Jefferson County Court Records Search
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Jefferson County is the most populous county in Kentucky, encompassing the city of Louisville and operating the largest local court system within the state’s unified judiciary. The county’s trial courts include the Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court, all administered through the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk. Court records in Jefferson County span criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, probate proceedings, small claims, juvenile matters, and traffic offenses. This guide covers the specific offices, search tools, procedures, and fees that apply when locating or requesting court records in Jefferson County.
Kentucky court records can be accessed through a combination of local clerk offices, state-level databases, and online search portals. The KentuckyCourts.us website may help individuals locate publicly available court case information from Jefferson County and other jurisdictions across the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains the CourtNet 2.0 system and other electronic tools that allow the public to search case records from all 120 Kentucky counties, including Jefferson.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County court records are maintained by the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, which serves as the recordkeeper for Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court. The office is led by Circuit Court Clerk David L. Nicholson and operates out of two primary courthouse buildings in downtown Louisville.
Online Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides the Find a Case tool through the KYeCourts system. Users can search for Jefferson County cases by an individual’s name or a business name. A guest login option is available for basic searches, though some features require users to create an account to access the full CourtNet 2.0 database. Court docket information is also available through the Court Dockets page on the Circuit Court Clerk’s website.
In-Person Requests
Requesters can visit the appropriate division within the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The two main courthouse locations are:
Jefferson County Judicial Center
Address: 700 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Houses: Circuit Court and Family Court
Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice
Address: 600 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Houses: District Court, Office of Circuit Court Clerk, Domestic Violence Intake Center
Most divisions are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Accounting division operates from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The District Criminal-Traffic and District Civil/Small Claims divisions close at 3:00 PM.
Mail and Email Requests
Written requests can be submitted by email to JeffersonOCCCrecords.archives@kycourts.net or mailed to the Archives and Records division. Include the parties’ names, dates of birth, case number, case type, charges (if applicable), and the requester’s contact information. An Archives and Records Request Form is available for download.
Archives and Records
Address: Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202
Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| In-person copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a copy | $5.00 per document |
| Copies by mail (up to 18 pages, certification included) | $10.00 |
Older Court Records
Records between 15 and 35 years old must be requested from the State Records Center by submitting a request form to state.records@ky.gov or calling (502) 564-3617. Case and locator numbers are required; obtain these from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office first. For records 36 years old or older, contact the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives at (502) 564-1781 or kdla.archives@ky.gov.
Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?
Kentucky’s Open Records Act establishes a general right of public access to government records, including court records maintained by the Jefferson County court system. Members of the public can request and obtain most court records by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public access under the Open Records Act and Kentucky statutes:
- Juvenile cases — Confidential by statute. Information can only be provided in person to the child, parent, victim, or individuals authorized by court order. A photo ID is required. Photos and recordings are prohibited in the Juvenile Division.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon disposition. Non-identifying medical and birth family information may be released upon written request to adopted persons age 18 or older and to adoptive parents of minor children without a court order.
- Paternity records — Confidential. Only employees of government agencies performing their duties, law enforcement agencies, or the parties and their attorneys may inspect judgments or orders. All other case information requires a court order to access.
- Dependency and status cases — Confidential by statute and sealed upon disposition.
- Mental health records — Confidential. Photos and recordings are prohibited in the Mental Health Division.
- Sealed or expunged records — Removed from public access by court order. The Circuit Court Clerk’s office has an Expungements and Information Processing division.
- Records of pending investigations or ongoing cases that could compromise law enforcement activities
- Records containing privileged information, such as attorney-client communications
- Records containing sensitive personal information of court staff or crime victims
When a record contains a mix of public and exempt information, the exempt portions may be redacted before the record is released.
Jefferson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Jefferson County are divided between the Circuit Court and District Court based on severity. The Jefferson County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, while the Jefferson County District Court processes misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses.
| Court | Case Types | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court – Criminal | Felonies | Judicial Center, 700 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202 | (502) 595-3009 |
| District Court – Criminal/Traffic | Misdemeanors, traffic | Hall of Justice, 600 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202 | (502) 595-3060 |
District Criminal-Traffic office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
How to Search Criminal Court Records
Online criminal case lookups can be performed through the Find a Case portal on the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Select Jefferson County, enter the defendant’s name or case number, and review the results. Registered CourtNet 2.0 users have access to more detailed case information.
Criminal Record Reports Through the AOC
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides formal criminal record reports that include all misdemeanor and traffic cases for at least the last five years and felonies dating back to 1978. These reports do not include juvenile, mental health, or domestic violence cases. Reports cost $25 per check and can be obtained through three methods:
- Online — Use AOC FastCheck for registered users to order and receive reports electronically, or use the One-Time Request portal to place a single order and receive results by U.S. mail.
- In person — Visit the AOC drive-through window at 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601, during office hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
- By mail — Send a completed Record Request Form with payment to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Records Unit, 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Payment is accepted by check or money order (payable to Kentucky State Treasurer) or by credit/debit card for in-person and online requests. A credit/debit card surcharge of 2.25% of the transaction or $2.50 (whichever is greater) applies. Contact the AOC Records Unit at (800) 928-6381 for questions.
Kentucky State Police Background Checks
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) offers separate criminal background checks that draw from law enforcement databases rather than court records. Name-based checks cost $20 per name (payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer). Fingerprint-based checks require submission through IdentoGo at an additional cost of $20. Background check forms are available on the KSP website.
