Pulaski County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Pulaski County in 2026
PulaskiCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find records pertaining to dissolution of marriage proceedings, final divorce decrees, case filing dates, party names, and related court documents. Available record categories may include divorce decrees, separation agreements, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, 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 maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to search for divorce case information by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide court portal through which members of the public may search divorce cases across all Kentucky counties, including Pulaski County. The portal provides access to docket entries, case status, and filing dates. Members of the public may request court records directly through this system.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Kentucky. The Marriage and Divorce Certificates page provides instructions for obtaining certified divorce certificates. Fees apply, and the certificate reflects summary information rather than the full court case file. Members of the public may also use the Divorce Web Form Application VS300 to generate and print a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300).
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Pulaski Circuit Court Family Division
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
100 North Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-5012
Pulaski – Kentucky Court of Justice
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance available during business hours.
Pulaski County Clerk
100 North Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 679-2042
Pulaski County, KY Clerk
The County Clerk's office maintains certain land and marriage records and may assist with related document requests.
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk at 100 North Main Street, Somerset, KY 42501. Requests should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of 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
Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on the volume of requests and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
The Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk may be reached at (606) 678-5012. Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date. Detailed document information and copies of records are not provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing to the court. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex records 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 divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Pulaski 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 at least one spouse resides. Members of the public should search the county where either spouse resided at the time of the divorce, not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, multiple counties may require searching.
Residency Requirement: Under current Kentucky law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces: Records from recently finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed.
Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request to the Clerk's office.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- Searching the wrong county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering difficulty locating a record may contact the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 678-5012, attempt alternate name spellings, search both spouses' names, or check the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate.
What Are Pulaski County Divorce Records?
Pulaski County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Pulaski Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as public records, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under Kentucky law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court case files contain the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution. The final decree is the official court order ending the marriage and serves as legal proof of divorce. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support terms, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting documents within the case file may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan details, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. Members of the public also access divorce records for genealogical research and personal family history documentation.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates, which contain summary information about the dissolution. Pursuant to KRS § 213.076, Kentucky registers divorce and annulment records through the state vital statistics system.
As stated by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Are Pulaski County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Pulaski County are public court records under Kentucky's Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final divorce decree. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and 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 (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be sealed or access-limited)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in domestic violence cases
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records: A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; may require ID and copy fees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full case file access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Prohibited Uses: Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of protective orders.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Pulaski County?
The Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established under Kentucky court administrative rules and are subject to revision by the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by request |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the clerk's office |
Members of the public may inspect divorce records at the courthouse at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (606) 678-5012.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for certified divorce certificates obtained through the state vital records office. Members of the public may review current vital records fees on the Marriage and Divorce Certificates page maintained by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, such as for indigent parties to the original case. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must submit a written request to the Clerk's office with supporting documentation.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public divorce records at the courthouse
- Basic case information through the Kentucky Court of Justice online case search portal
- Docket entries and case status information online
What's Included in Divorce Records in Pulaski County
A complete Pulaski County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.
Basic Case Information: Every divorce file includes the case caption with the case number, court name, parties' names (petitioner and respondent), assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date filed, 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 information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (Kentucky is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under KRS § 403.170), information about minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition is also included.
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents: Case files may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents: Marital asset and debt inventories, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values are included where property division is at issue. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately when retirement accounts are divided.
Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the case file contains the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare cost documentation, and the child support order. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the file but may be restricted from public access.
Settlement Documents: A Marital Settlement Agreement, if the parties reached an agreement, is included in the file and addresses all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.
Court Orders and Final Judgment: Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and restraining orders, are part of the file. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division determinations, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and any name restoration order.
Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, enforcement actions, income deduction orders, and court orders on post-judgment matters are filed in the original case and become part of the permanent record.
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Adoption records related to children in the case
- Settlement negotiation communications
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Pulaski County?
Proof of divorce in Pulaski County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the Circuit Court Clerk, or a certified divorce certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
Certified Copy of Final Decree from the Circuit Court Clerk:
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution by visiting the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 100 North Main Street, Somerset, KY 42501, or by submitting a written request by mail. The request must include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of the applicable certification fee. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
Certified Divorce Certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics:
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains divorce certificates through its Office of Vital Statistics. Members of the public may request a certified divorce certificate by following the instructions on the Marriage and Divorce Certificates page. The VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment may also be generated using the Divorce Web Form Application VS300. The certificate contains summary information including the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of dissolution.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Vital Records
Members of the public who are parties to the original divorce case may request copies of any document within their case file without restriction. Third parties may obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Pulaski County?
Divorce proceedings in Pulaski County are presumptively public under Kentucky's Open Records Act; however, specific records or entire cases may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
Records that may be restricted or sealed include:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a domestic violence order or where disclosure of an address could endanger a party or child, the court may restrict access to identifying information.
- Children's sensitive information: Psychological evaluations, custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and records identifying children's residential addresses or schools may be sealed or access-restricted.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition submitted during proceedings may be sealed upon motion.
- Mediation records: Under Kentucky law, mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement agreements may be designated confidential by agreement of the parties and court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Pulaski Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides procedural guidance for court record requests.
How Long Does Pulaski County Keep Divorce Records?
Pulaski County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court record retention schedules established by the Kentucky Supreme Court and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit court civil case files, including divorce cases, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under current Kentucky court records retention schedules. Cases involving minor children may be retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional retention period.
- Archived paper records: Older divorce case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in paper format and may be stored at the courthouse or transferred to off-site archival storage. Retrieval of archived records requires advance notice to the Clerk's office.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system and are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal.
- Vital records divorce certificates: The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics retains divorce certificates permanently as part of the state's vital records system.
Members of the public seeking records from cases older than 10 years should contact the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 678-5012 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.