Mercer County Court Records Search
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Mercer County, Kentucky, with its county seat in Harrodsburg, operates a court system that encompasses both Circuit and District Courts, along with a dedicated Family Court division. Court records produced by these courts capture the full arc of judicial proceedings — from criminal charges and civil filings to family matters and probate proceedings. These records include case dockets, motions, orders, verdicts, and sentencing documents, all maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.
Kentucky court records can be accessed through several channels, including clerk office visits, written requests, and online tools. KentuckyCourts.us helps you locate publicly available court case information across the state. The Kentucky Court of Justice also operates direct electronic access tools for registered users, and its KYeCourts guest login offers limited public access to case data without full registration.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Mercer County?
Start with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk — the authoritative source for any court records request in Mercer County. The Circuit Clerk maintains records for Circuit, Family, District, and Business Court cases filed in the county. Records may be retrieved in person, by phone, or in writing.
Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk
Address: Mercer County Judicial Center, 224 S. Main Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Circuit Court Clerk: Kristen Fletcher
Phone: (859) 734-8452
Fax: (859) 734-9159
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Payment options: Cash, check, money order, or online via ePay.
Online Search Options
- KYeCourts Guest Access: The KYeCourts portal allows public users to search civil and criminal case information without a full account.
- C-Track Public Access: Appeals cases from the Kentucky Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are searchable through C-Track Public Access.
Older and Archived Records
Depending on a case's age and type, the record may be held at the clerk's office, stored at the State Records Center, or archived with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). For records at the State Records Center, submit the case and file locator numbers (provided by the Circuit Clerk) along with the KDLA records request form to state.records@ky.gov or call (502) 564-3617. These records cannot be searched by name or Social Security number.
Are Court Records Public in Mercer County?
Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS 61.870–61.884) establishes a broad right of public access to government records, including court records. Any resident of the Commonwealth may inspect and obtain copies of public court records unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The Act identifies categories of records exempt from public disclosure. In the context of Mercer County court proceedings, commonly restricted record types include:
- Juvenile records — court proceedings involving minors are not available to the general public
- Adoption files — sealed to protect the identities and interests of all parties
- Confidential medical or financial information incorporated into case files
- Sealed records — restricted by specific court order
- Ongoing criminal investigation materials — certain law enforcement records prior to arrest or indictment
- Personnel files and administrative investigation records held by public agencies
Even when a record is releasable, portions may be redacted. Standard redactions include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, the names of minor children, victim identities in sensitive cases, and similar personal identifiers. Requesters who believe a denial is improper may challenge it through an appeal to the Attorney General's Office under the Open Records Act.
Mercer County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Mercer County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the severity of the charge. The Circuit Court, sitting in the 50th Judicial Circuit (which covers both Boyle and Mercer Counties), handles felonies and cases carrying potential incarceration of one year or more. The District Court handles misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, and DUI cases.
Court Contacts for Criminal Records
Both courts are served by the same clerk's office:
Mercer County Judicial Center
Address: 224 S. Main Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Phone: (859) 734-8452
Fax: (859) 734-9159
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Criminal case records — including charging documents, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing orders — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail. Fees include $15 per audio/video copy (court hearing recordings) and $25 for issuing writs; standard copy fees apply to paper documents.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff's Office
Arrest records are generated and held by the arresting agency, not the court clerk. For county-level arrest information, contact the Mercer County Sheriff's Office:
Mercer County Sheriff's Office
Address: 207 W. Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Sheriff: Ernie Kelty
Phone: (859) 734-6344
Fax: (859) 734-6345
Website:mercercosheriff.com
Non-traffic incident reports from the Sheriff's Office may require a written request under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Traffic crash reports and other public records can be requested directly from the Sheriff's Office during administrative business hours.
Online Criminal Case Search
Criminal case index information for Mercer County is accessible through the KYeCourts guest login portal, which provides case-level data including charges, hearings, and dispositions for cases in the Kentucky court management system.
Mercer County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Mercer County follows a dollar-amount threshold. The Circuit Court handles civil cases involving amounts over $5,000, while the District Court's small claims division handles disputes of $2,500 or less. General civil matters between $2,500 and $5,000 are handled by the District Court.
Small Claims (District Court)
Kentucky's small claims process — outlined in the Kentucky Court of Justice's Small Claims Handbook — allows individuals to resolve disputes up to $2,500 without an attorney. Filing fees in the District Court Small Claims Division are generally $25 to $30 under KRS 24A.270, plus applicable service fees. Counterclaims exceeding $2,500 require a separate filing fee and may be transferred to Circuit Court.
