Madison County Court Records Search

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    Madison County is located in central Kentucky, with its county seat in the city of Richmond. The county’s court system operates through the Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court—all managed under the Kentucky Court of Justice’s unified statewide structure. Court records generated within these courts document the full range of legal proceedings in the county, from felony prosecutions and civil contract disputes to domestic relations cases and estate administration.

    Individuals looking for Madison County court records can begin their search through several channels. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Madison County serves as the primary custodian of records for the Circuit, District, and Family Courts. Online case information is available through the Kentucky Court of Justice’s electronic court system, known as KYeCourts, which provides registered and guest users with access to civil and criminal case data. In-person visits, telephone inquiries, and written requests directed to the clerk’s office are also standard methods for obtaining records. The KentuckyCourts.us website can help users identify publicly available court case information across Kentucky counties, including Madison County.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Madison County?

    Madison County court records are maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk, which oversees record keeping for the Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court. The current Circuit Court Clerk is David M. Fernandez. Depending on the type of case, records may be located at one of the court facilities in Richmond.

    Court Locations and Contact Information

    Madison County Circuit Court
    Address: 101 W. Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475
    Phone: (Main & Circuit Court): (859) 624-4713
    Fax: (859) 624-4746

    Madison County Family Court
    Address: 119 N. 1st Street, Richmond, KY 40475
    Phone: (859) 627-5524

    Madison County District Court
    Address: Hall of Justice, 351 W. Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475
    Phone: (District Civil, Mental Health, Probate & Forcible Detainers): (859) 624-4723
    Phone: (Traffic & District Court): (859) 624-4722

    Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Offices are closed on state holidays.

    Online Case Search

    The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains the CourtNet 2.0 system, accessible through the KYeCourts portal. To search Madison County court records online:

    1. Navigate to the KYeCourts guest login page on the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
    2. Create an account or log in as a guest user.
    3. Select Madison County from the county dropdown.
    4. Search by case number, party name, or other available criteria.
    5. Review case index information including parties, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries.

    CourtNet 2.0 allows users to look up both civil and criminal case information filed in Kentucky’s trial courts. Note that some case types—particularly sealed, juvenile, and certain family law matters—will not appear in public search results.

    In-Person and Mail Requests

    Visitors may inspect court records during business hours at any of the three court locations in Richmond. The clerk’s staff can help locate case files and process copy requests. For mail-based requests, send a written inquiry that includes the case number (if known), the names of the parties, and the type of record sought, along with applicable fees, to:

    Office of Circuit Court Clerk
    Madison County Courthouse
    101 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 813
    Richmond, KY 40475-0813

    Payment Options

    The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards (a processing fee applies to card transactions). Cash is required for bond payments. Online payments can be made through the ePay system on the KYeCourts portal.

    Depending on the age and type of a case, the record may be stored at the clerk’s office, at a state records facility, or it may have been destroyed in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice’s record retention schedules. If a file has been transferred to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, the clerk’s office can provide the case and file locator numbers needed to submit a retrieval request using the KDLA records request form.

    Are Court Records Public in Madison County?

    Kentucky law creates a broad right of public access to government records, including court records. Under KRS 61.872, any resident of the Commonwealth may inspect public records held by state or local government agencies during regular office hours. The official custodian may require a written application from the requester, including a statement confirming Kentucky residency as defined by the statute.

    Residency Requirement

    Since June 29, 2021, Kentucky’s Open Records Act limits the right of inspection to residents of the Commonwealth. Residency can be established in several ways, including maintaining a primary residence in Kentucky, owning property in the state, or conducting business within the Commonwealth. The Madison County Clerk’s Office applies this requirement when processing open records requests.

    Records That Are Public

    Most court records filed in Madison County’s Circuit, District, and Family Courts are open for public inspection. These include civil complaints and answers, criminal charging documents, traffic citations, probate petitions, judgments, and orders. The public can view docket entries, case numbers, party names, motions, and final dispositions.

    Records That Are Restricted or Confidential

    KRS 61.878 enumerates specific exemptions from public inspection. In the court records context, restricted categories include:

    • Juvenile proceedings and records, which are confidential by statute
    • Sealed and expunged case files
    • Records relating to ongoing law enforcement investigations where disclosure would harm the investigation
    • Adoption records, which are sealed upon finalization
    • Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
    • Records subject to protective orders or court-ordered sealing
    • Mental health proceedings under KRS Chapters 202A, 202B, and 387
    • Certain domestic violence case details, including victim addresses and identifying information

    When a public record request is submitted, the custodian must respond within three business days. If the request is denied, the agency must cite the specific statutory exemption and explain its applicability.

