Fayette County Court Records Search

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    Fayette County, Kentucky, is home to the city of Lexington and operates a unified court system that handles tens of thousands of cases annually. Court records generated in this county span criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law disputes, probate proceedings, juvenile matters, and more. These records are maintained by the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk and can be accessed through in-person visits to the courthouse, written requests by mail, and certain online search tools. Whether you need to verify a prior judgment, look up a pending criminal case, or obtain a copy of a divorce decree, understanding where Fayette County court records are held and how to retrieve them is the critical first step.

    Kentucky court records can be searched through several channels, including clerk offices, public access terminals inside courthouses, and online databases. The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains KYeCourts, a statewide portal that provides guest access to public case information from all 120 counties. KentuckyCourts.us may also help users locate case details and court contact information. For Fayette County specifically, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk manages records for Circuit, District, Family, and Business courts, making it the primary point of contact for any records request.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Fayette County?

    There are several ways to search for a court case in Fayette County, depending on the type of case and the information you have available.

    In-Person Search

    Visit the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at one of the two Fayette County courthouses listed below. Public access terminals are available in the clerk’s office for researching case information. A staff member will assist and supervise visitors. You may be asked to:

    1. Present a valid photo ID
    2. Complete a records request form
    3. Provide identifying details such as party names, case number, or filing date range

    Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse
    Address: 120 N. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2141 (Civil) | (859) 246-2224 (Criminal)
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2240 (Civil) | (859) 246-2228 (Criminal/Traffic)
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Online Search

    The KYeCourts guest login portal allows free public searches of court case records across the state, including Fayette County. Users can search by party name, case number, or citation. Appellate court records are separately available through the C-Track Public Access portal.

    Mail Requests

    Written requests can be sent to the appropriate division of the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Each mail request must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, sufficient identifying details about the case, and payment covering search, copying, certification, and return postage fees.

    Older Records

    Court records between 15 and 35 years old may have been transferred to the State Records Center. Requests can be emailed to state.records@ky.gov or submitted by calling (502) 564-3617. Case and file locator numbers are required and can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Records over 36 years old are stored at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives and can be requested by emailing kdla-referencedesk@ky.gov or calling (502) 564-1770.

    Copy Fees (Approximate)

    Document TypeFee
    Uncertified copy$0.50–$1.00 per page
    Certified copy$0.50 per page
    Document with official sealUp to $2.50 per page

    Are Court Records Public in Fayette County?

    Kentucky law establishes a strong presumption that court records are open to the public. The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870–61.884) grants any person the right to inspect and obtain copies of records held by public agencies, including courts. Public agencies in the Commonwealth are required to provide mechanisms that enable residents to exercise their right of access to information.

    However, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under KRS 61.878. The following types of court records are commonly restricted or sealed:

    • Privacy-sensitive records — documents containing personal information whose release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
    • Confidential submissions — records disclosed to an agency in confidence
    • Preliminary materials — drafts, notes, and internal recommendations
    • Statutorily protected records — records restricted by specific federal or state law
    • Public safety records — documents whose disclosure could compromise safety or security

    In addition to these statutory exemptions, courts can restrict access to records by judicial order. In Fayette County, all juvenile cases are confidential by Kentucky statute. Information about juvenile proceedings is only available in person to parties in the case or those authorized by law, and a photo ID is required. No juvenile case information is provided over the phone. Similarly, mental health division cases are confidential, although the order of appointment and judgments affecting those orders remain public record.

    Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not accessible to the general public. The Circuit Court Clerk may deny access to any record that does not meet the criteria for public disclosure.

    Fayette County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Fayette County are split between two courts based on the severity of the offense. The Circuit Court Criminal Division handles felony cases, grand jury indictments, and related matters. The District Court Criminal/Traffic Division processes misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses.

    Circuit Court — Criminal Division
    Address: 120 N. Limestone, Suite C-103, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2224
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    District Court — Criminal/Traffic Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, First Floor, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2228
    Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed December 24–25)

    The District Criminal/Traffic Division is the largest division in the Fayette County Office of Circuit Court Clerk. It posts bail bonds, collects fines and court costs for prepayable citations, processes and releases liens on property bonds, and provides around-the-clock access to petition for emergency protective orders. Fines and court costs for prepayable citations can also be paid by phone at (877) 211587.

    Searching Criminal Records

    Criminal case information can be looked up at the public access terminals inside either courthouse or through the KYeCourts online portal. Court fine and fee payments can be made electronically through the ePay system.

    Criminal Background Checks

    For a comprehensive criminal history report, the Kentucky State Police offers name-based criminal background checks to the general public for $20. Payment is by check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Fingerprints are not required for name-based checks. Requests can be submitted by mail or in person at the KSP offices, with mail requests taking approximately 10 business days.

    The Kentucky Department of Corrections operates the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL) system, which provides free information about offenders under state supervision. The advanced search function allows filtering by supervision county, making it useful for locating offender records specific to Fayette County.

    Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Suite 265, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 252-1771
    Website: fayettesheriff.com

    The Sheriff’s Office may also provide arrest-related information and maintains a property tax search tool on its website.

    Fayette County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Fayette County are divided between the Circuit and District courts based on the amount in controversy.

