Madison County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Madison County in 2026
MadisonKYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Madison County, Kentucky. Members of the public may use this resource to locate dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents. Available record categories may include petitions for dissolution, final judgments, property division orders, spousal support determinations, and parenting plan documents. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Madison County may be searched through official court resources, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search for circuit court cases, including dissolution of marriage proceedings, by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide court portal that consolidates case information across all Kentucky counties, enabling searches across multiple jurisdictions from a single interface.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Kentucky. Members of the public may request a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) through the state's online application. Additional information regarding marriage and divorce certificates is available through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
In-Person Searches
Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division:
Madison County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Main Street
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4793
Madison County Court Information
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Madison County Circuit Court Clerk, 101 W. Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or case number if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow approximately one to two weeks for fulfillment.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Circuit Court Clerk: (859) 624-4793
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access court records on behalf of a client, request documents from sealed or restricted files upon proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases where records may be archived or partially digitized. The Kentucky Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Madison County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under KRS § 403.140, a petition for dissolution of marriage in Kentucky must be filed in 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. A divorce may not be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition, as required under Kentucky law.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems; allow processing time following the final hearing.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time or a special request to the Clerk's office.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm the case has been finalized and is not still pending
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 624-4793 for assistance
- Check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate
What Are Madison County Divorce Records?
Madison County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Madison County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as the primary custodian. Under KRS § 403.010 et seq., Kentucky governs the dissolution of marriage through its Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, which establishes the legal framework for all divorce proceedings in the Commonwealth.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the following documents:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any spousal support obligations, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan modifications, and post-judgment enforcement orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
- Verifying Social Security benefit eligibility
- Conducting genealogical or family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Madison County Circuit Court Clerk maintains the complete case file for all dissolution proceedings filed in the county. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics separately maintains divorce certificates (Form VS-300) for dissolutions granted in Kentucky, which provide a summary record of the dissolution rather than the full case file.
Are Madison County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Madison County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- 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 are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal by court order
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and medical records incorporated into filings are restricted
- Substance abuse treatment information is protected
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld
Sealed Records: A court may seal all or part of a 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 are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Madison County?
The Madison County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Kentucky court fee schedules. The following fee structure is currently in effect:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Online case information (basic) | Free |
| Divorce certificate (VS-300) via state vital records | $6.00 per copy |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to the Madison County Circuit Court Clerk (mail requests)
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted in person; confirm with the Clerk's office prior to visit
Fee Waivers: Members of the public who are parties to a case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. The court determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case number lookup and docket review through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Madison County
A complete Madison County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents maintained in the case file.
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 of filing, case type, and jurisdictional basis.
Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for dissolution (Kentucky is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition states the respondent's position and any independent requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents: The case file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents: Marital asset and debt inventories, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values are filed as part of the case record.
Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the case file contains the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and any court-ordered custody evaluations or guardian ad litem reports. Certain children's documents may be sealed or partially redacted.
Support Documents: Alimony or spousal support orders specify the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions of any support obligation. Calculation worksheets documenting the basis for support determinations are included in the file.
Settlement Documents: A marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolve issues by agreement, comprehensively addresses property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.
Court Orders and Judgments: Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case are part of the record. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order terminating the marriage and resolving all issues. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is filed as a separate order directing the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after entry of the final judgment are maintained as part of the ongoing case file.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details where a sealing order has been entered
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Madison County?
Proof of divorce in Madison County may be obtained through two primary channels depending on the level of detail required.
Certified Copy of Final Decree: The most comprehensive proof of divorce is a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Madison County Circuit Court. Members of the public may request a certified copy in person, by mail, or by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk.
Madison County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Main Street
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4793
Madison County Court Information
To obtain a certified copy, the requester should provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known. The current fee for a certified copy is $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page for the document itself.
Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300): For purposes requiring only a summary record of the dissolution, members of the public may request a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. This certificate confirms the fact of dissolution, the date, and the county of filing. The current fee is $6.00 per copy. Additional information regarding marriage and divorce certificates is available through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Madison County?
Divorce proceedings in Madison County are presumptively public; however, Kentucky law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be treated as confidential under defined 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: Where a party has obtained a domestic violence order or where the case involves allegations of abuse, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Kentucky court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical providers of minor children may be withheld from public access.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, or medical conditions incorporated into the case file are subject to restricted access.
- Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Financial account identifiers: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms agreed upon by the parties may be filed under seal upon court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Madison County Keep Divorce Records?
Madison County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice's record retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all court case files.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final order.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following entry of the final decree.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period of the underlying case.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice's electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time.
- Vital statistics divorce certificates: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificates (VS-300) permanently as part of the Commonwealth's vital records archive.
The Kentucky Court of Justice publishes its record retention policies, and members of the public may contact the Madison County Circuit Court Clerk for information regarding the availability of specific older records.