Grant County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Grant County in 2026
GrantCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Grant County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find records such as final divorce decrees, dissolution of marriage filings, case docket entries, property division orders, and related court documents. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the court's filing system, and any applicable confidentiality orders.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Kentucky.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Grant County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary repository for divorce case records filed in the county. Members of the public may access basic case information at no charge through the court's public access terminals. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains a statewide case information system. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions using the CourtNet system available through the Kentucky Court of Justice. This consolidated database allows searches by party name or case number across multiple counties.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains marriage and divorce certificates at the state level. Kentucky registers divorce certificates as vital records. Members of the public may also submit a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) through the state's online web form application. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through the state vital records office.
In-Person Searches
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division
Grant County Justice Center
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Grant County Clerk's Office
Grant County Clerk
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Clerk's Office
The Grant County Clerk's Office also maintains certain land and vital records. Members of the public may access records through the eCCLIX system, which allows users to view or print documents filed by over 85 clerk offices across Kentucky.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Grant County Circuit Court Clerk, 101 N. Main Street, Williamstown, KY 41097
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to staff availability and record volume.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Grant County Circuit Court Clerk: (859) 824-3321
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate legal channels. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex records requests may consult the Kentucky Bar Association for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Kentucky
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Kentucky are filed in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should search the county of residence rather than the county where the marriage occurred, unless the parties also resided there. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.140, at least one party must have resided in Kentucky for 180 days prior to filing.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in electronic systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and not yet digitized
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Grant County Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 824-3321, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate.
What Are Grant County Divorce Records?
Grant County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Grant County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to Kentucky's public records laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or maintenance orders, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case may include:
- Original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Grant County. The clerk indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request. As stated on the Grant County Circuit Court information page, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
State Vital Records Office
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates at the state level. These certificates contain limited identifying information compared to the full court case file. Members of the public may request divorce certificates through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Kentucky are governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.010 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., which presumes that court records are open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Are Grant County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Grant County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information within those records are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled proceedings
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain financial disclosure statements (access may be limited)
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Grant County?
The Grant County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies of court records. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the courthouse during regular business hours.
- Certified copies: A certification fee applies to each document requiring an official court seal and clerk's signature.
- Payment methods: The Grant County Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers: Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver provisions are governed by Kentucky court rules and are granted at the court's discretion.
- State vital records fees: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for certified divorce certificates obtained through the state office. Members of the public may review current fee schedules on the marriage and divorce certificates page.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through public access terminals at the courthouse.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Grant County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Grant County Circuit Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information
The case caption identifies the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (Kentucky is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under KRS § 403.140), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose:
- All sources of income
- Monthly living expenses
- Real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- Outstanding debts and liabilities
- Standard of living during the marriage
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed with the court may include financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records. Interrogatories (written questions answered under oath) and responses to requests for production of documents may also appear in the case file.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property subject to division. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property may be filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes a Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. A Child Support Calculation Worksheet documents each parent's income, the number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses, and reflects the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, when ordered by the court, are included in the file but may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents
Alimony or maintenance orders specify the type of support awarded, the amount, the duration, payment schedule, and conditions for modification or termination. Calculation worksheets supporting the support determination are included in the record.
Settlement Documents
A Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. When parties participate in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement. Mediation communications themselves are confidential under Kentucky law and do not become part of the public record.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and restraining orders. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage. It contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, the property division award, spousal support orders, child custody and timesharing provisions, child support orders, and any name restoration. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is filed separately when retirement accounts are divided and instructs the plan administrator on the division of benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These documents are part of the original case file and are accessible under the same public access rules applicable to the original proceeding.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
The following categories of information are redacted or sealed as a matter of standard practice or court order:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Adoption records related to children in the case
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Grant County?
Proof of divorce in Grant County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution or through a certified divorce certificate issued by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
Method 1 — Certified Copy from the Circuit Court Clerk:
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final divorce decree directly from the Grant County Circuit Court Clerk. This document bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Circuit Court Information
To obtain a certified copy, the requester must provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known. The current certification fee applies. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the eCCLIX document access system available through the Grant County Clerk's records portal.
Method 2 — Divorce Certificate from State Vital Records:
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues certified divorce certificates for divorces granted in Kentucky. A divorce certificate contains the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date the divorce was granted. Members of the public may request a divorce certificate through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services or submit a request using the VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment web form.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Vital Records — Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Grant County?
Divorce proceedings in Grant County are presumptively public under the Kentucky Open Records Act; however, specific portions of a case file or an entire case may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: When a divorce involves allegations of domestic violence or an active protective order, the court may restrict access to the victim's address, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the parties.
- Children's information: Under Kentucky court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical providers of minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible documents.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted as a matter of standard practice in all filings pursuant to Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records obtained through treatment providers and submitted as exhibits are subject to state and federal confidentiality protections, including HIPAA.
- Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and do not become part of the public court record.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms agreed to by the parties may be filed under seal upon court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Grant County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Grant County Keep Divorce Records?
Grant County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files: Active and recently closed case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case. After that period, records may be transferred to archival storage.
- Archived paper records: Older divorce records predating electronic filing systems are maintained in paper or microfilm format. These records remain accessible upon request but may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic filing system are maintained in digital format and are accessible through the court's case management system.
- Post-judgment modification records: Modification proceedings filed after the original divorce are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Vital records certificates: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificates permanently as part of the state's vital records archive.
- Destruction of records: No divorce case record may be destroyed without authorization under the Kentucky Court of Justice records retention schedule. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in the active system should inquire with the Circuit Court Clerk regarding archived or transferred records.