    Madison County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Madison County are prosecuted in both the Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court handles felonies and capital offenses, while the District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, violations, and ordinance infractions. Criminal records generated in these courts include charging documents, arraignment records, plea entries, trial transcripts, motions, evidence logs, sentencing orders, and judgments.

    Searching Criminal Case Records

    Criminal case information for Madison County can be accessed through the following methods:

    • KYeCourts / CourtNet 2.0 – The online portal provides searchable indexes of criminal cases filed in both Circuit and District Courts. Guest users can search by defendant name or case number to view charges, court dates, and dispositions.
    • In-person at the clerk’s office – Walk-in requests can be made at the Madison County Courthouse (101 W. Main Street) or the Hall of Justice (351 W. Main Street) during business hours.
    • Written requests – Mail inquiries to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the courthouse address with sufficient identifying information about the case.

    Arrest Records and Inmate Information

    The Madison County Detention Center maintains information about current inmates. The facility is located at 107 W. Irvine Street, Richmond, KY 40475, and can be reached at (859) 624-4710 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). An inmate search tool is available on the Madison County government website.

    For statewide offender information, the Kentucky Department of Corrections operates an online offender search that includes individuals under state supervision.

    Criminal Background Checks

    A court case search through CourtNet provides case-specific information but does not constitute a comprehensive criminal history report. For a formal Kentucky criminal background check, individuals must contact the Kentucky State Police Criminal Identification and Records Branch. The process involves:

    1. Downloading the background check request form from the KSP background check forms page.
    2. Completing the form with the subject’s information and the requester’s details.
    3. Including a $20.00 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
    4. Mailing the form and payment to:

    Kentucky State Police
    Criminal Identification and Records Branch
    Criminal Records Dissemination Section
    1266 Louisville Road
    Frankfort, KY 40601

    Mail-in requests take an average of 10 business days. Walk-in processing is also available at the KSP facility in Frankfort.

    Expungement

    Individuals seeking to clear eligible criminal records in Madison County may petition for expungement. Kentucky statutes KRS 431.073 (felony convictions), KRS 431.076 (acquittals and dismissals), and KRS 431.078 (misdemeanors and violations) govern the process. Once a court grants an expungement order, the records are removed from public databases, including CourtNet, and are no longer accessible through the clerk’s office.

    Madison County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Madison County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil actions exceeding $5,000, real property title disputes, and equity cases. The District Court handles civil claims of $5,000 or less, forcible detainer (eviction) actions, and small claims.

    Accessing Civil Records

    Civil case records from both courts are available through:

    • CourtNet 2.0 – Search the KYeCourts public access portal by party name or case number, selecting Madison County from the county menu.
    • In-person inspection – Visit the appropriate clerk’s counter at the Madison County Courthouse (Circuit and civil matters over $5,000) or the Hall of Justice (District civil matters and small claims).
    • Mail requests – Direct written requests to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at 101 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 813, Richmond, KY 40475-0813.

    Filing Fees

    Civil filing fees in Kentucky are set by the Rules of Civil Procedure. The following schedule applies through June 30, 2026 (fees are scheduled to increase on July 1, 2026, under Supreme Court Administrative Order 2026-15):

    Filing TypeFee
    Circuit Court civil complaint$150.00 (plus technology and other required fees)
    District Court civil case (over $2,500)$75.00
    District Court civil case ($500 or less, non-small claims)$40.00
    Small claims ($2,500 or less)$30.00
    Forcible detainer (eviction)$40.00
    Appeal from District to Circuit Court$60.00

    Additional costs include $0.25 per page for document copies, $5.00 for a certification, $15.00 for issuing garnishments, and $25.00 for writs of attachment or execution orders.

    Small Claims

    Madison County small claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of the District Court. Key details:

    • The monetary limit is $2,500, exclusive of interest and costs.
    • Parties may represent themselves without an attorney.
    • No jury trials are permitted in the Small Claims Division.
    • The Small Claims Complaint form (AOC-175) is used to initiate a case and can be obtained from the clerk’s office or downloaded from the Kentucky Court of Justice legal forms page.
    • Collection agencies, lending businesses, and assigned-claim holders may not file in the Small Claims Division.
    • A losing party may appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of the judgment entry date.

    The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts publishes a Small Claims Handbook that provides step-by-step guidance on the entire small claims process, from filing through post-judgment collection.

    Madison County Family Court Records

    Madison County has a dedicated Family Court, which operates as a division of the Circuit Court. Family Court has primary jurisdiction over cases involving dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, dependency, neglect and abuse, termination of parental rights, and status offenses involving minors (runaways and truancy).

