Franklin County Kentucky Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Franklin County is home to Kentucky's capital city. Frankfort serves as the seat of state government and the county seat. The 3rd Judicial Circuit handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Franklin County residents. Circuit Clerk Kem Marshall maintains these records at the historic Franklin County Courthouse. The county also hosts the state Office of Vital Statistics, which issues dissolution certificates for all Kentucky counties.
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
Kem Marshall serves as the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk. His office maintains all dissolution of marriage records for the 3rd Judicial Circuit. Staff assist with filing new cases and retrieving existing records. The courthouse location in downtown Frankfort provides convenient access. Franklin County has two clerk offices with different functions. The Circuit Court Clerk handles court records including dissolutions. The County Clerk, Jeff Hancock, handles marriage licenses and other documents. Do not confuse these offices when requesting records.
| Office | Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Kem Marshall |
| Address |
Franklin County Courthouse 222 St. Clair Street Frankfort, KY 40601 |
| Phone | (502) 564-7013 |
| Family Court | (502) 564-2278 |
| Open Records | openrecords@franklincounty.ky.gov |
| Website | kycourts.gov/Franklin |
How to Obtain Franklin County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Requesting Franklin County dissolution of marriage records is straightforward. The Circuit Clerk office in Frankfort holds complete case files. Visit during business hours to view or copy documents. Mail requests are also accepted with proper payment.
The county offers open records access. Non-commercial copies cost $0.10 per page. Digital records are provided at no charge when available. Recordings cost $5 each. Note that Kentucky law requires requesters to be state residents. This requirement comes from House Bill 312 passed in 2021.
Kentucky CourtNet provides online case access. The system covers all counties including Franklin. Search by name or case number to locate dissolution records. Visit kcoj.kycourts.net to begin your search. Registration provides enhanced access to detailed records.
For dissolution certificates, visit the Office of Vital Statistics. This state office is located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort. Certificates cost $6 each. Records date back to June 1958.
What Dissolution Of Marriage Records Contain
Franklin County dissolution of marriage records include comprehensive case documentation. These documents track the entire legal process from filing to final decree. The petition for dissolution opens the case. It identifies the parties and states that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The response comes from the other spouse. It may agree with the petition or contest its terms.
Financial disclosures reveal each party's economic situation. Assets, debts, income, and expenses must be documented. Settlement agreements record negotiated arrangements between spouses. These cover property division, custody, and support matters. The final decree terminates the marriage and adopts all terms.
Franklin County dissolution of marriage records typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response and counterclaims
- Financial disclosure statements
- Custody and visitation agreements
- Child support calculations
- Property division orders
- Final decree of dissolution
Certain information receives protection from public disclosure. Social Security numbers are automatically redacted. Financial account details may be sealed. Information about minor children has restricted access. Parties may request additional sealing of sensitive materials.
Dissolution Of Marriage Certificates in Franklin County
A dissolution of marriage certificate provides basic verification. It confirms that a divorce occurred in Franklin County. The certificate lists the parties' names and the finalization date. It does not include property terms or custody arrangements.
Franklin County residents have convenient access to state vital records. The Office of Vital Statistics is located in the same city. Visit 275 East Main Street to request certificates in person. The fee is $6 per certified copy. Records exist from June 1958 to present.
Mail requests require specific information. Include both spouses' full names, the divorce date, and the county. Send payment and a self-addressed envelope to the Frankfort address. Phone and online ordering are also available through the state portal.
Most legal proceedings require the full court decree. Contact the Franklin County Circuit Clerk for complete records. The decree contains all court orders and settlement terms.
Dissolution Of Marriage Process in Franklin County
The dissolution process in Franklin County follows Kentucky statutes. Each stage generates records maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Understanding these stages helps you find specific documents.
Before filing, residency requirements must be met. One spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days. The petition must be filed in the county of residence. Franklin County residents file at the St. Clair Street courthouse. The clerk accepts the petition and assigns a case number.
Kentucky permits only no-fault dissolution. The sole ground is irretrievable breakdown. No blame is assigned to either party. This approach reduces conflict and streamlines proceedings.
The other spouse must receive proper notice. Service methods include sheriff delivery, certified mail, or process servers. Proof of service gets filed with the court. A mandatory 60-day waiting period follows service. The court cannot finalize before this period expires.
Temporary orders may address immediate needs during the waiting period. These can establish temporary custody or support. The court may schedule hearings on contested matters. All documents become part of the public record. Agreements between spouses get submitted as settlement documents. The court reviews them at a final hearing. Disputed cases may require mediation or trial. The judge signs a final decree ending the marriage.
Online Search Options for Franklin County Records
Searching for Franklin County dissolution of marriage records online is convenient. You can access case information without visiting the courthouse. Multiple platforms serve different search needs.
Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 connects to all circuit court databases statewide. Franklin County records are fully included. Guest users can view basic case details. Registered accounts unlock comprehensive document access. The system updates continuously with new filings and case events.
Successful searches require good preparation. Collect full names before starting. Approximate filing dates narrow the results. Case numbers provide the fastest access. Partial names work but return more matches.
Cities in Franklin County
Franklin County includes several communities. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the Circuit Court in Frankfort regardless of where in the county you live.
Residents of Frankfort and surrounding communities in Franklin County file dissolution of marriage cases at the Franklin County Courthouse in Frankfort.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Franklin County. Each maintains separate dissolution of marriage records at their respective circuit clerk offices.