Breckinridge County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Breckinridge County in 2026

BreckinridgeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through official sources include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Breckinridge County.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Breckinridge County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary repository for divorce case records. The Kentucky Court of Justice notes that "the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county." Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is accessible at no charge through the clerk's office. Copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Kentucky Court of Justice provides a statewide portal for requesting court records across all jurisdictions. This consolidated database allows members of the public to submit records requests using case and file locator numbers. The portal supports searches across multiple counties and court divisions.

3. State Vital Records

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains divorce certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics. Members of the public may obtain marriage and divorce certificates through this office. A separate Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) may be generated and printed through the Kentucky.gov web form application. Fees apply for certified copies.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Family Division:

Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk
100 South Sycamore Street
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Phone: (270) 756-2246
Kentucky Court of Justice — Breckinridge

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Services available in person:
  • Search case files by party name or case number
  • View documents at public access terminals
  • Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
  • Obtain staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

Older and archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval timelines. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and may require additional processing time.

By Mail

Written Request:

• Mail to: Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk, 100 South Sycamore Street, Hardinsburg, KY 40143
• Include the following with each request:
  • Full legal names of both parties
  • Approximate date of divorce or filing
  • Case number, if known
  • Requestor's full name and contact information
  • Purpose of request, if required by the clerk
  • Payment for applicable copy fees
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
• Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.

By Phone

Limited Information Available:

• Clerk of Court: (270) 756-2246
• Staff may confirm the following by phone:
  • Whether a case exists in the system
  • Case number and filing date
  • Current case status
• Staff cannot provide the following by phone:
  • Detailed document contents
  • Copies of filed documents
  • Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including documents that may require a formal showing of need. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records when a legitimate legal purpose exists. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

• Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
• Maiden names, if applicable
• Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
• Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

• Date and location of marriage
• Previous addresses in Breckinridge County
• Names of minor 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 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. The divorce is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

• Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
• Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered.

Older Divorces:

• Cases predating electronic records systems may be archived in paper format.
• Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request.
• 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 Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk at (270) 756-2246
• Attempt alternate name spellings in the search
• Search under both spouses' names
• Check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate
• Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for complex searches

What Are Breckinridge County Divorce Records?

Breckinridge County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Breckinridge Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as public records subject to applicable restrictions under Kentucky law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding includes the following categories of documents:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Response or answer filed by the respondent
• Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
• Parenting plans and child custody agreements
• Marital settlement agreements
• Motions, responses, and court orders entered during the proceeding
• Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
• Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree of dissolution is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes the following:

• The date on which the marriage was dissolved
• Division of marital property and allocation of debts
• Spousal support or maintenance obligations, if any
• Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
• Child support orders, if applicable
• Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk.

Supporting Documents

Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:

• The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
• Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
• Real property appraisals and business valuations
• Post-judgment modification orders
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

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 title changes
• Providing documentation for estate planning and Social Security benefit claims
• Supporting immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
• Enabling genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which provides limited identifying information compared to the full court file. The Kentucky Family Court system handles dissolution of marriage proceedings as part of its family law jurisdiction.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Kentucky are governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.010 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the Commonwealth. Public access to court records is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records while permitting specific exemptions for sensitive information.

Are Breckinridge County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Breckinridge County are public court records subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal and financial data.

What Is Public:

The following information is accessible to any member of the public:

• Case number and date of filing
• Full names of both parties to the proceeding
• Names of attorneys of record
• Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
• Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
• Property division orders
• General case status and docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

• Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
• Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
• Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access
• Income and salary details may carry partial restrictions depending on how they were submitted

Children's Information

• Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
• Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
• Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children may be sealed
• Guardian ad litem reports are restricted from general public access
• Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order

Sensitive Personal Information

• Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and protective order details may be sealed
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
• Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases are protected
• Medical records submitted as exhibits are subject to HIPAA protections

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may support sealing include documented domestic violence, abuse allegations, high-profile cases where public disclosure would cause harm, and confidential settlement terms. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public 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. Photo identification may be required.
• Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
• Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
• Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files. Access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any activity that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Breckinridge Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test that weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved. Certain government entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted records.

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

The Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice fee schedule. The following fee structure is current under applicable court rules:

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document
Certification fee (per document)	$5.00
Search fee	No separate search fee
Electronic copy (if available)	Varies by request

• Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect divorce case files at the clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours.
• Copy fees: Copies of individual documents are charged at the standard per-page rate established by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
• Certification fees: A certification fee applies to each document for which an official certified copy is requested. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature and are accepted as legal proof of the document's contents.
• Payment methods: The Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
• Fee waivers: Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status in their own case may be entitled to copies of their own records at reduced or no cost. A formal application is required.
• Vital Statistics fees: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through that office. Current fee information is available through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Breckinridge County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and entered by the court from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

• Assigned case number
• Court name and division (Breckinridge Circuit Court, Family Division)
• Full legal names of petitioner and respondent
• Name of the assigned judge
• Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record

Filing Information:

• Date the petition was filed
• Filing fees paid and receipt information
• Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
• Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

• Full identifying information for both parties
• Date and location of the marriage
• Date of separation, if applicable
• Statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken, as required under Kentucky law
• Names and dates of birth of minor children, if any
• Current custody and visitation arrangements
• Claims regarding marital property and debts
• Requests for spousal maintenance, child support, and other relief

Response/Answer:

• Respondent's admissions or denials of the petition's allegations
• Counterpetition, if filed
• Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

• Both parties' complete income from all sources
• Monthly living expenses
• All marital and non-marital assets, including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, investments, and personal property
• All liabilities, including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other debts
• Standard of living established during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Discovery materials that may be part of the case file include tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, and business financial records where a party owns or operates a business. Interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, and deposition transcripts may also be filed with the court.

