Frankfort Divorce Decree Records Guide
Frankfort serves as Kentucky's capital city and the seat of Franklin County. With over 28,000 residents, this historic city along the Kentucky River is home to state government offices and the Franklin County Courthouse. All Frankfort Divorce Decree records are maintained by the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk. Circuit Clerk Kem Marshall oversees these records for the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
Frankfort Quick Facts
Frankfort Divorce Decree Records Location
Frankfort residents obtain divorce records from Franklin County Circuit Court. The Franklin County Courthouse stands at 222 Saint Clair Street. Circuit Clerk Kem Marshall manages the office. Her staff processes all requests for Frankfort Divorce Decree documents.
Important changes occurred in 2025. Franklin County courts relocated in June 2025. The public may experience some delays. Record access continues during this transition. Call ahead to confirm current procedures.
View the Franklin County Circuit Court page for official information about court services and any relocation updates.
The main office phone is 502-564-7013. An alternate number is 502-564-8380. The fax number is 502-564-8188. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday. Verify current hours before visiting.
Note: Franklin County Circuit Clerk accepts cash, personal checks, and postal money orders for most transactions.
Requesting Your Frankfort Divorce Decree
To obtain your Frankfort Divorce Decree, contact the Circuit Clerk. Provide case identification details. Include full names of both parties. State the approximate divorce date. The case number helps staff locate files quickly.
Multiple request methods exist. Visit the courthouse in person. Mail a written request with payment. Call the office to discuss options. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests.
The Franklin County Clerk website provides additional resources for residents seeking court records and county services.
Personal checks are accepted for most payments. No personal checks are allowed for probation fees or cold-check payments. Cash is required for bonds over ten thousand dollars. Smaller bonds may be posted at the Regional Jail.
Fees vary by document type. Certified copies cost more than standard copies. Contact the office for current rates. Payment methods include cash, personal check, and postal money order.
Frankfort Divorce Certificates from Vital Statistics
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates. These differ from full decrees. Certificates contain basic information. Names, date, and county appear on these documents.
The Office of Vital Statistics is conveniently located in Frankfort. The address is 275 East Main Street. Records are available from June 1958 forward. Earlier records require county clerk contact.
Ordering options include in-person visits, mail, and online. VitalChek handles online orders. Phone orders use 800-241-8322. Each search costs six dollars. This fee is non-refundable.
Certificates prove divorce occurred. They work for some purposes. However, most legal matters require the full Frankfort Divorce Decree. Property and custody issues need complete court documents.
Note: The Office of Vital Statistics cannot verify record existence by phone without a formal request.
Search Frankfort Divorce Decree Records Online
Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 provides free online case access. This statewide system includes Franklin County. Frankfort residents can search from anywhere. No registration is required.
Access CourtNet 2.0 using any internet device. Enter a party name to start. Add Franklin County to filter results. The system shows case numbers and dates.
The database displays case status. It does not show full document contents. Use it to confirm cases exist. Gather information before visiting the courthouse.
This saves time for Frankfort residents. Verify details remotely. Then contact the Circuit Clerk for your Frankfort Divorce Decree.
Older Frankfort Divorce Decree Records
Record location depends on age. Current records through 15 years stay at the courthouse. These are readily available.
Records 15 to 35 years old are at the State Records Center. Contact state.records@ky.gov. Provide case and locator numbers. The Circuit Clerk supplies these.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives holds records over 35 years old. This office is also in Frankfort. In-state requests cost twenty dollars. Out-of-state requests are twenty-five dollars. Processing takes four to six weeks.
Divorces before 1958 require county-level searches. Contact Franklin County Circuit Clerk directly.
Are Frankfort Divorce Decree Records Public
Kentucky law makes divorce records public. The Open Records Act ensures access. Anyone may view these documents. Party status is not required.
Some information receives protection. Social Security numbers are redacted. Financial account details are hidden. Minor child information may be restricted. Sealed records need court orders.
Most Frankfort Divorce Decree records remain open. The Circuit Clerk follows transparency laws. Citizens can inspect court documents. This promotes judicial accountability.
Franklin County Divorce Decree Records
Frankfort is the county seat of Franklin County and Kentucky's state capital. All divorce filings for Frankfort residents are processed through the Franklin County Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains these official records at the courthouse on Saint Clair Street. For more information about county court resources, procedures, and detailed contact information, visit the Franklin County divorce records page.