Bourbon County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Bourbon County in 2026
BourbonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Members of the public may locate records such as final divorce decrees, dissolution of marriage filings, case docket entries, and related court documents. Record availability varies by case age, filing status, and any court-ordered restrictions. Searches may return case numbers, party names, filing dates, and judgment information.
Divorce records in Bourbon County are maintained primarily by the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public may search these records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available for locating divorce records:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of divorce case files. Basic case information is available at no charge through the court's public access system. Copies of documents 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 party names or case numbers. This consolidated database covers Circuit Court family law cases, including dissolution of marriage proceedings filed throughout the Commonwealth.
3. State Vital Records
Kentucky registers divorce certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics, Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Divorce certificates are available for proceedings finalized from June 1958 forward. For divorces granted prior to June 1958, the county circuit clerk who issued the decree is the appropriate point of contact. The marriage and divorce certificates page provides current instructions and fee schedules for obtaining certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2624
Kentucky Court of Justice — Bourbon County
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files
Records Department:
The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
301 Main Street
Paris, KY 40361
Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or case number, if known
- Requester's full name and mailing address
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and file location.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk: (859) 987-2624
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date
- Staff are not authorized to provide detailed case information, document copies, or confidential case content by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. The Kentucky Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in complex dissolution matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Kentucky
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under KRS § 403.140, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should identify the county of residence at the time of filing. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Kentucky law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the Commonwealth for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- Contacting the clerk's office directly is the most reliable method for recently finalized cases
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives
- Retrieval of archived files may require additional processing time
- Not all older records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Next Steps:
- Contact the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 987-2624
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Bourbon County Divorce Records?
Bourbon County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Bourbon County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as permanent public records, subject to applicable restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance terms, if ordered
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- 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
The case file may also contain:
- The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure documents and supporting exhibits
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Parenting plan modifications entered after the final decree
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by party name, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates for proceedings finalized from June 1958 forward. These certificates contain summary information and are distinct from the complete court case file held by the circuit clerk.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Kentucky are governed by KRS § 403.010 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the Commonwealth. Access to court records is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for sensitive personal information.
Are Bourbon County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Bourbon County Circuit Court are public court records under Kentucky law. 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 the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access in certain cases
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed upon motion
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools attended by minor children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
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 and demonstrate 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 information |
| 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. Misuse of court records may constitute a criminal offense under Kentucky law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Bourbon County?
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established by Kentucky statute and apply uniformly to all requesters.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
Vital Records Fees (Office of Vital Statistics):
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the state vital records system. Members of the public may use the Divorce Web Form Application VS-300 to generate and print a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment. Current fee information is available directly from the Office of Vital Statistics.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a mail request.
Fee Waivers:
Indigent parties to a divorce proceeding may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require submission of a financial affidavit demonstrating inability to pay.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries at a public access terminal in the clerk's office
- Confirming the existence of a case and its current status by telephone
- Reviewing documents in person at the clerk's office without requesting copies
What's Included in Divorce Records in Bourbon County
A complete Bourbon County divorce case file contains all documents filed from the initiation of the proceeding through post-judgment modifications. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Kentucky's no-fault standard), identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition is also part of the file.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities. These documents form the basis for property division and support determinations.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and subpoenas. Financial records such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment account statements submitted as exhibits are part of the case file.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and vacation provisions
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Custody evaluation reports (which may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (subject to restricted access)
Settlement Documents:
The marital settlement agreement, if the parties reached an agreement, is incorporated into the final decree and addresses all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if applicable, may also be part of the file, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
The final judgment of dissolution is the controlling document. It contains the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all orders regarding property, support, and custody. The judge's signature and court seal authenticate the document.
Post-Judgment Documents:
After entry of the final decree, the file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, orders on those petitions, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
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 allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Bourbon County?
Proof of divorce in Bourbon County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk and the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
From the Circuit Court Clerk:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution serves as the standard legal proof of divorce. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Appearing in person at the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 301 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information and payment
- Providing the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number
From the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics:
For divorces finalized from June 1958 forward, a divorce certificate may be obtained from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. The VS-300 Divorce Web Form Application is available online to generate and print a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment. This certificate provides summary information and is accepted for many legal and administrative purposes, including remarriage applications and name change proceedings.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Office of Vital Statistics — Cabinet for Health and Family Services
For divorces granted prior to June 1958, the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk is the sole source of official documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Bourbon County?
A divorce proceeding in Bourbon County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances established by Kentucky law and court rule.
- Sealed case files: 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: When a party has obtained a domestic violence order or alleges abuse, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residential address, school, or medical condition of a minor child is subject to redaction or sealing upon motion.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records submitted in connection with custody proceedings may be sealed by court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the Bourbon County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Bourbon County Keep Divorce Records?
Bourbon County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit Court civil case files, including dissolution of marriage proceedings, are retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of final disposition under current Kentucky court records retention policy.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period applicable to the underlying case.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; subject to the same retention schedule as the complete file.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested directly through the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system and are accessible through the clerk's office.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.