Graves County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Graves County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Courthouse in Mayfield. Circuit Clerk Emily Ward Buzanis manages all divorce filings. Her office maintains complete case files. The courthouse was damaged in a December 2021 tornado. Operations have been restored.

Graves County Circuit Court Clerk for Dissolution Of Marriage

Circuit Clerk Emily Ward Buzanis serves Graves County. Her office is at the Graves County Courthouse in Mayfield. This is the only location for dissolution of marriage records in Graves County. The courthouse sustained damage in December 2021.

Many people confuse the County Clerk with the Circuit Court Clerk. These offices serve different functions. The County Clerk handles vehicle registration. The Circuit Court Clerk handles court records including dissolutions. For divorce records, you must visit the Circuit Court Clerk.

The Graves County Courthouse has been repaired. The Circuit Clerk office is fully operational. Staff can assist with record searches. They can provide copies of decrees. Call ahead to confirm hours.

Note: The courthouse was damaged in the December 2021 tornado. Operations have resumed.

How to Get Graves County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

You can request Graves County dissolution records in several ways. The Circuit Clerk accepts in-person visits at the Courthouse. You can also submit written requests by mail. All fees must be paid in advance for mail orders.

Visit the Graves County Courthouse in Mayfield. Go to the Circuit Court Clerk office. The staff can search for your case and provide copies during your visit. Bring identification and any case information you have. This helps speed up the search process.

For mail requests, send a letter to the address above. Include the names of both parties and the year of the dissolution. Provide your contact information. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment for estimated copy fees. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

Graves County Dissolution Of Marriage Copy Fees

The Graves County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for record copies. Non-commercial copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost more. These fees follow Kentucky Open Records Act standards.

All fees must be paid in advance for mail requests. The office accepts checks and money orders. Call 270-247-1733 to confirm acceptable payment methods. Ask about current fees before sending your request.

The Kentucky Open Records Act requires a response within 5 working days. The Circuit Clerk follows this timeline for all record requests.

Kentucky State Certificates for Graves County Dissolutions

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics holds dissolution certificates from June 1958 forward. These certificates cost $6 each. They confirm that a divorce took place. They show the parties' names and the divorce date. They do not include full court orders.

Send mail requests to 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621. Include both spouses' names, the divorce date, and Graves County. You can also order online through VitalChek for an additional fee.

For divorces before 1958, contact the Graves County Circuit Clerk. The state office does not hold older records.

Kentucky Laws for Dissolution Of Marriage in Graves County

Dissolution cases in Graves County follow KRS Chapter 403. These statutes set the rules for filing and completing divorce cases.

KRS 403.140 requires 180 days of Kentucky residency. One spouse must meet this before filing. File in Graves County if you or your spouse lives there.

KRS 403.170 makes Kentucky a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is an "irretrievably broken" marriage. Neither spouse must prove fault.

KRS 403.170(2) sets a 60-day waiting period. Spouses must live apart for 60 days after service before the court can finalize the case.

Access to Graves County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Graves County dissolution records are public under Kentucky law. The Open Records Act grants access to court documents. Anyone can request copies. You do not need to be a party to the case.

Some information may be redacted. This includes Social Security numbers and financial account details. The clerk removes this information before providing copies. A court order can seal records in special cases.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Graves County. File your dissolution case in the county where you or your spouse resides.