Property-Related Documents

The case file may include a marital asset inventory listing all real and personal property with estimated values, a corresponding debt inventory, and any appraisals or expert valuations obtained for real property, business interests, or personal property of significant value. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, which are separate court orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits, are filed as part of the case record when applicable.

Children-Related Documents

When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular weeks, holidays, summers, and vacations, and provisions for transportation, communication, and decision-making authority over education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and the child support order are also part of the file. Custody evaluations ordered by the court and guardian ad litem reports, where appointed, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.

Support Documents

Spousal maintenance provisions, if ordered, specify the type, amount, duration, and conditions for termination or modification of support. Calculation worksheets reflecting each party's income, need, and ability to pay are included in the file.

Settlement Documents

A Marital Settlement Agreement, when the parties resolve their case by agreement, is a comprehensive document addressing all issues in the proceeding, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. The agreement is incorporated into the final judgment. Mediation agreements, where mediation was used, may be referenced in the settlement agreement, though the mediation communications themselves are confidential.

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and use of marital property, are part of the file. The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the definitive court order that terminates the marriage, resolves all contested issues, and constitutes the official record of the divorce. Post-judgment documents, including petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, and enforcement actions such as income deduction orders, are filed in the same case and become part of the permanent record.

What's Typically Confidential or Sealed

• Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
• Residential addresses and school information for minor children
• Domestic violence allegations and related evidence, which may be sealed upon motion
• Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
• Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
• Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted in connection with business valuations
• Settlement negotiations that were not reduced to a filed agreement

How Information Is Organized

Documents in the case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. The docket sheet serves as an index reflecting each document filed, the date of filing, and a brief description. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic filing system. Older cases may exist in paper format only, with some converted to digital images. Members of the public may review the docket online or at the clerk's office to identify specific documents before requesting copies.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Breckinridge County

Proof of divorce in Breckinridge County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Circuit Court Clerk, or a certified divorce certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.

Certified Copy of Final Decree — Circuit Court Clerk:

A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce. It bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by courts, government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that the marriage was dissolved.

Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk
100 South Sycamore Street
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Phone: (270) 756-2246
Kentucky Court of Justice — Breckinridge

Steps to obtain a certified copy:

• Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce
• Supply the case number if available
• Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk
• Pay the applicable certification fee

Divorce Certificate — Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics:

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions of marriage recorded in the Commonwealth. This document provides official confirmation that a divorce occurred and is suitable for many administrative purposes.

Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Marriage and Divorce Certificates

Members of the public may also use the VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment web form available through Kentucky.gov to generate and print a certificate of divorce or annulment. Fees apply for certified copies issued by the Office of Vital Statistics.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Breckinridge County?

Divorce proceedings in Breckinridge County are presumptively public under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870. However, specific portions of a divorce case file may be made confidential under certain circumstances:

• Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a domestic violence order or when the case involves allegations of abuse, the court may seal identifying information, including residential addresses and contact details, to protect the safety of the victim.
• Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible documents or sealed by court order.
• Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or substance abuse history are subject to statutory confidentiality protections and are not disclosed as part of the public record.
• Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
• Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in open records against the specific harm that disclosure would cause.
• Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being disclosed in the public record, subject to court approval.

Members of the public who believe a case has been improperly sealed or that access has been improperly denied may seek review under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

How Long Does Breckinridge County Keep Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Breckinridge County are retained in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice records retention schedule and applicable state law. The following retention periods apply:

• Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. Final decrees are part of the permanent court record and are not subject to destruction.
• Complete case files: Circuit court civil and family law case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under the Kentucky Court of Justice retention schedule.
• Post-judgment modification records: Documents filed after the entry of the final judgment, including modification orders and enforcement actions, are retained as part of the original case file for the same period.
• Electronic records: Cases filed through the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic filing system are maintained in digital format indefinitely, subject to the court's data management policies.
• Archived paper records: Older cases maintained in paper format may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm or digital images. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
• Vital Statistics records: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificate records permanently as part of the Commonwealth's vital records registry.

Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than 25 years ago should contact the Breckinridge Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and the process for retrieval of archived materials.

Lookup Divorce Records in Breckinridge County

• Breckinridge Circuit Court clerk records and county court information
• Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics — marriage and divorce certificates
• Certificate of Divorce or Annulment VS-300 web form application
• Kentucky Family Court jurisdiction and dissolution of marriage proceedings
• Kentucky Court of Justice — request court records from the State Records Center