Fayette County Divorce Decree Records

Fayette County is home to Lexington, the second-largest city in Kentucky. The 22nd Judicial Circuit serves Fayette County residents seeking divorce decree records. These official court documents prove a marriage has been legally dissolved. The Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk maintains all divorce records at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse. You may need a divorce decree to change your name, remarry, or settle property matters in Fayette County.

Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk for Divorce Decrees

The Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk manages all divorce records for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Clerk Vincent Riggs oversees the office at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse in downtown Lexington. This office maintains divorce petitions, settlement agreements, and final decrees. Staff can help you locate records by party name or case number. Certified copies of your Fayette County divorce decree are available upon request.

Attorneys in Fayette County must electronically file pleadings in civil cases. The court mandates eFiling for most documents. Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail. The clerk's office provides assistance with forms and procedures. You can reach the eFiling support team at eCourtSupport@kycourts.net or 502-573-2350 ext. 50109.

The Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse, 120 N. Limestone, Suite C-103, Lexington, KY 40507. The main phone number is 859-246-2228. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The District Courthouse is at 150 N. Limestone for certain case types.

Visit the Fayette County court information page for current updates on hours and services. The clerk processes requests for divorce decrees and can explain copy fees and certification options.

Fayette County Divorce Decree vs Certificate

A Fayette County divorce decree is the complete court order that ends a marriage. It contains full details about property division, child custody, and support orders. The decree comes from the Circuit Court Clerk. A divorce certificate only shows basic facts like names and dates. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues certificates.

You need the actual Fayette County divorce decree for most legal matters. Banks require it for loan applications. Government agencies need it for name changes. The decree carries the weight of a court order. Certificates work for simple proof of divorce. They cost $6 from Vital Statistics.

For divorces since June 1958, you can request a certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. For the full Fayette County divorce decree, contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly. The decree contains terms you may need for legal proceedings.

Note: Vital Statistics cannot verify record existence by phone. You must submit a formal request with payment.

How to Get a Fayette County Divorce Decree

You can obtain a Fayette County divorce decree in several ways. Visit the courthouse in person for same-day service in many cases. Call 859-246-2228 to ask about mail-in requests. Some records may be available through online databases. You must provide identification when requesting copies.

The Fayette County divorce decree you receive depends on the age of the case. Current records from the last 15 years stay at the local courthouse. Records between 15 and 35 years old move to the State Records Center. Contact state.records@ky.gov for these records. Records older than 35 years go to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The clerk can explain fees and payment options. Cash, check, and money order are typically accepted. Some locations accept credit cards with a processing fee. Always call ahead to confirm payment methods.

You can search for case information online through CourtNet 2.0. This free database shows basic case details. It helps you find the right Fayette County divorce decree before visiting the clerk.

Search Fayette County Divorce Decree Records Online

Kentucky offers online tools to search for divorce records. CourtNet 2.0 is the state's official court records database. The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains this system. You can search by party name or case number. The database covers civil cases from all 120 counties. This includes Fayette County divorce decree records.

CourtNet 2.0 helps you locate Fayette County divorce decree records quickly. Enter the name of one spouse to start your search. Add the county name to narrow results. The system shows case numbers and filing dates. You can see the current status of cases. This helps you find the right court for your records.

CourtNet does not show the full document contents. You must contact the clerk for actual copies. The database tells you where to look. Basic searches are free and require no registration.

To search CourtNet 2.0 effectively, gather some basic facts. Know the full name of at least one party. Have an approximate date range for the divorce. Identify Fayette County as the filing location. Common names may return many results. Additional details help you find the right case.

Fayette County Divorce Decree Record Retention

Kentucky follows a specific schedule for storing divorce records. Fayette County keeps current records at the courthouse for 15 years. After that, records move to other facilities. Knowing the date of your divorce helps you find the right office.

Records 0-15 years old stay at the Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk's office. Visit 120 N. Limestone in Lexington for these records. Call 859-246-2228 to confirm availability.

Records 15-35 years old move to the State Records Center. You must contact state.records@ky.gov to request these. You need the case number and locator number. The Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk can provide these numbers.

Records 36+ years old go to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Visit kdla.ky.gov for request forms. KDLA charges $20 for in-state research requests. Out-of-state requests cost $25. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Nearby Counties for Divorce Decree Records

These counties neighbor Fayette County. You must file for divorce in the county where you reside. If you are unsure which county handles your case, verify your current address.