Jefferson County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Jefferson County are handled at two court levels. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases. The District Court handles civil complaints for damages up to $5,000, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) petitions, garnishments, executions, infant settlements under $25,000, administrative board appeals, and student hardship driver’s license cases.
District Civil/Small Claims Division
Address: Hall of Justice, 3rd Floor, Room 3012, 600 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 595-4475
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Circuit Court – Civil
Address: Judicial Center, 700 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 595-3007
Fax: (502) 595-4128
Small Claims
The Small Claims Division handles complaints not exceeding $2,500. Information packets on filing small claims cases are available at the division during business hours. Self-help resources and guided assistance through the A2J platform are also accessible through the Circuit Court Clerk’s website.
How to Obtain Civil Court Records
Civil court records from both Circuit and District Courts can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Options include:
- Online — Use the Find a Case search tool or log into CourtNet 2.0 to view case details.
- In person — Visit the appropriate division at the Hall of Justice or Judicial Center.
- By mail or email — Submit the Archives and Records Request Form to the Archives and Records division at Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202, or email JeffersonOCCCrecords.archives@kycourts.net. Include party names, dates of birth, case time frame, and any available case details.
Standard copy fees of $0.25 per page apply for in-person requests, with $5.00 for certification. Mail requests cost $10.00 for up to 18 pages with certification included.
Jefferson County Family Court Records
The Jefferson County Family Court is a specialized division of the Circuit Court comprising 10 divisions and 10 full-time judges. Established in 1991, it uses a “One Family, One Judge, One Court” model to ensure consistency in family-related proceedings. The Family Court Clerk’s office maintains records for all cases.
Family Court Clerk’s Office
Address: Judicial Center, 1st Floor, Room 105, 700 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 595-3025
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Case Types Handled
The Family Court handles divorce (dissolution of marriage), post-decree matters, annulment, custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence protective orders, adoptions (confidential — sealed upon disposition), terminations of parental rights (confidential — sealed upon disposition), dependency cases (confidential), status cases (confidential juvenile proceedings), paternity (confidential), UIFSA interstate support matters, foreign protective orders, and appeals.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Many Family Court case types are confidential under Kentucky statute. Adoption records are sealed upon disposition; non-identifying medical and birth family information may be released upon written request to adopted persons 18 or older. A search for birth parents requires a court order from the Circuit Court where the adoption was finalized, and the adoptee must be 21 or older. Paternity case information beyond judgments and orders requires a court order to inspect.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
The Domestic Violence Intake Center (DVIC) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist victims. It is located in the Hall of Justice, 1st Floor, Room 1150, and can be reached at (502) 595-4697. Deputy clerks assist with petitions for emergency protective orders (up to six months) and domestic violence orders (up to three years). The petitioner’s address and minor children’s names are confidential.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage records can be obtained from the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, Professional License Department, in person or by mail. Provide the groom’s name, bride’s name and maiden name, and the year of marriage.
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office – Professional License Department
Address: 527 W. Jefferson St., Room 100A, Louisville, KY 40202
| Record Type | In-Person Fee | Mail Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified marriage record | $5.00 | $6.00 |
The department accepts cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, personal check, Visa, Discover, AMX, and MasterCard for in-person payments.
Divorce records are available from the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk and can be searched through the CourtNet 2.0 database. Statewide marriage and divorce records from June 1958 to present can also be obtained from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) for a nonrefundable $6.00 fee per copy. Submit the application form in person, via the office dropbox, or by mail to:
Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records from 1911 onward are maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Only the record subject, immediate family members, or legal representatives may access these records. Submit a completed Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application in person, by mail, or via the dropbox at the OVS office. Birth certificates cost $10 per copy; death records cost $6 per copy. Fees are nonrefundable. In-person orders received before 3:45 PM are typically processed the same day; mail and dropbox requests take up to 30 working days.
Jefferson County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Jefferson County are handled by the District Court’s Probate Division, with records maintained by the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk. Probate Court is held in Courtroom 310 of the Hall of Justice, and cases are open to the public unless sealed by the judge.
Probate Division
Address: Hall of Justice, 2nd Floor, Room 2063, 600 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 595-4434
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Types of Probate Matters
The Probate Division handles estate cases (validating wills, appointing executors or administrators, settling estates), guardianship and conservatorship for minors under age 17, trusts and curatorships, small estates that do not exceed $30,000, adult and child name changes, corrections to death certificates, and infant settlements. Birth certificate corrections are filed in Circuit Court — call (502) 595-3007 for information.
The Mental Health Division, located in the Hall of Justice, 3rd Floor, Room 3177, at (502) 595-4053, handles petitions for emergency or permanent guardianship of adults who can no longer manage their personal care or finances, as well as involuntary commitment and treatment petitions.
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched online through the Find a Case tool or the CourtNet 2.0 database. For copies, submit a request in person at the Probate Division, by mail to the Archives and Records division at Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty St., Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40202, or by email to JeffersonOCCCrecords.archives@kycourts.net. Include party names, case dates, and any available case numbers. Standard copy and certification fees apply.
For probate records between 15 and 35 years old, submit a request to state.records@ky.gov. For records 36 years or older, contact the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives at kdla.archives@ky.gov or (502) 564-1781.