Perry County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Perry County in 2026
PerryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Perry County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, whether documents have been digitized, and any court-ordered restrictions. Relevant record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, and post-judgment modifications.
Records may be searched through the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized third-party research tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk maintains the official index of divorce and dissolution of marriage cases filed in the county. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is accessible at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides county-level court information and directs members of the public to the appropriate Circuit Court Clerk for record requests. The portal supports searches across Kentucky's trial court system and serves as a consolidated reference for locating the correct jurisdiction.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics registers divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Kentucky. Members of the public may request a divorce certificate through the state office for dissolutions finalized after June 1958. For divorces granted prior to that date, the county circuit clerk who issued the decree is the appropriate point of contact. The marriage and divorce certificate request page outlines the information required to submit a request, including the full names of both parties and the Kentucky county where the decree was issued.
In-Person Searches
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
481 Main Street, Suite 218
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-4614
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
Members of the public may visit the 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 requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk at the address listed above. Each request should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mailed requests is subject to current office workload and may range from one to three weeks.
By Phone
The clerk's office may be reached at (606) 436-4614. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date. Detailed document contents and copies of filed materials cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
Licensed attorneys may access divorce case files on behalf of clients and, where legally authorized, may petition the court for access to sealed or restricted documents. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex record requests may consult the Kentucky Bar Association for attorney referral services.
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 of either party
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.140, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Time Considerations
Recently finalized divorces may not appear in online indexes immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for records to be processed and entered into the system. Older divorce records, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not appear in a search include:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations or spelling differences between the search query and the filed record
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the clerk's office directly at (606) 436-4614, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or submit a request to the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a statewide divorce certificate search.
What Are Perry County Divorce Records?
Perry County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Perry County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to Kentucky's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court case files contain the full range of documents filed during the proceeding, including the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, and hearing transcripts. The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage and establishing the legal terms of the dissolution, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support arrangements. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the clerk's office upon request.
Supporting documents within the case file may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Providing evidence in immigration proceedings
- Supporting Social Security benefit claims
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies to authorized requestors. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized after June 1958, offering a summary-level record distinct from the full court file.
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., public agency records, including court records, are presumptively open to inspection by members of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Are Perry County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Perry County Circuit Court are public court records under Kentucky law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within a divorce case file are subject to restriction or redaction.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Final divorce decree and property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers is redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules. Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access. Information concerning minor children, including their addresses, schools, and medical records, is protected under Kentucky family law. Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments may be sealed by court order.
Sensitive personal information, including domestic violence allegations, mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, and the personal addresses of domestic violence victims, may be withheld from public access. Cases involving abuse or high-profile circumstances may be sealed in their entirety upon a showing of good cause.
Who Can Access Records:
- Members of the general public may access all non-restricted portions of the case file and obtain copies upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case retain full access to their own case file, including confidential materials.
- Licensed attorneys may access case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Perry County?
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies of divorce records in accordance with Kentucky law. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 142.010, court clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of official records.
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
Fees for vital records divorce certificates requested through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics are set separately and are subject to change. Members of the public requesting records by mail should include a check or money order payable to the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk. In-person requestors may pay by cash, check, or money order; accepted payment methods should be confirmed with the clerk's office prior to visiting.
Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested. Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, such as for indigent parties to the original case, subject to the clerk's discretion and applicable court rules.
Members of the public requesting a divorce certificate through the state's online portal may use the VS-300 Divorce Web Form Application to generate and submit a certificate of divorce or annulment request. All required fields must be completed for the request to be processed.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Perry County
A complete Perry County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following categories of documents are included in a standard dissolution of marriage case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of the petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for dissolution under Kentucky law, information concerning minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition.
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents: Discovery materials may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents: The marital asset inventory identifies and values all marital property subject to division. Debt inventories catalog all marital liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, business interests, and personal property of significant value are filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the case file includes the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also part of the record. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.
Support Documents: Alimony or spousal support provisions, including the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions, are documented in the settlement agreement and incorporated into the final decree.
Settlement Documents: The marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments: Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property may be entered during the pendency of the proceeding. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage, incorporating all agreed or adjudicated terms, and bearing the judge's signature and court seal. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are entered separately where retirement accounts are divided.
Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modifications, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions are filed in the original case and become part of the permanent record.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Perry County?
Proof of divorce in Perry County is obtained through either the Circuit Court Clerk or the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, depending on the level of detail required.
Certified Copy of Final Decree from the Circuit Court Clerk:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for legal, immigration, and remarriage purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 481 Main Street, Suite 218, Hazard, KY 41701
- Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information and applicable fees
- Contacting the clerk's office by phone at (606) 436-4614 to confirm current procedures and fees
Divorce Certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics:
For dissolutions finalized after June 1958, a divorce certificate may be requested from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. This certificate provides summary-level information and is suitable for many administrative purposes. The marriage and divorce certificate request process requires the full names of both parties and the Kentucky county where the decree was issued.
Members of the public may also submit a request using the VS-300 Divorce Web Form Application, which generates a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment. All required fields must be completed for the form to be processed.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Office of Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Perry County?
Divorce proceedings in Perry County are presumptively public under Kentucky law; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, the entire case may be made confidential by court order.
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the Circuit Court to seal a case or specific documents upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence, abuse allegations, or other compelling privacy interests.
- Redacted information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifying data are redacted from publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
- Children's information: The names, addresses, schools, and medical information of minor children are protected under Kentucky family law and may be withheld from public access.
- Domestic violence protections: Where a protective order is in effect or domestic violence is alleged, the personal address and contact information of the protected party may be sealed.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records incorporated into a divorce file are subject to restricted access under applicable state and federal privacy laws.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Perry County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Perry County Keep Divorce Records?
Perry County divorce records are retained in accordance with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice and applicable state law.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, including the final decree and all incorporated orders, are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: Full divorce case files, including all pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum period established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives records retention schedule.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions filed after the original decree are retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period.
- Archived records: Older case files, particularly those predating electronic filing systems, may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic filing system are maintained in digital format and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Vital records certificates: Divorce certificates registered with the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics are maintained permanently by the state.
Members of the public seeking records from archived or older cases should contact the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk directly at (606) 436-4614 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.