Simpson County Public Records /Simpson County Divorce Records

Simpson County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Simpson County in 2026

SimpsonRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Simpson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and certified divorce certificates. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.

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 Simpson County.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk maintains case records for dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the county. Members of the public may access the Simpson County court information through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for copies of documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide case search system that allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions. This consolidated database includes circuit court family law cases and provides docket entries, case status, and party names.

3. State Vital Records

Kentucky registers divorce certificates through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Members of the public may request a marriage and divorce certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics. The certificate confirms the legal dissolution of marriage but contains less detail than the full court case file. Fees apply for certified copies.

In-Person Searches

Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division

Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
103 West Cedar Street
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-8161
Simpson — Kentucky Court of Justice

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 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 records

Simpson County Clerk — Records Department

The Simpson County Clerk handles the recording and administration of official documents, including certain land and vital records. For divorce case files, the Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian; the County Clerk maintains related recorded instruments such as property transfer orders.

Simpson County Clerk
103 West Cedar Street
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4441
County Clerk

By Mail

Written Request to the Circuit Court Clerk:

Mail to: Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk, 103 West Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134
Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.

By Phone

The Circuit Court Clerk's office may confirm limited information by telephone:

Clerk of Court: (270) 586-8161
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the county
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. 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
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Simpson County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in the Correct County

Under KRS § 403.140, a petition for dissolution of marriage in Kentucky 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. A divorce may not be located by searching the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for 180 days prior to filing, and the petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent divorces: Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a 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 filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a written request.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a record may not be located include:

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
The record is archived and not yet digitized
The case has been sealed by court order

Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (270) 586-8161, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for a divorce certificate.

What Are Simpson County Divorce Records?

Simpson County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Simpson County 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 protections under Kentucky law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file includes all documents filed with the court from the initial petition through the final judgment. Key documents include:

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

Final Decree

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

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, 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

Supporting documents filed in the case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:

Legal purposes: Proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit claims
Personal purposes: Genealogical research, family history documentation, and personal verification of divorce terms

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files in Simpson County. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates as a separate vital record. Members of the public may access public land records through the Simpson County Clerk for property-related instruments recorded in connection with a divorce.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Kentucky are governed by KRS § 403.010 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the Commonwealth. Access to court records is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., which presumes public access to government records subject to enumerated exceptions.

Are Simpson County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Simpson 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. Certain categories of information are restricted or sealed to protect sensitive personal data, children's privacy, and domestic violence victims.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status

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 filed under seal)
Certain income and asset details (subject to court order)

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 access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse records
Medical records
Personal addresses in domestic violence cases

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Kentucky law and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

Requester	Access Level
General public	Public documents; may need photo ID; copy fees apply
Parties to the case	Full access to own case file, including restricted information
Attorneys of record	Access to case files; may petition for sealed documents
Researchers and media	Public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Law enforcement	Statutory access to certain restricted information

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, 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 court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requester's interest against privacy and safety concerns. Parties to the case, social services agencies, law enforcement, and court-appointed evaluators may have statutory entitlement to certain restricted records.

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

The Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established under Kentucky court rules and are subject to change.

Service	Standard Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25–$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee)
Certification fee	$5.00
Search fee	No separate search fee for in-person requests
Electronic copies	Fees vary; contact clerk for current schedule

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges a separate fee for a certified divorce certificate. Members of the public may submit a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) request online. The current fee for a certified vital record copy from the state is $6.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk
Credit or debit card (availability subject to clerk's current policy)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are parties to a case and who demonstrate indigency may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver provisions are governed by Kentucky court rules applicable to civil proceedings.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries online through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal
In-person inspection of public case documents at the clerk's office (no copy fee for viewing only)
Confirmation of case existence and status by telephone

What's Included in Divorce Records in Simpson County

A complete Simpson County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption including 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 sets forth the petitioner's identifying 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 § 403.140), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition states the respondent's position and requests for relief.

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).

Discovery Documents:

Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and answers, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial statements where applicable.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
Debt inventory
Real property appraisals and business valuations
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs
Custody evaluations ordered by the court
Guardian ad litem reports, which may be restricted

Support Documents:

Alimony or maintenance orders specify the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and termination conditions. Kentucky courts consider the factors set forth in the applicable family law statutes when determining spousal support.

Settlement Documents:

A marital settlement agreement, if reached, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, which is the court's definitive order ending the marriage and resolving all issues
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement actions
Income deduction orders

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Simpson County

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

Certified Copy of the Final Decree:

A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is issued by the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:

Visiting the Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 103 West Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information and payment
Requesting through the Simpson County court records portal as directed by the clerk

Certified Divorce Certificate from the State:

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services issues certified divorce certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics. Members of the public may request a marriage and divorce certificate by mail or in person. The state certificate confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain the full terms of the decree.

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

Members of the public may also submit a request using the VS-300 divorce web form application available through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

For Remarriage Purposes:

A certified copy of the final decree or a certified divorce certificate is accepted as proof of divorce for remarriage purposes in Kentucky. The document must reflect the date the divorce became final.

For Immigration or Federal Purposes:

Federal agencies and immigration authorities require a certified copy of the final decree. Members of the public should request a certified copy directly from the Circuit Court Clerk rather than a plain copy.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Simpson County?

Divorce proceedings in Simpson County are presumptively public under the Kentucky Open Records Act; however, a court may order all or part of a case file sealed upon a proper showing.

The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted records:

Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and evidence of abuse to protect the safety of victims under applicable Kentucky protective order statutes.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and psychological evaluations of minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect children's privacy and safety.
Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment, substance abuse history, or medical conditions are subject to restricted access.
Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms upon a showing of good cause.
High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.

A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Circuit Court, provide notice to all parties, and demonstrate that the interest in confidentiality outweighs the presumption of public access established under KRS § 61.870. The court rules on such motions on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does Simpson County Keep Divorce Records?

Simpson County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court records retention schedules and the permanent nature of final judgments.

Retention periods for different categories of divorce records are as follows:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final orders dissolving a marriage are permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under Kentucky court records retention guidelines.
Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, subject to applicable retention schedules.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after a set number of years while the final judgment is preserved.
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the case file and subject to the same retention period as the original case.
Archived paper records: Older records predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time.

Kentucky court records retention schedules are established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives in coordination with the Administrative Office of the Courts. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.