Divorce records in Jefferson County, Kentucky, can be accessed through several channels. JeffersonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the decree, the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's office, or the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Whether you need a copy of a divorce decree, a divorce certificate, or related court filings, the right source depends on the type of document and how you plan to use it.
Jefferson County Divorce Records Search
Two offices maintain divorce-related records for Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk keeps the original case files — including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings from divorce proceedings handled by the court. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, maintains divorce certificates that serve as a vital record summary of the divorce event.
The divorce records collection at the Circuit Court Clerk's office typically includes:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Final divorce decrees
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Motions and court orders filed during the case
For in-person requests, the primary office is located at:
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
Records less than 15 years old are generally available directly from this office. For records 15–35 years old, the clerk's office may direct you to request records from the State Records Center.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Jefferson County
In Kentucky, divorce cases are heard in Family Court, which operates as a division of Circuit Court. Jefferson County was the first county in Kentucky to establish a Family Court, and all divorce, custody, and dissolution matters are handled there. After a judge signs the final decree, the document is filed and maintained by the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics also receives a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (form VS-300) for each finalized divorce. This certificate is a summary record — it confirms the divorce occurred but does not contain the full terms of the decree.
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
| What You Need | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, or other court filings | Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk |
| Divorce certificate (vital record confirming divorce) | Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics |
| Older court records (15–35 years) | State Records Center (via Circuit Court Clerk request) |
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Court Division
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
To request court records from the Kentucky Court of Justice system, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the case was handled. The Administrative Office of the Courts does not maintain individual case records centrally.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Jefferson County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate from Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics | $6.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order) | $6.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Court record copies (per page) from Circuit Court Clerk | $0.25 per page | Varies; often same day for in-person requests |
| Certified copy of court document from Circuit Court Clerk | $5.00 certification fee plus per-page copy cost | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |