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How To Find Court Records In Kentucky

If you're searching for Kentucky court records, CourtCaseFinder is designed to help you explore publicly available information from courts across the state.

With a quick search, you may find case details such as charges, dispositions, court dates, judgments, or filings, depending on what is available. This service is intended for informational purposes only and draws from publicly sourced records that may not be complete or current.

For new users, court records are official documents created by Kentucky courts that typically provide insight into legal proceedings. They can help you learn more about criminal cases, civil lawsuits, traffic violations, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments, among other matters. Information may vary depending on the type of case and the court where it was filed.

Whether you know exactly what you need or are just beginning to understand the Kentucky court system, CourtCaseFinder is meant to assist with finding court-related information in one place, based on available public records.

How To Access Kentucky Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder can help you explore Kentucky court records quickly in one place, official records are also available through government-operated channels managed by the Kentucky Court of Justice. You can typically request records online, in person, or by mail, although availability varies by court and case type.

Online Access

The Kentucky Court of Justice provides the official Find a Case Portal through its eCourt system. This portal allows you to search public court records by case number, party or business name, or citation.

If you're looking for criminal record reports, you can also request them through:

In-Person

If you prefer direct access, you can visit the courthouse where the case was initially heard. When visiting in person, the Clerk of Court is typically the main point of contact. The clerk can explain which forms you need to complete, applicable fees, and how long it may take to process your request.

At the trial court level, Circuit Court Clerks play a central role. These clerks are elected on a partisan basis in each of Kentucky's 120 counties and are responsible for the custody, control, and state storage of Circuit Court and District Court records.

They also receive lawsuits and court documents, are present during trials, schedule juries, collect fines, and manage bond money. If you need records from a trial-level case, this is usually where you'll go. You can find contact details for your county's Circuit Court Clerk in the Kentucky Court of Justice's Court Personnel Directory.

For appellate-level cases, such as matters from the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, you would need to visit their offices in Frankfort.

By Mail

You also have the option to request certain records by mail, which can be useful if you cannot appear in person. For example, you can request a criminal record report by submitting a request form to the AOC (Administrative Office of the Courts).

Each report costs $25, and payment must be made by money order or credit card (cash is not accepted). Once your request is received and processed, the report will be mailed back to you.

Kentucky Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Kentucky court records are generally regarded as public documents under the Kentucky Open Records Act. This law, first introduced in 1976 and later amended in 1994, gives you the right to request access to records maintained by government bodies, including courts.

That means you can often review case files, orders, and other filings, unless the record has been sealed by a judge or specifically restricted under state law.

When you search Kentucky public court records, you may see information such as:

  • Judgments and final decisions
  • Court orders and filings
  • Hearing schedules and transcripts (when available)
  • Case numbers and docket details
  • Party names and legal representatives
  • Evidence lists or exhibits filed with the court
  • Dates of proceedings and dispositions

Although most court records are public, some types of information are restricted or confidential under Kentucky law. These records are usually accessible only to the parties involved, their legal representatives, or by special court order. Examples include:

  • Juvenile records - cases involving minors are confidential to protect privacy.
  • Medical records - health and treatment information is not publicly available without authorization.
  • Adoption and child custody records - sealed to protect the identities of children and families.
  • Records sealed by court order - judges may restrict access in sensitive cases.
  • Certain financial or personal identifiers - such as Social Security numbers, which are redacted to prevent misuse.

Who Oversees the Courts in Kentucky?

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the primary agency managing all state and county courts, serving as the operational arm of the Kentucky judicial branch. As head of the state court system, the Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court leads the agency and serves as the head of the Kentucky Court of Justice.

As the Constitutional administrator, the AOC is responsible for managing the judicial branch budget, maintaining court facilities, overseeing a statewide case-management system, handling personnel policies and payroll, and coordinating training for judges, clerks, and support staff.

For more details, you can visit the Administrative Office of the Courts page on the Kentucky Court of Justice site.

What Types of Courts Exist in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a unified court system, established by the Judicial Article of the Kentucky Constitution in 1975. This system, known as the Kentucky Court of Justice, operates independently from the executive and legislative branches. It is made up of both appellate and trial courts, each with specific jurisdiction and responsibilities.

Below is an overview of the main court types and the types of cases they typically handle.

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types

Supreme Court

Final authority on Kentucky law; hears appeals from serious cases and sets statewide legal rules.

Death penalty cases, life imprisonment, sentences of 20+ years, appeals on major constitutional/legal questions

Court of Appeals

Reviews trial court decisions (usually from Circuit Court); no retrials, only record review.

Civil and criminal appeals, administrative reviews, and District Court appeals are decided in the Circuit Court

Circuit Court

General jurisdiction; hears cases not assigned elsewhere.

