Scott County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Scott County in 2026
ScottKYRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Scott County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record availability varies by case age, filing method, and whether any portion of the file has been sealed by court order.
Divorce records in Scott County may be searched through official resources including the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services vital records system. The following sections outline each available method in detail.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains case information for Scott County through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Members of the public may search basic case information at no charge. Obtaining copies of filed documents requires payment of applicable fees. The online portal provides case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide system through which members of the public may request court records across jurisdictions. This consolidated database allows searches by party name or case number and covers Circuit Court family law cases filed throughout the Commonwealth.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains a separate registry for marriage and divorce certificates. Divorce certificates issued through this office reflect the county where the decree was granted and provide a summary-level record of the dissolution. This resource is distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk.
In-Person Searches
Scott County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division
Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
119 N. Hamilton Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7850
Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
Members of the public may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available for locating case numbers and confirming filing information.
By Mail
Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk at 119 N. Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Each request should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, the stated purpose of the request, payment for applicable copy fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing time is typically one to two weeks depending on case volume and whether the file requires retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
The Circuit Court Clerk's office may be reached at (502) 863-7850. Staff can confirm whether a case exists in the system, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filed materials, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of the marriage
- Previous addresses in Scott County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Kentucky law, a divorce action is filed in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Kentucky's residency requirement, established under KRS § 403.140, requires that one spouse have been a resident of the Commonwealth for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in the online system. Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before conducting a search.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived files requires additional processing time and may not be available through the online portal.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not appear in a search include the wrong county, name variations between married and maiden names, spelling differences, a case that remains pending and has not been finalized, very old records held in off-site storage, or a case that has been sealed by court order. Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (502) 863-7850, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, check the Kentucky vital records system, or consult an attorney.
What Are Scott County Divorce Records?
Scott County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Scott County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to the access provisions of KRS § 61.870 et seq., Kentucky's Open Records Act.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits submitted by both parties, proposed and final parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, motions and corresponding orders, transcripts of court hearings, and the final judgment of dissolution.
Final Decree
The final decree is the court order that legally terminates the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligation, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents within the case file may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals and business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of divorce records in Scott County. The Scott County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates through its vital statistics branch, which provides summary-level documentation of dissolutions recorded statewide.
Are Scott County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Scott 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, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need. As stated in the Open Records Request policy published by Scott County, KRS § 61.870(4) defines "commercial purpose" as "the direct or indirect use of any part of a public record," establishing the framework under which access requests are evaluated.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
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. Mediation communications are confidential under Kentucky law and do not become part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by statute
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Scott County?
The Scott County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with Kentucky statutes governing court costs. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by request |
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check for the applicable amount.
Inspection of public court records at the courthouse is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified copies are requested. Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances for indigent parties who are themselves parties to the case; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the clerk's office.
Divorce certificates obtained through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services vital records office carry a separate fee schedule. Members of the public may review current vital records fees through the marriage and divorce certificates page maintained by the Cabinet.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Scott County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure materials including tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and responsive documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet and support order
- Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are restricted
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis worksheets
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and attorney fee provisions
- Mediation agreement, if applicable, though mediation communications remain confidential
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and corresponding orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases with protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Scott County?
Proof of divorce in Scott County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
- In person: Visit the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk at 119 N. Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324, provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce, and pay the applicable certification fee.
- By mail: Submit a written request to the same address including party names, divorce date, case number if known, contact information, and a money order for the applicable fee.
- Online: Use the Kentucky Court of Justice records request system to submit a request for court case records. Case and file locator numbers must be included when requesting records from the State Records Center.
- Through vital records: A divorce certificate, which provides summary-level proof of dissolution, may be requested through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services using the marriage and divorce certificates portal. This document is issued by the county where the divorce decree was granted.
Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
119 N. Hamilton Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-7850
Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Vital Statistics Branch
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Scott County?
Divorce proceedings in Scott County are presumptively public under Kentucky's Open Records Act; however, specific portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted under defined legal 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 interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or the existence of a protective order may have personal address information and certain evidentiary materials restricted from public access to protect the safety of victims.
- Children's information: Under Kentucky family law, information identifying the residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children is subject to restriction.
- Mediation communications: Kentucky law treats mediation communications as confidential. Statements made during mediation do not become part of the public court record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation are restricted and require a specific court order for disclosure.
- Financial account identifiers: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Scott County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Scott County Keep Divorce Records?
Scott County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice and applicable state law.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, final decrees, and orders affecting property rights are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: Full divorce case files, including all pleadings, motions, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under standard Kentucky court retention schedules.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to the Kentucky State Archives or held in off-site storage. Retrieval of archived files requires additional processing time and must be requested through the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system and remain searchable through the court's online portal for the duration of the retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other terms of the original decree are retained as part of the original case file and carry the same retention period as the underlying case.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk at (502) 863-7850 to confirm availability and request retrieval.