Boyd County Court Records Search
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Boyd County, Kentucky occupies the northeastern corner of the state along the Ohio River, with Catlettsburg serving as the county seat and the home of the county’s judicial center. Court records generated across Boyd County’s Circuit and District Courts document the full range of judicial activity — from felony criminal proceedings and major civil litigation to domestic relations cases, small claims disputes, and probate matters. These records are maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk, which serves as the central custodian for all trial court files in the county regardless of the division in which a case was heard.
Persons searching for court records in Kentucky have several avenues available. KentuckyCourts.us can help orient researchers to the state’s judicial structure and available resources. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains the Kentucky Public Court Records Portal, which provides online access to case information by case number, citation number, or party and business name. Beyond online tools, records can be requested directly from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in person, by mail, or by phone. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for on-site review during normal business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Boyd County?
The starting point for any Boyd County case search is determining which court handled the matter and how old the record is. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk — currently headed by Circuit Court Clerk Mary Hall Sergent — manages records for the Circuit, Family, District, and Business Courts in Boyd County.
Boyd County Judicial Center — Circuit Court Clerk
Address: 2805 Louisa Street, P.O. Box 688, Catlettsburg, KY 41129-0688
Phone: (606) 739-4131 / (606) 739-4132 / (606) 739-4133
Fax: (606) 739-5793
Email: marysergent@kycourts.net
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Payment: Cash, check, money order, credit and debit cards (fees apply); online payments via ePay
Online Search
The Kentucky Public Court Records Portal allows anyone to search Boyd County cases by case number, citation number, or party/business name. Providing additional filters — such as case type, case category, and county name — narrows results when a party name is common. The portal covers both active and closed cases across multiple court divisions.
Older and Archived Records
Case record location depends on the file’s age and the court’s retention schedule:
- Current records (up to 15 years old): Held at the Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
- Records 15 to 35 years old: May be stored at the Kentucky State Records Center in Frankfort. Requests require the case and file locator numbers, submitted with a records request form to state.records@ky.gov or by calling (502) 564-3617.
- Records over 35 years old: May be available through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA), which accepts requests based on the type of record being sought.
Are Court Records Public in Boyd County?
The Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 et seq., governs public access to government records throughout the state, including court documents. Under the Act, Boyd County court records are presumed public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Any person denied access to public records may appeal first to the Attorney General’s office for a review of the custodian’s decision, and subsequently to the Circuit Court if the Attorney General’s determination is also disputed.
The following categories of records are generally exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile records — Protected to preserve the privacy of minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings.
- Domestic violence case records — Shielded to protect victims and ongoing safety concerns.
- Mental health case records — Withheld from public disclosure under applicable state statutes.
- Court administrative records and preliminary drafts — Internal working documents not subject to public inspection.
- Records sealed by court order — Accessible only upon a subsequent court order authorizing release.
- Social Security numbers and personal identifying data — Subject to mandatory redaction before release.
- Records declared confidential by state or federal statute or regulation.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt content, the clerk will redact the protected portions and release the remainder. Access to fully exempted records requires either statutory eligibility or a court order directing release.
Boyd County Criminal Court Records
All criminal cases in Boyd County for persons 18 years of age or older are initiated at the District Court level. The District Court handles misdemeanor offenses and ordinance violations and conducts preliminary proceedings in felony matters — setting bail, advising defendants of their rights, and determining whether probable cause exists to transfer the case to the Circuit Court. Felony cases and capital offenses are tried in the 32nd Judicial Circuit Court, which also handles post-conviction matters, appeals from District Court decisions, and personal protection orders.
Boyd County Circuit and District Courts
Both courts are located at the Boyd County Judicial Center:
Address: 2805 Louisa Street, P.O. Box 688, Catlettsburg, KY 41129-0688
Phone: (606) 739-4131
Fax: (606) 739-5793
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Criminal case records can be searched through the Kentucky Public Court Records Portal or by contacting the clerk’s office directly. Certified and plain copies of criminal court documents are available by visiting the office in person or submitting a written request by mail with payment enclosed.
Criminal Background Checks
Two official channels are available for obtaining a criminal history record on a Boyd County individual:
- Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC): Criminal record reports based on Kentucky court records — covering all misdemeanor and traffic cases for at least the past five years, plus felony records dating back to 1978 — are available through the AOC Background Checks portal. Reports do not include juvenile, domestic violence, or mental health cases. Credit/debit card payment is accepted online; an additional fee of 2.25% of the transaction or $2.50 (whichever is greater) applies. For questions, contact the AOC Records Unit at (800) 928-6381, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Kentucky State Police (KSP): The KSP Background Checks service provides adult criminal history records for $20 via check or money order payable to the KY State Treasurer. Fingerprinting is not required for a standard name-based search.