Civil cases over $5,000, capital offenses, felonies, divorces, adoptions, probate disputes, appeals from the District Court

Family Court

Division of Circuit Court with jurisdiction over family matters (in certain counties).

Divorce, child custody/support, visitation, adoption, domestic violence, termination of parental rights, truancy

District Court

Limited jurisdiction; handles less serious civil and criminal matters.

Juvenile cases, misdemeanors, violations, traffic, small claims under $2,500, probate, arraignments, mental health commitments

What Federal Courts Are In Kentucky?

Federal courts differ from state courts because they only handle cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, disputes between states, or cases where the United States is a party. Unlike state courts, which deal with most criminal, civil, and family law matters under state law, federal courts have limited jurisdiction.

In Kentucky, these are the courts that handle federal cases.

Federal Court Jurisdiction Locations & Contact Information

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

General federal trial court jurisdiction: civil cases under federal law, criminal prosecutions for federal offenses, civil rights claims, interstate disputes, and federal agency reviews.

Lexington Office:

101 Barr Street

Lexington, KY 40507

Phone: (859) 233 - 2503

Covington Office:

35 W. 5th Street

Covington, KY 41011

Phone: (859) 392 - 7925

Ashland Office:

1405 Greenup Avenue

Ashland, KY 41101

Phone: (606) 329 - 2465

Frankfort Office:

330 West Broadway

Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: (502) 223 - 5225

Pikeville Office:

110 Main Street

Pikeville, KY 41501

Phone: (606) 437 - 6160

London Office:

310 South Main Street

London, KY 40741

Phone: (606) 877 - 7910

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

General federal trial court jurisdiction, same as above, for the western half of Kentucky.

Bowling Green Office:

241 East Main Ave

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: (270) 393-2500

Louisville Office:

601 W. Broadway

Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: (502) 625-3500

Owensboro Office:

423 Frederica Street

Owensboro, KY 42301

Phone: (270) 689-4400

Paducah Office:

501 Broadway

Paducah, KY 42001

Phone: (270) 415-6400

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

Handles all bankruptcy filings (Chapters 7, 11, 12, 13) for the eastern half of Kentucky.

Ashland Office:

Carl Perkins Federal Building

U.S. District Courtroom

1405 Greenup Avenue, Suite 204

Ashland, KY 41101

Covington Office:

U.S. Courthouse

35 West 5th Street, Suite 306

Covington, KY 41011

Frankfort and Lexington Office:

Community Trust Building

100 East Vine Street, Suite 200

Lexington, KY 40507

London Office:

United States Courthouse Annex

U.S. District Courtroom C (3rd Floor)

310 South Main Street

London, KY 40741

Pikeville Office:

U.S. District Courtroom

110 Main Street, Suite 201

Pikeville, KY 41501

Phone: (859) 233-2608

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Kentucky

Handles all bankruptcy filings for the western half of Kentucky.

Bowling Green Office:

William H. Natcher Federal Building and US Courthouse

241 East Main Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42301

Louisville Office:

Gene Snyder Courthouse

601 West Broadway, Suite 450

Louisville, KY 40202

Owensboro Office:

Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

423 Frederica Street

Owensboro, KY 42301

Paducah Office:

Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

501 Broadway

Paducah, KY 42001

Phone: (502) 627-5700

Decisions made by the U.S. District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts in Kentucky are appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. From there, in rare cases, parties may petition the U.S. Supreme Court to review the matter.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Kentucky Courts?

Kentucky courts handle a significant caseload each year across all counties. For FY 2024-2025, the total number of cases filed across all case types exceeds 826,000 filings statewide. This volume reflects the wide range of civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters that move through the state's court system.

Case Type Approx. Annual Volume

Circuit Civil

~53,100

Circuit Criminal

~32,500

Domestic Relations

~59,600

Juvenile

~33,000

District Civil

~188,200

District Criminal

~287,400

District Prepayable

~172,900

For more details, you can review the Caseload: Yearly by Category page on the Kentucky Court of Justice website or submit a Research & Statistics Request Form online for specific data.

How Do I File a Case in Kentucky Courts?

Filing a case in Kentucky begins with preparing the proper paperwork and submitting it to the appropriate court. Whether your case involves civil, criminal, family, or small claims matters, the process follows a series of straightforward steps.

Determine the Correct Court and Case Type

Identify whether your case belongs in District Court (e.g., small claims, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, civil cases under $5,000) or Circuit Court (e.g., felonies, larger civil disputes, family law). You can review the case jurisdiction on the table above or on the Kentucky Court of Justice's About the Courts page.

Complete the Required Forms

Get and fill out the appropriate forms for your case. For civil cases, you may need a civil case cover sheet, complaint, or petition. Many commonly used forms are available through the Legal Forms Library.

