Jefferson County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Jefferson County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Judicial Center in Louisville. David L. Nicholson serves as the Circuit Court Clerk. His office holds all divorce case files for the county. The Archives and Records department stores older files. Jefferson County Family Court operates with 10 divisions and 10 full-time judges using a "One Family, One Judge, One Court" model.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk for Divorce Records
David L. Nicholson is the Circuit Court Clerk for Jefferson County. His office is at the Judicial Center in Louisville. The clerk maintains all dissolution of marriage records for the county. The Archives and Records department handles older files.
Jefferson County has two locations for records. The main office is at the Judicial Center. The Archives office is at the Old Jail Building on Liberty Street. The Archives holds Circuit Civil records from 1930 to 1982. It also holds Circuit Criminal records from 1953 to 1985. These are on microfilm.
| Office | Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk | David L. Nicholson |
| Main Address | Jefferson County Judicial Center 700 W. Jefferson St. Louisville, KY 40202 |
| Archives Address | Old Jail Building 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40202 |
| Family Court Phone | 502-595-3025 |
| Archives Phone | 502-595-3042 |
| JeffersonOCCCrecords.archives@kycourts.net | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | jeffersonkycourtclerk.com |
How to Get Jefferson County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
You can request Jefferson County dissolution records in several ways. The Circuit Clerk accepts email, mail, and in-person requests. Each method has specific requirements and timelines.
Email requests can be sent to JeffersonOCCCrecords.archives@kycourts.net. Include the names of all parties, dates of birth, and approximate timeframe. Add your contact information. The case number helps if you have it.
Mail requests should go to the Archives address. Send to Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk, Archives and Records, 514 West Liberty Street, Ste. 100, Louisville, KY 40202. Include specific case details. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For in-person visits, go to the Archives office at 514 W. Liberty Street. Staff can search records and provide copies. Same-day service is often available. Call 502-595-3042 before visiting to confirm records are available.
Jefferson County Marriage Dissolution Copy Fees
The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk charges specific fees for copies. These vary by method and document type. The office accepts several payment methods.
In-person copies cost $0.25 per page. Mail delivery costs $10.00 for up to 18 pages. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. Audio and video DVDs cost $25.00 each. Payment methods include cash, credit cards, cashier checks, and money orders. Personal checks are NOT accepted.
Audio and video proceedings require 2 to 4 days processing after payment. In-person requests are usually same-day. Mail request times vary. Contact the office for current timeframes.
Note: Call 502-595-3042 to confirm current fees before submitting large requests.
Jefferson County Family Court and Dissolution Cases
Jefferson County Family Court handles all dissolution of marriage cases. The court operates 10 divisions with 10 full-time judges. It uses a "One Family, One Judge, One Court" model. This means one judge handles all matters for a single family.
Family Court in Jefferson County hears dissolution cases, custody matters, and support issues. The court also handles adoptions and protective orders. All filings become part of the court record. The Circuit Clerk maintains these records.
Contact the Family Court at 502-595-3025 for case-related questions. The clerk's office can help with record requests and copies.
Kentucky State Certificates for Jefferson County Dissolutions
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains dissolution certificates. They have records from June 1958 to present. Each certified copy costs $6. A certificate confirms the divorce occurred. It lists the parties' names and the date.
Order by mail from 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621. Include both spouses' names, the divorce date, and Jefferson County. You can also order online through VitalChek with service fees.
For divorces before 1958, contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. The state does not hold older records. The Archives has Circuit Civil records from 1930 to 1982 on microfilm.
Kentucky Laws for Dissolution Of Marriage in Jefferson County
Jefferson County dissolution cases follow KRS Chapter 403. These statutes govern all divorce procedures in Kentucky.
KRS 403.140 requires 180 days of Kentucky residency. One spouse must meet this before filing. You can file in Jefferson County if you or your spouse lives there.
KRS 403.170 makes Kentucky a no-fault state. The only ground is an "irretrievably broken" marriage. No fault needs to be proven.
KRS 403.170(2) sets a 60-day waiting period. Spouses must live apart for 60 days after service. The court cannot finalize the case before this time.
Access to Jefferson County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Jefferson County dissolution records are public documents. The Kentucky Open Records Act grants access to these files. Anyone can request to view or copy records. You do not need to be a party to the case.
Some information may be redacted from public copies. Social Security numbers are removed. Financial account details are protected. Information about minor children may be limited. A judge can seal records by court order.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County and Louisville merged in 2003. All dissolution cases are filed at the Louisville courthouse. The metro government serves all communities in the county.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jefferson County. File your dissolution case where you or your spouse currently resides.