For information on arrest records, contact the arresting agency directly. The Boyd County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (606) 739-5135, and the Catlettsburg Police Department at (606) 739-5126.
Boyd County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Boyd County is split between the District Court and the Circuit Court based on the amount in dispute. The District Court hears civil matters involving claims of less than $5,000, including the small claims division. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over larger civil claims, matters involving equitable relief, disputes over title to land, and appeals from District Court civil decisions.
Small Claims and District Court Civil Fees
Under KRS 24A.270 and Kentucky Civil Rule CR 3.03, District Court civil filing fees are tiered by the amount claimed:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $2,500 (Small Claims) | $30.00 |
| $2,500.01–$5,000 | Higher tier fees apply |
For landlord-tenant matters and other civil filings, contact the clerk’s office for the applicable fee schedule, as specific costs may vary by case type. The Small Claims Handbook published by the Kentucky Court of Justice provides detailed filing guidance for self-represented litigants.
Civil case records can be searched online through the Kentucky Public Court Records Portal or requested from the Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk’s office at the Judicial Center. Requesters should identify the case type, provide party names and approximate filing dates, and be prepared to pay applicable copy fees. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards, with online payment also available through ePay.
Boyd County Family Court Records
The Circuit Court in Boyd County handles most domestic relations matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption proceedings. The Kentucky Open Records Act generally makes these records public, but domestic violence case records and adoption files are shielded from disclosure by statute.
Divorce Records
Divorce case files and decrees are maintained by the Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk and can be accessed through the Kentucky Public Court Records Portal or by submitting a written request to the Judicial Center. For divorce certificates rather than case-file documents, the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics holds records of divorces granted statewide since June 1958. Certified divorce certificates cost $6.00 per copy and can be requested by completing the VS-230 application form and mailing it with payment to:
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Marriage Records
The Boyd County Clerk is the primary custodian of marriage records, which are filed in the county where the license was issued. Marriage records in Boyd County are open to the public. Certified copies cost $5.00 each, and uncertified copies are available for $1.00. Requests may be made in person or by mail, and certified copies can be ordered online. Marriage licenses require both parties to appear in person and cost $60.00. The Boyd County Clerk’s office maintains three locations:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Office (Catlettsburg) | 2800 Louisa Road, P.O. Box 523, Catlettsburg, KY 41129 | (606) 739-5116 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Ashland Branch | 1505 Carter Avenue, Suite 100, Ashland, KY 41101 | (606) 325-3547 | Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Cannonsburg Branch | 1315 Cannonsburg Road, Ashland, KY 41102 | (606) 929-9595 | Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; First & Last Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics also maintains statewide marriage records and issues certified copies for $6.00 each using the same VS-230 form.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates in Kentucky are restricted documents available only to the subject, close relatives, and authorized legal representatives. Certified copies cost $10.00 and can be requested by completing the birth certificate application form and submitting it to the Office of Vital Statistics. The office holds Boyd County birth records dating to January 1911.
Death certificates are open to the public under Kentucky law. Certified copies cost $6.00 and are requested using the death certificate application form, available from the Office of Vital Statistics, which holds records dating back to 1911.
Boyd County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Boyd County is divided between the District Court and the Circuit Court depending on whether a matter is contested. The District Court handles uncontested probate matters, including estate administration, conservatorships, guardianships, and mental health commitments. When a probate matter becomes contested — or involves more complex real estate disputes or adoption proceedings — jurisdiction shifts to the Circuit Court.
Despite this division of adjudicatory authority, the Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk’s office at the Judicial Center serves as the single point of contact for obtaining probate court records from either court. To request probate records:
- Contact the Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 739-4131 or visit the Judicial Center at 2805 Louisa Street, Catlettsburg.
- Provide identifying details for the matter, including the decedent’s or ward’s full name, the approximate case filing date, and the case number if known.
- Specify whether certified or uncertified copies are needed and inquire about applicable fees.
- Submit payment by cash, check, money order, or card (fees apply for card payments).
Probate case information may also be searchable through the Kentucky Public Court Records Portal for matters within the system’s coverage period. For older probate records outside the clerk’s current holdings, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives maintains historical court records and can be consulted using the case and file locator numbers provided by the clerk.