Lincoln County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Lincoln County, Kentucky. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may locate case filings, final decrees, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available records may include petition filings, judgment dates, party names, and case status information, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
Records may be searched through the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, state vital records, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized third-party research tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains the primary online portal for searching Lincoln County court records, including divorce and dissolution of marriage cases. The CourtNet system provides basic case information at no charge; obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide case search system that allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases across all Kentucky counties from a single interface. This consolidated database is the most efficient starting point for locating records when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in the Commonwealth. The Marriage and Divorce Certificates page of the Cabinet's website describes the process for obtaining certified divorce certificates. Members of the public may also submit a request using the Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) web form application available through Kentucky.gov.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Lincoln County Circuit Court:
Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
102 E. Main Street
Stanford, KY 40484
Phone: (606) 365-2535
Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
The Lincoln County Courthouse has served as the repository for county legal records since 1786, with records dating to 1779 maintained in the current building.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk, 102 E. Main Street, Stanford, KY 40484
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or case number if known
- Requester's full name, mailing address, and contact information
- Stated purpose of request if required
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow two to four weeks for retrieval of archived materials.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk: (606) 365-2535
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Assigned case number
- Current case status
- Original filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed pleadings, or any information classified as confidential under applicable court rules.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access the complete case file, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies on behalf of a client. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Kentucky Bar Association lawyer referral service. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or confidential custody evaluations.
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 county of marriage
- Last known addresses of both parties
- Names of children, if any
- 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 at least one spouse resides. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk of the county where the action was filed, not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred. When the county of filing is unknown, requesters may need to search multiple counties or use the statewide court portal.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a Kentucky resident for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition, as required under KRS § 403.140.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Allow several business days to two weeks for the record to be entered and indexed.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time.
- Records dating to the late 18th century are maintained at the Lincoln County Courthouse.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 365-2535 to request a manual search
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names independently
- Check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate
- Engage a licensed Kentucky attorney for complex retrieval needs
What Are Lincoln County Divorce Records?
Lincoln County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Lincoln County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to the public access provisions of Kentucky's Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., as well as applicable court rules governing family law matters.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or maintenance provisions, 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 from the Circuit Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates as a separate vital record. Court case files contain substantially more detail than vital record certificates.
Are Lincoln County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court are public court records under Kentucky's Open Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- 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 (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted or sealed)
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire 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 by statute and do not become part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted sensitive data |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case file access; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lincoln County?
The Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice fee schedule. Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus $0.25 per page) |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Divorce certificate (vital records) | $6.00 per copy (state vital records office) |
- Fees are subject to change by administrative order of the Kentucky Supreme Court.
- The Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk. Credit card acceptance varies; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods by calling (606) 365-2535 prior to visiting.
- Requests submitted by mail must include a money order or check for the applicable fee amount.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters upon submission of a completed affidavit of indigency; the Clerk's office can provide the required form.
- Basic case status information, including case number, filing date, and party names, is available at no charge through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal.
- Inspection of physical case files at the courthouse public access terminal is provided at no charge during regular business hours.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lincoln County
A complete Lincoln County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the dissolution was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, division, case number, and parties
- Names of the petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
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 (Kentucky is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under KRS § 403.170), information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, is also part of the record.
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
- Complete liability inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other debts
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset and debt inventories
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Retirement account statements and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement benefits are divided
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluation reports (which may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (which may be restricted)
Settlement and Judgment Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues by consent
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (communications remain confidential)
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of dissolution including all property, support, and custody provisions
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions, if any
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective order details
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lincoln County
Proof of divorce in Lincoln County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Circuit Court Clerk or as a divorce certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Court Clerk):
- Identify the case number using the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal or by contacting the Clerk's office at (606) 365-2535.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or by phone to the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk, 102 E. Main Street, Stanford, KY 40484.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page).
- Receive the certified copy bearing the court seal and Clerk's signature, which constitutes legally recognized proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):
Members of the public may obtain a divorce certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics by submitting a completed VS-300 web form or by mailing a written request to:
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Vital Statistics — Marriage and Divorce Certificates
The divorce certificate is a summary document confirming that a dissolution was granted in a specific Kentucky county. It does not contain the full terms of the decree. The fee is currently $6.00 per certified copy.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lincoln County?
Divorce proceedings in Lincoln County are presumptively public under Kentucky's Open Records Act; however, specific documents or entire case files may be sealed by court order upon a proper showing of good cause.
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to abuse to protect the safety of victims.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and custody evaluation reports are routinely restricted or sealed to protect children's privacy and welfare.
- Financial records: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and detailed tax returns are redacted from public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and do not become part of the public record.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest served.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Lincoln County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Divorce Records?
Lincoln County divorce records are maintained as permanent court records under Kentucky's records retention schedule for Circuit Court case files.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently by the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk. Records dating to the county's founding in 1786 are preserved at the Lincoln County Courthouse, with some records extending to 1779.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case; many files are retained permanently.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying case.
- Vital records divorce certificates: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificates permanently as part of the Commonwealth's vital records archive.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system indefinitely.
- Paper records: Older paper case files may be transferred to archival storage but remain retrievable upon request to the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Destruction: No category of final divorce judgment or decree is subject to routine destruction under current Kentucky court records retention policy.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than 10 years ago should contact the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm the location and format of the requested file.