    The Circuit Civil Division has general jurisdiction over cases involving more than $5,000. This includes personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, breach of contract disputes, property damage cases, foreclosures, contested probate, property rights disputes, and administrative board appeals.

    Circuit Court — Civil Division
    Address: 120 N. Limestone, Suite C-103, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2141
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    The District Civil Division handles civil complaints involving $5,000 or less, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) petitions, garnishments, executions, and other post-judgment remedies. It also processes administrative board appeals, juvenile permissions to marry, petitions to enforce or prevent cremation, and student hardship driver’s license cases.

    District Court — Civil Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, First Floor, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2240
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Small Claims

    The Small Claims Division handles disputes involving $2,500 or less. These cases are typically filed by self-represented individuals. The division provides an information packet on how to file, and the Small Claims Handbook offers step-by-step guidance.

    Small Claims Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Suite D-112, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2244
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Forcible Detainer (Eviction)

    Landlord-tenant eviction cases are handled by the Forcible Detainer Division. Written notice must be given to the tenant before filing per KRS 383.660–383.695. The required notice periods are 7, 14, or 30 days, with filing permitted the day after the notice period expires. Warrants for possession must be requested between the 8th and 30th day after judgment by calling (859) 246-4150.

    Forcible Detainer Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Suite D-112, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-4150
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Civil court records can be searched at public terminals in either courthouse or through the KYeCourts online portal.

    Fayette County Family Court Records

    Fayette County’s Family Court operates as a division of the Circuit Court and has jurisdiction over a broad range of domestic and family matters. These include dissolution of marriage, spousal support and equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity actions, adoption, termination of parental rights, domestic violence protective orders, and dependency/neglect/abuse proceedings.

    The Circuit Civil Division handles Family Court cases at:

    Circuit Court (Family Court Division)
    Address: 120 N. Limestone, Suite C-103, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2141
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Domestic Violence Division
    Address: 120 N. Limestone Street, Suite C-452, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2248
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
    After-hours assistance: Room D-157, First Floor, District Courthouse, 150 N. Limestone

    Domestic violence petitions for emergency protective orders and intimate partner protection orders are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Confidentiality

    Family court records often contain sensitive information. While many family court filings are part of the public record, access to certain documents may be restricted. Juvenile cases — including dependency, neglect, abuse, status offenses, and juvenile criminal matters — are confidential by statute. The Juvenile Division at (859) 246-2234 will only release case information in person to a party in the case or someone authorized by law. Photo ID is required and no information is given by phone.

    Marriage Licenses and Divorce Records

    The Fayette County Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses and maintains copies of licenses from 1989 onward. Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail.

    • Photocopies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: $5.00
    • Mail requests: additional $1.00 for postage and handling

    Payment for mail requests is accepted by check or money order payable to the Fayette County Clerk. In-person payments may be made by cash, credit card, personal check, cashier’s check, or certified check.

    Fayette County Clerk
    Address: 162 East Main Street, Room 132, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 253-3344
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics

    The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) maintains an index of all marriage and divorce certificates issued in the state from June 1958 to the present. Marriage and divorce certificates cost $6 each (non-refundable search fee). Requests require the full names of both parties, the date and county of the event, and the requester’s contact information.

    Certificates can be ordered through the VitalChek website or by phone at (800) 241-8322. In-person orders are accepted at the OVS office during business hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday), and a drop box is available at the visitor entrance.

    Office of Vital Statistics
    Address: 275 East Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621
    Phone: (502) 564-4212

    Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Processing takes approximately 5 business days, though some orders may require up to 30 working days.

    Birth certificates ($10 each) and death certificates ($6 each) can also be obtained from OVS through the same channels. Locally, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department handles birth and death records and can be contacted at (859) 288-2404.

    Fayette County Probate Court Records

    The Probate Division of the Fayette County District Court handles matters related to the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and settlement of estates. This division also processes guardianship for individuals under age 17, trusts, curatorships, settlements for minors, and name changes for adults and children.

    Probate Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Suite D-112, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2242
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Probate records can be accessed at the District Court clerk’s office. To request copies, visit during business hours with a valid photo ID and provide sufficient case identification details such as the decedent’s name and case number.

    Mental Health and Guardianship Proceedings

    Cases involving emergency or permanent guardianship, involuntary commitment or treatment, and disability petitions are handled by the Mental Health Division, which is separate from the Probate Division.

    Mental Health Division
    Address: 150 N. Limestone, Suite D-466, Lexington, KY 40507
    Phone: (859) 246-2236
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

    While mental health cases are confidential by statute, key documents — including the order of appointment, judgments, and orders affecting judgments — are public record. The division processes petitions for involuntary commitment and treatment, new disability petitions, modifications and terminations of guardianship, restoration of rights, annual financial reports, and related judicial orders.

    Contested Probate

    When a probate matter becomes contested (for example, a will contest or dispute over estate administration), the case may be transferred to the Circuit Civil Division, which has jurisdiction over contested probate proceedings. Contact the Circuit Civil Division at (859) 246-2141 for contested matters.

    The Fayette County Legal Help Center offers free legal information for individuals handling certain legal matters without an attorney, including some probate-related questions. The center is located in the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse at 120 N. Limestone, Room CB02A, Lexington.