Divorce records are part of vital records that are maintained by the state. There is a legal binding on the state to maintain these records. The state is also legally obliged to share the records when you ask for it, and thus, you have every right to ask for the record. To access a divorce record, you need to follow certain procedures. You must make an application to the state Office of Vital Records to access the record.
There can be many reasons for wanting to access the divorce record. It can help you establish that you are single and eligible for marriage. It can help you find out whether your would be husband or wife is legally divorced or not if he or she was married before. So, the record can help you do cross-checking. Divorce records are also required for genealogy searches.
While it's true that a person could ask for it, it is also true that the divorced person has the right to maintain his/her privacy. The state recognizes this, as well. So, you cannot have access to all the information in Kentucky. For instance, you cannot find out the cause of divorce, how the asset and liabilities were settled, issues related to child custody and alimony and others like this. But you can learn whether the divorce was granted or not and the date when it was issued.
The record is maintained at various places by the authorities. You can either approach them, or you can approach private websites for the record you need. They can give it to you for a fee. Many people want to do this because these websites can give you the record quickly.
Divorce records are usually maintained at the county level, but the county offices are networked with the state office. So, if you do not know the exact county, you may contact the state office, which will redirect your application the right county.
The state office address is:
Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone Number: (502) 564-4212
Fax Number: (502) 227-0032
The office has been maintaining divorce records since June 1958. The fee for accessing the record is $6.00. For obtaining certified copies, you need to visit the Clerk of the Superior court in the right county. You can also send your application by telephone, fax or mail. You may visit the office between Monday and Friday, from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
If the record, you are searching for cannot be found, the money that you have deposited cannot be reclaimed. It is nonrefundable.
The divorce record will contain vital information that will help you find out whether the person's divorce application was granted or not. You can also know the time, date and the place of divorce.
You can use the Internet to access the records. Applications can be mailed, and you may also send your application over the telephone or send a fax. Mails require 30 days to process.
To request Kentucky divorce decrees, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
Download the Certified Copy of Kentucky Divorce Certificate application.
Step 2.
Read the instructions and fill out the form completely, Include full name of husband, maiden name of wife, and the date and county of divorce.
Step 3.
Mail the application along with your check or money order for $6 to the address below, or stop by the office during business hours. Credit card payments may be made by phone or walk-in orders only.
For more information, the following department can provide you with more details and assistance:
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4212
About Kentucky Divorce Records
In Kentucky, copies of all divorce records have been kept in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Vital Statistics Office since June 1958. Only a certificate of divorce is filed with the Vital Statistics office. All original divorce decrees are maintained with the Circuit County Clerk. Any record prior to June 1958 can be requested directly from the County Clerk's office.
Fees for Kentucky Divorce Record Searches
In order to process a search for a divorce record, a person must complete an application form and pay a search fee of $6 for each copy. Fees are payable by check or money order for mail applications, or by credit card for telephone or walk-in requests.
Kentucky Divorce Records Online
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services does not process online requests for divorce records. You can, however, contact a third-party service, VitalCheck.com, and place a request for an additional fee.
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records