grants every citizen the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records. This law applies to divorce records held by the courts. You do not need to be a party to the case. You are not required to provide a reason for your request. The records are open to anyone.
Certain limitations apply to what can be viewed in divorce records. Some information may be redacted from public copies. These include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and details involving minor children. A party can also petition the court to seal their divorce records. A judge may seal records following a hearing if the person demonstrates a compelling reason for doing so. Sealed divorce records are uncommon in Kentucky.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Office of Vital Statistics may have certain access restrictions, but full court records at the Circuit Clerk are generally open to the public.
Browse Kentucky Divorce Records by County
Each county in Kentucky has its own Circuit Clerk who maintains divorce records. Select a county below to find local contact information and resources for divorce records in that area.
Divorce Records in Major Kentucky Cities
Residents of major cities file for divorce at their county Circuit Court. Select a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.