Henderson County Public Records /Henderson County Divorce Records

Henderson County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Henderson County in 2026

HendersonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Henderson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system, the Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Vital Records Branch.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Kentucky Court of Justice operates an online case information system that allows members of the public to search for circuit court cases, including dissolution of marriage proceedings, by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies of documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains a statewide portal through which users may search court records across all Kentucky counties, including Henderson County. The consolidated database reflects current case status and docket entries.

3. State Vital Records

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Records Branch, registers divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Kentucky. Members of the public may request a marriage and divorce certificate through the state vital records office. Fees apply and vary by request type.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Henderson County Circuit Court Family Division

Henderson County Judicial Center — Circuit Court Clerk
5 N. Main St., PO Box 675
Henderson, KY 42419-0675
Phone: (270) 826-9779
Henderson – Kentucky Court of Justice

Members of the public may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available for locating case records by party name or case number.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk, 5 N. Main St., PO Box 675, Henderson, KY 42419-0675
Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, the purpose of the request if required, payment for applicable copy fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope
Processing time is typically one to two weeks for standard requests; archived or older records may require additional time

By Phone

Limited Information:

Circuit Court Clerk: (270) 826-9779
Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or multi-county searches. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of the divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of the marriage
Previous addresses in Henderson County
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 in Kentucky must be filed in the county where either spouse resides 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 located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties 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 for dissolution of marriage.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing
Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be maintained in paper archives
Archived records may require a special retrieval request and additional processing time
Not all historical records have been digitized

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case has not yet been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (270) 826-9779
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Kentucky vital records divorce certificate database
Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney

What Are Henderson County Divorce Records?

Henderson County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Henderson County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to the provisions of the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., with certain statutory exceptions for sensitive personal information.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions and orders entered during the proceeding, transcripts of court hearings, and the final judgment of dissolution.

The Final Decree is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any alimony or spousal support awarded, child custody and timesharing arrangements if applicable, child support orders if applicable, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk.

Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit, financial disclosure documents, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-decree modification orders entered after the final judgment.

Purpose of Divorce Records

Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, documentation of name changes, property transfer documentation, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research, family history documentation, and personal verification of divorce terms.

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Records Branch, maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which contain limited identifying information compared to the full court case file.

Are Henderson County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Henderson County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree 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 times
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
Schools children attend, medical information, and psychological evaluations may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
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 are not part of the public court 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 documents subject to restricted public access
Attorneys: May access case files and, upon a proper showing, may petition the court for access to sealed documents
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require court authorization

Prohibited Uses:

Stalking or harassment of any party
Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
Violation of any protective order issued in the case
Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Henderson County?

The Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice schedule of fees. Current standard fees are as follows:

Service	Fee
Photocopy of court document (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree or court order	$5.00 per document
Certification fee (per document)	Included in certified copy fee
Public access terminal use	No charge
Case search (in-person or online basic search)	No charge

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
Electronic copies, where available through the court's online system, may be subject to separate fees established by the Kentucky Court of Justice
Payment is accepted in the form of cash, money order, or check made payable to the Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a mail request
Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a waiver should inquire with the Circuit Court Clerk

The Kentucky vital records office charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Members of the public may submit a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) request through the state's online form application.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Henderson County

A complete Henderson County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the initiation of the proceeding through any post-judgment actions. The following categories reflect the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file.

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, case type, and jurisdictional basis

Initial Pleadings:

The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (Kentucky is a no-fault state requiring only a finding of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under KRS § 403.170), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.

Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.

Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial statements where applicable.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
Debt inventory covering all marital liabilities
Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, business interests, and personal property

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income of both parties, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs
Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be subject to restricted access
Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access

Support Documents:

Alimony or maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and termination conditions
Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living during the marriage, 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 the parties participated in mediation, though mediation communications themselves are confidential

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders for custody, support, use of property, and any restraining orders entered during the pendency of the proceeding
Final Judgment of Dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and any name restoration ordered
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) if retirement accounts are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute benefits

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support and court orders on those petitions
Contempt motions and enforcement actions including income deduction orders and liens

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details subject to sealing orders
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Henderson County

Proof of divorce in Henderson County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final decree from the Circuit Court Clerk, or a divorce certificate from the Kentucky Vital Records Branch.

Certified Copy of Final Decree:

Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution directly from the Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.

Henderson County Judicial Center — Circuit Court Clerk
5 N. Main St., PO Box 675
Henderson, KY 42419-0675
Phone: (270) 826-9779
Henderson – Kentucky Court of Justice

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the court's online system where available. The requestor must provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known. The current fee for a certified copy is $5.00 per document.

Kentucky Vital Records Divorce Certificate:

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Records Branch, issues divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Kentucky counties. A divorce certificate contains limited information compared to the full court record but is accepted for many official purposes. Members of the public may request a certificate through the Kentucky marriage and divorce certificate page or by submitting the Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) online form.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Vital Records Branch
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Vital Records

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Henderson County?

Divorce proceedings in Henderson County are presumptively public under the Kentucky Open Records Act; however, specific portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted by court order or by operation of law.

A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence allegations, the need to protect minor children, or the existence of confidential business information
Domestic violence victims may seek additional protections under KRS § 403.720 et seq., which governs domestic violence orders and may restrict public access to certain identifying information
Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice
Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record
Mental health evaluations, substance abuse records, and psychological assessments of children are subject to restricted access and may require a court order to obtain
The court retains discretion to seal records on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved

How Long Does Henderson County Keep Divorce Records?

Henderson County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all court case files.

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage and the complete case file are retained permanently as part of the official court record
Docket entries and case indexes are maintained permanently and are accessible through the court's case management system
Temporary orders, motions, and interlocutory documents filed during the pendency of the proceeding are retained as part of the permanent case file
Post-judgment modification and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same permanent retention requirement
Paper records predating electronic filing may be stored in off-site archives; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a special request to the Circuit Court Clerk
The Kentucky Vital Records Branch retains divorce certificates in its statewide registry on a permanent basis
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures