Rowan County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Rowan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Rowan County may access publicly available information through RowanRecords.org and official government sources. Rowan County divorce records may include final decrees, case filings, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and related court documents. Access to specific records may vary depending on case type, filing date, and any court-ordered restrictions.
Divorce records in Rowan County may be searched through the Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, state vital records, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public at present.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an index of divorce case filings accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal. Basic case information — including party names, case numbers, and filing dates — is available at no charge. Copies of individual 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 a Rowan County divorce case.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains marriage and divorce certificates through its Vital Statistics Branch. Kentucky registers divorce certificates separately from full court case files. The Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) form is available through the state's online vital records system and provides a summary-level record of the dissolution.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk
627 East Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Rowan — Kentucky Court of Justice
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may visit the clerk's office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available during regular business hours.
Records Department:
The Rowan County Clerk maintains a separate records division for property-related and historical documents. The Rowan County Clerk's records office handles archived filings and certified copy requests for older cases that may not be fully digitized.
Rowan County Clerk
627 East Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: (606) 784-5212
Records — Rowan County Clerk
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk, 627 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351
- Include the full names of both parties
- Include the approximate date of divorce
- Include the case number, if known
- Include the requestor's full contact information
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and record age
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (606) 784-5212
- 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 filings, or information from confidential or sealed records by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Kentucky Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service for members of the public who require legal representation in connection with a divorce record matter.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Rowan 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 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 case is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a case has been entered into the system
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized; requestors should allow extra processing time
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 is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records are stored in a separate archive
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 784-5212
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for complex or sealed record matters
What Are Rowan County Divorce Records?
Rowan County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Rowan 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 under KRS § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act.
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, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution. These documents collectively form the complete record of the proceeding.
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 spousal support obligations, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan attachments, 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 title changes
- Providing evidence in estate planning and probate proceedings
- Supporting immigration and naturalization applications
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security survivor or spousal benefits
- Conducting genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files originating in Rowan County. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics Branch, maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates at the state level, which provides summary information rather than the complete case file.
Are Rowan County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Rowan 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. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. A party seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Rowan County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access public portions of the case file, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of the record; access to sealed materials requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Rowan County?
The Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to KRS § 142.010, which governs court costs and fees in Kentucky.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks made payable to the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods by contacting the clerk's office directly at (606) 784-5212 prior to submitting a mail request.
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A completed affidavit of indigency must be submitted to the clerk's office. The court retains discretion to grant or deny fee waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal
- Confirming the existence of a case and its general status by telephone
- Reviewing documents at a public access terminal in the clerk's office (no copy fee for viewing only)
The Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch charges a separate fee for certified copies of the Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300). Members of the public requesting a state-level divorce certificate should consult the Kentucky marriage and divorce certificates page for current fee schedules applicable to vital records requests.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Rowan County
A complete Rowan County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the date of separation if applicable, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody. The Response or Answer states the respondent's position and may include a counterpetition. Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and financial disclosure materials including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records.
Property-Related Documents:
The file includes a marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property, along with a corresponding debt inventory. Appraisal reports and expert valuations may be included where the value of real property or business interests was disputed.
Children-Related Documents:
Where minor children are involved, the file contains the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, the child support calculation worksheet, and any income deduction orders. If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report is part of the file, though it may be subject to restricted access.
Settlement Documents:
A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), if executed by the parties, is incorporated into the final judgment and constitutes a binding contract governing property division, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may also be part of the record.
Court Orders and Judgments:
The file contains all temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution, any Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts, and all post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Rowan County
Proof of divorce in Rowan County is obtained either through a certified copy of the final decree from the Circuit Court Clerk or through a certified divorce certificate from the Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch.
Certified Copy of Final Decree:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for all legal purposes, including remarriage, name change proceedings, property transfers, and immigration applications. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk in person at 627 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of the applicable certification fee
- Requesting copies through the Kentucky Court of Justice online records request system where electronic fulfillment is available
Kentucky Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300):
The Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch issues a state-level divorce certificate for dissolutions finalized in Kentucky. This document provides summary information and is suitable for many administrative purposes. Members of the public may request this certificate through the VS-300 online application or by contacting the Vital Statistics Branch directly.
Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Marriage and Divorce Certificates — Kentucky CHFS
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Rowan County?
A divorce proceeding in Rowan County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, only upon entry of a court order sealing the record or specific documents within it. Under Kentucky law, there is a strong presumption in favor of public access to court records, and confidentiality requires a demonstrated legal basis.
The following circumstances may support a finding of confidentiality:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a domestic violence order or where disclosure of an address would endanger a party or child, the court may seal identifying information
- Children's sensitive information: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and records containing children's personal information may be restricted from public access
- Mental health and medical records: Records introduced as exhibits that contain protected health information may be sealed pursuant to HIPAA and Kentucky court rules
- Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record
- Court-ordered sealing: 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 at stake
Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly sealed may file a motion to unseal with the Rowan County Circuit Court. The legal framework governing access to court records is set forth in the Kentucky Open Records Act.
How Long Does Rowan County Keep Divorce Records?
Rowan County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently; these documents constitute the official record of the legal dissolution of the marriage and are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently in practice
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolutions): Retained pursuant to the applicable court records retention schedule, which at present provides for retention of at least 10 years
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; some financial documents may be purged after a set number of years while the final judgment is preserved
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Older records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives at the courthouse or transferred to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Members of the public requesting records from archived cases should contact the Rowan County Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 784-5212 to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.