    The Madison County Family Court is located at 119 N. 1st Street, Richmond, KY 40475, and can be reached at (859) 627-5524.

    Searching Family Court Records

    Family law case records can be searched through CourtNet 2.0 to the extent they are not subject to confidentiality restrictions. Many family case docket entries and orders are accessible by case number or party name. However, several categories of family records carry access limitations:

    • Adoption records are sealed upon finalization and are not available for public inspection.
    • Juvenile dependency, neglect, and abuse proceedings are confidential.
    • Cases involving termination of parental rights have restricted access.
    • Domestic violence protective order filings may have victim addresses and identifying information redacted.
    • Financial disclosure statements in divorce and support cases may contain sensitive information protected from general public access.

    To request copies of accessible family court records, contact the clerk’s office at the Family Court location or submit a written request to the main Office of Circuit Court Clerk.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce decrees are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. To obtain a copy:

    1. Search CourtNet for the case using party names to identify the case number.
    2. Request a copy from the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Madison County Courthouse, either in person or by mail.
    3. Standard copy fees of $0.25 per page and $5.00 for certification apply.

    Alternatively, certified divorce certificates (summary records of the event rather than full court files) are available from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, which maintains marriage and divorce records from June 1958 to the present. Requests can be submitted by mail with a completed Application for a Certified Copy of Marriage/Divorce Certificate, the applicable fee, and a self-addressed envelope, sent to:

    Office of Vital Statistics
    275 East Main Street, 1E-A
    Frankfort, KY 40621

    For records predating June 1958, contact the Madison County Clerk’s Office or the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office directly.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Madison County are issued through the Madison County Clerk’s Office, not the circuit court clerk. The license fee is $50.00. Both parties must appear together at one of the clerk’s branch locations:

    Richmond Branch
    Address: 321 N. Madison Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
    Phone: (859) 624-4703
    Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

    Berea Branch
    Address: 304 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403
    Phone: (859) 986-1460
    Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

    Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and must be used within the state of Kentucky.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates are not court records but are sometimes relevant to family law proceedings. Birth certificates in Kentucky are restricted to the named individual, immediate family members, and legal representatives. Death records become public 50 years after the date of death. Both can be ordered through the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Vital Statistics Branch. The fee is $10.00 per copy of a birth certificate when ordered through the Office of Vital Statistics. Historical vital records predating 1911 may be available through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives at 300 Coffee Tree Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or by calling (502) 564-8300.

    Madison County Probate Court Records

    In Kentucky’s court structure, uncontested probate matters fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court, while contested matters—such as will contests—are heard in Circuit Court. Both courts maintain probate records through the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Madison County.

    Probate case records encompass filings related to the administration of decedent estates, will admissions, intestate successions, guardianship and conservatorship appointments, trust matters, and escheat proceedings. These records typically include petitions for appointment of a personal representative, inventories and appraisals, creditor claims, accountings, distribution orders, and closing statements.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case information can be located through several channels:

    1. Online via CourtNet 2.0 – Search the KYeCourts portal using the decedent’s name or case number. Select Madison County and filter by case type if available.
    2. In-person – The probate division operates through the District Court clerk’s counter at the Hall of Justice, 351 W. Main Street, Richmond. Phone inquiries about probate, mental health, and forcible detainer cases can be directed to (859) 624-4723.
    3. By mail – Send a written request to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Madison County Courthouse with the decedent’s name, case number (if known), and applicable copy fees.
    4. Historical records – Older probate records that have been transferred to archival storage may be accessible through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The clerk’s office can provide the necessary case and file locator numbers.

    Probate Filing Fees

    Filing TypeFee
    Probate of an estate$40.00 (plus technology and other required fees)
    Guardianship or conservatorship application (not related to pending probate)$40.00 per application
    Name change petition$40.00

    Copy and certification fees are the same as for other court records: $0.25 per page for copies and $5.00 for a certification.

    General Probate Process in Madison County

    When a Madison County resident dies, the executor named in the will—or a qualified individual in intestate cases—files a petition with the District Court to open the estate. After the court appoints a personal representative, the representative must inventory the estate’s assets, notify creditors, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets according to the will or Kentucky’s laws of intestate succession. Contested matters, including disputes over will validity, are transferred to the Circuit Court for resolution.

    Guardianship and conservatorship petitions for incapacitated adults or minors are also filed through the probate division. These proceedings involve court review of the proposed guardian’s or conservator’s qualifications, and the court requires periodic reports on the protected person’s welfare and finances.

    For assistance with probate filings and forms, the Kentucky Court of Justice legal forms page provides downloadable documents, and the Self-Help Portal offers additional guidance for individuals navigating the probate process without an attorney.