Woodford County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Woodford County in 2026
WoodfordRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Woodford County, Kentucky. Members of the public may use this resource to locate dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents. Records available through official channels may include petitions, judgments, property division orders, and custody arrangements. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the filing date and the nature of the case.
Divorce records in Woodford County may be searched through official resources including the Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Woodford County Clerk's online records portal provides access to public records archived in the county clerk's office through the eCCLIX system. Documents available through this platform span from January 1, 1985, to the present. Users may view or print documents filed by over 85 Kentucky clerks. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees may apply for printed or certified copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains a statewide portal through which members of the public may search court records across jurisdictions. The portal provides access to case summaries, docket entries, and case status information. Users may search by party name or case number to locate dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Woodford County Circuit or Family Court.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains a central repository for divorce certificates filed in Kentucky. Certified copies of divorce records may be ordered through this office. The Office of Vital Statistics is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fees apply for certified copies. As noted on the agency's official page, "OVS also provides other reliable ways to order certified birth, death, marriage, divorce, and stillbirth records."
Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Office of Vital Statistics – Cabinet for Health and Family Services
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Family Division
The Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of divorce case files in the county. Members of the public may visit the clerk's office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available during regular business hours.
Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk
103 South Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3461
Woodford County Court Information – Kentucky Court of Justice
As stated by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Services available in person include:
- Search of case files by party name or case number
- Viewing of filed documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older records
Records Department
The Woodford County Clerk maintains additional public records, including historical documents and archived cases. Documents available through the county clerk's office span from January 1, 1985, to the present. Requests for certified copies may be submitted in person at the clerk's office.
By Mail
Written Request
Written requests for divorce records may be mailed to the Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk. Requestors should include the following information:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Mail requests to:
Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk
103 South Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Processing time for mailed requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on the volume of requests and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available
The Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk may be reached by telephone at (859) 873-3461. Staff may confirm the existence of a case, provide a case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, 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, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause for access. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment modifications.
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 Woodford County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Kentucky are filed in the county where either spouse resided 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 searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Under current Kentucky law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the Commonwealth for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage, as provided under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.140.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Electronic filing has reduced processing time for more recent cases
Older Divorces:
- Records predating 1985 may not be digitized and may require special retrieval requests
- Archived paper files may require additional processing time
- Members of the public should contact the clerk's office directly for records predating the eCCLIX system
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Record filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 873-3461
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for divorce certificates
- Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for assistance with complex searches
What Are Woodford County Divorce Records?
Woodford County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the county's Circuit or Family Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk pursuant to Kentucky law. The Kentucky Family Court handles dissolution of marriage cases, including matters related to property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
Types of Divorce Records
Court case files in dissolution proceedings contain a range of documents, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
The final decree is the official court order ending the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the 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 within the case file may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and estate planning
- Immigration proceedings and Social Security benefit claims
- Genealogical and family history research
- Verification of divorce terms for enforcement purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files in Woodford County. The Woodford County Clerk also maintains certain public records related to family law matters, including marriage licenses and divorce decrees. At the state level, the Office of Vital Statistics serves as a central repository for divorce certificates and issues certified copies upon request.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Kentucky are governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 403, which addresses general provisions, dissolution and legal separation, custody, and related family law matters. Chapter 403 includes enactments through the current legislative session and establishes the statutory basis for all divorce proceedings filed in Woodford County.
Are Woodford County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Woodford County are public court records subject to Kentucky's open records framework. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
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, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry some restrictions
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and medical records
- Substance abuse treatment information
- 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:
- 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 confidential information
- Attorneys: May access case files and, with a proper showing, may petition for access to sealed records
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court permission
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Woodford County?
The Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Under current Kentucky law, fees for court record copies are established by statute and court administrative rules. The following fee structure applies at present:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
| Electronic records via eCCLIX | Fees vary; basic viewing may be free |
Members of the public accessing records through the eCCLIX online records system may view documents at no charge; fees apply for printing or downloading certified copies. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for certified divorce certificates ordered through that office.
Accepted payment methods at the clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current fees prior to submitting a request, as fee schedules are subject to revision by court administrative order.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of an affidavit of indigency. Members of the public who are parties to the case and who have been granted in forma pauperis status may be entitled to copies at reduced or no cost.
Basic case information, including case number, filing date, party names, and case status, is available at no charge through the court's public access terminals and online portal.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Woodford County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Woodford 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, filing fees paid, and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and retirement account records
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet, income information, 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, including type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living, and need and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if applicable (note: mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record)
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, name restoration, and judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting court orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's addresses, schools, and medical information
- Domestic violence details and mental health evaluations
- Substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Woodford County?
Proof of divorce in Woodford County may be obtained through two primary channels: the 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:
- Visiting the Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk in person at 103 South Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
- Submitting a written request by mail with the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment for applicable fees
- Requesting copies through the eCCLIX online records system for cases filed from January 1, 1985, to the present
Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk
103 South Main Street
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3461
Woodford County Court Information
From the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics:
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Kentucky. A divorce certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics provides official confirmation of the dissolution and is accepted for most legal purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings.
Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Marriage and Divorce Certificates – Cabinet for Health and Family Services
For International Use:
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for use in a foreign country may need an apostille or authentication. The Kentucky Secretary of State certifies official signatures on public documents for international use. Requestors should obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Circuit Court Clerk or a certified divorce certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics before submitting the document to the Secretary of State for apostille processing.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Woodford County?
A divorce proceeding in Woodford County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While dissolution of marriage cases are presumptively public records under Kentucky law, courts retain authority to seal records or restrict access upon a proper showing.
The following categories of information may be treated as confidential within a divorce case file:
- Domestic violence cases: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse may have certain records sealed or addresses redacted to protect the safety of victims
- Children's information: Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.270, the best interests of the child are paramount; courts may restrict access to custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and information identifying the location of minor children
- Mental health and medical records: Psychological evaluations and medical records submitted in evidence may be sealed by court order
- Mediation communications: Kentucky law treats mediation communications as confidential; these records do not become part of the public court file
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms upon a showing of good cause
- High-profile cases: Courts may restrict access to case files in exceptional circumstances to protect the privacy interests of the parties
A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a compelling interest that outweighs the public's presumptive right of access. The court evaluates each request on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Woodford County Keep Divorce Records?
Woodford County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court record retention requirements. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains dissolution of marriage case files as permanent records of the court, given their ongoing legal significance for the parties involved.
Retention periods for different categories of records are as follows:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents establish legal status and property rights that may be referenced indefinitely
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum period established by Kentucky court administrative rules; active and recently closed cases are maintained in accessible storage
- Archived cases: Older case files may be transferred to archival storage but remain retrievable upon request; members of the public should allow additional processing time for retrieval of archived records
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the eCCLIX system from January 1, 1985, to the present are maintained in digital format and are accessible through the Woodford County Clerk's online records portal
- Pre-1985 records: Paper records predating the eCCLIX system may be stored in physical archives and may require special retrieval requests submitted directly to the clerk's office
- Vital Statistics records: The Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's permanent vital records repository
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Woodford County Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 873-3461 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Lookup Divorce Records in Woodford County
- Woodford County court records and case information
- Woodford County Clerk online records search via eCCLIX
- Woodford County Clerk public records archive
- Woodford County Clerk – marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Kentucky Family Court – dissolution of marriage proceedings
- Kentucky Court of Justice – statewide court records portal
- Kentucky marriage and divorce certificates – Office of Vital Statistics
- Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics – certified record requests
- Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 403 – dissolution of marriage
- Office of Vital Statistics – Kentucky.gov agency profile
- Apostilles and authentications for Kentucky public documents