Circuit Court Civil Filings
Civil filings in the Circuit Court follow the Kentucky Civil Rules (CR). Filing fees include a court technology fee of $20.00 under KRS 27A.630, plus applicable statutory fees under KRS 453.060 and related provisions.
Requesting Civil Records
Civil case records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the Mercer County Judicial Center. Both in-person and mail requests are accepted. Provide party names, filing dates, and the case number if known. Mail requests go to:
Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk
Mercer County Judicial Center
224 S. Main Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Civil case data can also be searched through the KYeCourts portal for cases in the electronic court management system.
Mercer County Family Court Records
Mercer County has a dedicated Family Court division operating within the 50th Judicial Circuit, which spans both Boyle and Mercer Counties. Chief Circuit Judge Bruce Petrie oversees Family Court proceedings. Kentucky's Family Court follows a "one family, one judge, one court" model, consolidating related matters before a single judicial officer.
Family Court Jurisdiction
Family Court in Mercer County handles:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody, visitation, and parenting time
- Child support enforcement and modification
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile dependency, abuse, and neglect cases
- Termination of parental rights
Family Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office. Case filings are generally public, though proceedings involving minors, adoption, and abuse/neglect cases are restricted. Requests for certified copies of family court orders, decrees, or judgments follow the same process as other court records — in person or by written mail request to the Circuit Clerk.
Divorce Records
Divorce records from cases heard in Mercer County are available through the Circuit Clerk's office. For divorces occurring after June 1958, certified copies are also obtainable from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS). The OVS does not hold divorce records predating June 1958; for those, contact the Circuit Clerk directly.
OVS Divorce Certificate Fees
| Request Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (OVS — first copy) | $6.00 (non-refundable search fee) |
| Online/phone via VitalChek | $6.00 + VitalChek service fee |
| Mail to OVS | $6.00 by check/money order payable to Kentucky State Treasurer |
Mail requests to OVS go to: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. OVS hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Mercer County Clerk's Office, which issues and registers marriage licenses. There are no restrictions on public access to marriage records. To request a certified copy, visit the Clerk's office in person or submit the Open Records Request Form with an original signature by mail. Email and fax submissions of the form are not accepted.
Mercer County Clerk
Address: 207 W. Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
County Clerk: Chris Horn
Phone: (859) 734-6310 / (859) 734-6311 / (859) 734-6312 / (859) 734-6313
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 426, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Mercer County are issued by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Under Kentucky law, birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years from the date of the event. Only the subject, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a qualifying direct interest may obtain certified copies during the confidential period.
| Record Type | Fee (OVS) |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate (first copy) | $10.00 (non-refundable search fee) |
| Death certificate (first copy) | $6.00 (non-refundable search fee) |
| Online/phone orders | Base fee + VitalChek service charge |
Requests may be made in person at 275 E. Main Street, Frankfort, KY; by mail to the same address; or online/by phone through VitalChek at (800) 241-8322. Mail processing typically takes up to 30 business days.
Mercer County Probate Court Records
Kentucky does not operate a separate probate court; probate jurisdiction rests with the District Court under KRS Chapter 395. In Mercer County, the District Court handles the administration of decedent estates, and records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the Mercer County Judicial Center.
Types of Probate Proceedings Handled
- Decedent estates — formal and informal administration, including appointment of executors and administrators
- Will probate — admission of a will to court record
- Guardianships — court-supervised care of incapacitated adults or minors
- Conservatorships — court oversight of financial management for those unable to manage their own affairs
- Trusts — court-supervised trust administration matters
Accessing Probate Records
Probate records are generally public under the Kentucky Open Records Act. To request copies, contact the Circuit Clerk:
Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk
Address: 224 S. Main Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Phone: (859) 734-8452
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Provide the decedent's or ward's full name, approximate filing date, and case number if available. Mail requests should be directed to the same address. Some probate records — such as sealed guardianship matters or adoption-related proceedings — are restricted from general public access and require the requester to demonstrate eligibility.
For older probate records that have been transferred out of the clerk's office, the Kentucky Court of Justice's Request Court Records page explains how to locate records held at the State Records Center or KDLA archival facilities, using case and file locator numbers obtained from the Circuit Clerk.