File Your Case with the Clerk of Court

Submit your paperwork to the Clerk's Office in the county where you are filing. In some cases, attorneys and registered users can file electronically through KY eFiling.

Pay the Filing Fees

When you file your case, you will generally be required to pay a filing fee. The amount varies depending on the type of case and the court in which you are filing. Fees are typically collected by the Clerk of Court at the time of submission.

Some courts may also accept electronic payment for online filings through KY eFiling. If you have questions about the applicable fee or need information on fee waivers, contact the Clerk's Office in the county where you plan to file.

How Is the Kentucky Court System Unique?

Kentucky's courts are unique because they offer programs that focus on specific needs. You can use Business Court for complicated commercial cases, Family & Juvenile Services for child and family matters, and Specialty Courts like drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts that combine supervision with support.

Other programs, such as mediation, pretrial services, and language access, help make the court process fairer and easier to navigate. These programs help you resolve cases efficiently while addressing the special needs of people and communities.

Kentucky Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Kentucky Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

You should file for divorce in the Family Court division of the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. You or your spouse must have lived in Kentucky for at least 180 days before filing.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

The Circuit Court in Kentucky handles felony criminal charges. This court has general jurisdiction over serious criminal cases, including capital offenses and other felonies, and manages trials, sentencing, and related legal proceedings.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

If you are facing eviction, you should file in the District Court in the county where the property is located. The court handles landlord-tenant disputes, including Forcible Detainer cases, and schedules hearings for both parties to present their side.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $2,500, Which Court to Use?

To sue for $2,500 or less, file in the Small Claims Division of District Court in the county where the defendant lives. Gather evidence, complete forms, and attend the scheduled hearing.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Yes, you can represent yourself in Kentucky courts as a self-represented litigant. The Kentucky Access to Justice Commission and Civil Legal Aid Programs provide guidance and resources for non-criminal matters like divorce, child custody, eviction, foreclosure, and veterans' issues.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

Missing a court date in Kentucky can lead to a warrant, bond forfeiture, or default judgment. Notify the court promptly to request rescheduling and avoid further legal consequences.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

If you disagree with a Kentucky court's decision, you can file a notice of appeal within 30 days of sentencing. The appellate court reviews the trial record and briefs, without new evidence, to determine errors.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

In Kentucky, you have the right to attend and observe court proceedings. Most civil and criminal trials, hearings, and records are open to the public unless the court orders closure for specific reasons.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

A Kentucky criminal case may last weeks to over a year, depending on charges and trial complexity. The process includes arrest, arraignment, trial, verdict, and possible appeal, with misdemeanor timelines generally shorter than felony cases.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

You can file a written complaint with the Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) using the official complaint form if you believe a Kentucky judge or court staff member engaged in misconduct. The JCC investigates, conducts hearings, and may impose discipline.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Yes, you can access court hearings remotely in Kentucky through Zoom. To participate, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in your county for meeting codes or passwords. You need Zoom, reliable internet, and a supported device.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Yes, Kentucky has a Business Court, which focuses on complex commercial disputes. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil and Environmental Law handles environmental cases involving state agencies in civil or administrative actions.

Can I Access Court Records for Free?

You may access Kentucky court records for free online through the Kentucky Court of Justice systems or in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office, though fees apply for copies. Confidential and sealed records remain restricted.

How Can I Search Kentucky Court Records by Name?

Use the Kentucky Court of Justice's Find a Case Portal to search public court records by party or business name. Enter the name, select the case type, and view available information online.

How Far Back Do Online Kentucky Public Court Records Go?

Online Kentucky public court records vary by court type. Generally, circuit and district court records go back several decades, but availability depends on digitization. Older records may require in-person requests at the court clerk's office.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

Kentucky civil and criminal case records are accessible through the official eCourt Find a Case Portal, which allows searches by case number, party, business name, or citation. For criminal record reports, you can also use the AOC FastCheck to order and view reports online or submit a one-time request to receive the report by U.S. mail.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

In Kentucky, the options for tracking updates on a court case depend on the type of court and your status in the case. While no single state system offers automatic email alerts to the public, you can stay informed by regularly checking online portals or contacting the clerk's office.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

You can generally access Kentucky probate and family court records, such as divorce or custody cases. However, sensitive details like Social Security Numbers, finances, or minor children's identities may be redacted. Check with your local court clerk for specifics.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, you can request redacted court records containing sensitive information. Kentucky Rule 601 (CR 7.03) requires removing personal identifiers like Social Security Numbers, birth dates, or financial accounts. The court keeps an unredacted sealed copy, accessible only to authorized parties, attorneys, judges, or officials. You may contact the clerk to request a redacted version.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Yes, you can request bulk access to Kentucky court records for research. You can submit a written request to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), detailing your research purpose, the type of data needed, and how you will handle confidential information. Approval is at the court's discretion.

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