Jefferson County Divorce Records 

Thank you for visiting. We aim to help you with your Jefferson County Divorce Records search. This guide gives details you need. Find out how to get the court files you seek in Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky.

If you need to begin your search now, you can visit Kentucky Official Records - Jefferson County Divorce Records. This resource provides a starting point for individuals looking to access divorce records within Jefferson County. They offer tools and information that might speed up your search process. Accessing public records like divorce files is often possible through various channels. Knowing where to look is the first step. This page will guide you through official county and state options. You can also find helpful details at Kentucky Public Records, a site for state public record searches.

Jefferson County Divorce Records: Access Guide

Understanding Divorce Records in Jefferson County

What are divorce records? They are official court papers. They show when a marriage legally ends. These files include the final divorce decree. They may also have other case papers. These papers detail the court's orders. This includes things like child care and property splits. In Jefferson County, the Family Court hears divorce cases. The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk keeps these important records after the case ends. This office acts as the custodian for these files.

Kentucky law makes most court records public. The Kentucky Open Records Act allows this access. You can find this law in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 61. This means you have the right to ask for divorce records. Some data might be kept private by law. This can include things like Social Security numbers. But the main case facts are open. You can inspect or get copies of these public records. Knowing the rules helps you make your request. The Circuit Court Clerk follows these state laws.

Where to Find Jefferson County Divorce Records

Primary Source: Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk

The main place to get recent divorce records is the clerk's office. They hold records for cases heard in Jefferson County. This applies to records up to 15 years old. The clerk manages files for the Family Court division. You must contact this office to start your search for these recent cases. They have specific ways to handle requests.

For copies of court records like divorce decrees, you should contact the Archives division.

• Location: Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202.

• Email: [email address removed]

• Website Info: Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk - Archives & Records

• Family Court Phone (General Info): (502) 595-3025 (Located in the Hall of Justice)

Office hours are key. Most Kentucky court clerk offices work Monday to Friday. Hours are often 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM. It is best to call ahead or check the clerk's website. This confirms current hours before you visit or send mail. Holiday hours may also change their open times.

Older Records (Beyond 15 Years)

What if the divorce record is older? The state keeps older court records. Where they are depends on their age. You will need help from the Circuit Clerk first for these.

• State Records Center (15-35 years old)
  
  

  • This office holds records aged 15 to 35 years.

  • You must get the case number and locator number first. Get these from the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk. The State Records Center cannot search by name only for these files.

  • Submit the official records request form. Send it by email or mail.

  • Contact: State Records Center, 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.

  • Email: [email address removed]

  • Phone: 502-564-3617

• Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) (36+ years old)
  
  

  • KDLA holds court records 36 years old or older.

  • You can contact their archives division.

  • Email: [email address removed]

  • Phone: 502-564-1787

  • Visit their site or call for request steps. They handle very old state and county records. This includes historical court files from Jefferson County.

How to Request Jefferson County Divorce Records

In-Person Requests

You can visit the clerk's office to ask for records. Go to the Archives division for copies. The address is the Old Jail Building. It is at 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202. Bring all the case info you have. This includes the full names of both people. The year the divorce might have happened helps too. If you know the case number, that is best. Be ready to show ID if asked. Staff can help you find the right file. You can look at records there. You can also ask for copies to take with you. Pay any fees for copies made.

Mail Requests

Send a written request by mail. Send it to the Archives division address. That is 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202. Your letter must be clear. Include the full names of the persons in the case. Add the bride's maiden name if you know it. Give the date of birth if possible. State the year or date range of the divorce. Include the case number if you have it. Put your own contact details in the letter. This includes your name, phone number, and address. They need this to send the records or ask questions. Include payment if you know the cost. Or ask them to tell you the fee first. Mail requests have set fees.

Email Requests

You can email your request for copies. Send the email to the Archives division. The address is [email address removed]. Your email needs specific details. You must include the full names of both parties. Add the date of birth if you know it. The case number is very helpful. Mention the case type (divorce or dissolution). State the year or date range. Include your full name and contact info. They need your phone number or email address. They will reply about the records and any fees. This can be a fast way to ask.

Online Search Options

Kentucky offers some online tools. The Kentucky Court of Justice website has options. You can use the "Find a Case" search tool. This tool is part of CourtNet 2.0. It lets you search by name or business name. A guest option is available. Some searches may need a free account. This tool often shows case dockets and actions. It may not provide full copies of the divorce decree online. It is useful for finding case numbers. It helps check if a case exists. You can learn more about court record requests online. Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice - Request Court Records page. Remember Kentucky Public Records is also a resource for exploring state public record access. It can offer links and guidance for various Kentucky records.

Information Needed for Your Search

To find the right Jefferson County divorce record, you need good information. Providing details helps the clerk locate the file quickly. Here is what is most helpful:

• Full Names of Both Parties: Include the first, middle, and last names. Use the names they used during the marriage. Include the wife's maiden name if known.

• Approximate Date of Divorce: The year the divorce was granted is crucial. A specific date is best. If you don't know the exact date, provide a range of years. For example, state "between 2005 and 2008."

• Case Number: If you know the case number, provide it. This is the fastest way for the clerk to find the record. It is often needed for older records held by the state.

• Date of Birth: Providing dates of birth for one or both parties can help. It distinguishes between people with similar names.

Having more information makes the search easier. Lack of details can slow down the process. It might also make it harder to find the correct record. Be as complete as possible in your request.

Costs and Fees for Copies

Getting copies of Jefferson County divorce records involves fees. The cost depends on how you request them. It also depends on what you need.

• In-Person Copy Cost: If you visit the clerk's office, copies cost $0.25 per page. This fee covers the cost of paper and toner.

• Certification Fee: If you need an official, certified copy, there is an extra fee. Certification costs $5.00 per document. A certified copy has a seal. It shows the copy is true and correct. Courts or government agencies often require certified copies.

• Mail Request Fee: Requests received by mail have a different fee structure. The cost is $10.00 for up to 18 pages. This $10 fee includes the certification cost. Check with the clerk if you expect many pages. There might be added costs for very large files.

Always confirm the current fees before sending payment. Fees can change over time. You can call the clerk's office. Or check their website for fee information. Ask about payment methods they accept. They usually take cash, checks, or money orders. Credit card payment options may vary.

Relevant Kentucky Laws

Two main sets of state laws relate to divorce records access. These are Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS). Understanding them helps you know your rights. It also helps you understand the records.

• Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 - 61.884)
  
  

  • This law gives the public the right to access government records. Court records, including divorces, generally fall under this Act. It sets rules for requesting records. It also lists exemptions, which are types of information that can be withheld. Agencies must respond to requests within a set time. You can read the full law here: KRS Chapter 61 - Open Records

• Kentucky Dissolution of Marriage Statutes (KRS Chapter 403)
  
  

  • This chapter covers the laws for divorce in Kentucky. It details grounds for divorce. It includes rules for property division. It covers child custody and support. While it doesn't govern record access directly, it defines the legal process documented in the records. Knowing this can help you understand the content of divorce files. You can view this chapter here: KRS Chapter 403 - Dissolution of Marriage