Warren County Court Records Search

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    Warren County sits in south-central Kentucky, with Bowling Green as its county seat. The county’s court system processes thousands of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year, and the resulting case files form the official record of those proceedings. Both the Warren Circuit Court and the Warren District Court operate from the Warren County Justice Center, while a dedicated Family Court division addresses domestic and juvenile matters. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk, currently headed by Brandi Duvall, serves as the custodian of all circuit, district, family, and business court records generated in the county.

    Kentucky maintains a unified court system, and individuals seeking Warren County court records may begin by consulting the resources available through KentuckyCourts.us. The Kentucky Court of Justice website provides tools for searching case information online, locating the appropriate clerk’s office, and understanding record request procedures. Records can also be reviewed in person at the clerk’s office using public access terminals, requested by mail through designated forms, or retrieved from state-level archival facilities for older cases. The state courts website is a reliable starting point for anyone attempting to find publicly available court case information in Kentucky.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Warren County?

    The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Warren County is the primary point of contact for all court case record inquiries. The clerk manages records for the Circuit, District, Family, and Business courts housed in the county.

    Warren County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
    Address: Warren County Justice Center, 1001 Center Street, Suite 102, Bowling Green, KY 42101
    Phone: (270) 746-7400
    Fax: (270) 746-7501
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Online case search:

    The Kentucky Court of Justice operates the KYeCourts case search portal, which allows guest users to look up case information without an account. This tool covers cases filed within approximately the last 15 years. Searchers can query records by entering a party name, case number, or additional identifiers such as date of birth or driver’s license number. Results display basic docket information, case status, and party details. The portal also supports the ePay payment system for paying court-ordered fines and fees online.

    Older records (15–35 years):

    Court case records between 15 and 35 years old are typically transferred to the State Records Center. To request these, the circuit clerk must first provide the case and file locator numbers. Then submit a completed State Records Center request form via email to state.records@ky.gov or by calling (502) 564-3617. These records cannot be searched by name alone; locator numbers are required.

    Records older than 35 years:

    Court case records exceeding 35 years in age may be held by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Requesters must follow the department’s online submission process to obtain copies.

    Record retention: Depending on the case type and age, records may be stored at the clerk’s office, a state records facility, or they may have been destroyed under the Kentucky Court of Justice’s authorized retention schedules. Always confirm availability with the clerk’s office before submitting a request to a state facility.

    Are Court Records Public in Warren County?

    Most court records in Warren County are public documents. Kentucky’s open-access framework is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870–61.884), which establishes the right of Kentucky residents to inspect public records held by government agencies. The Act requires public agencies to respond to inspection requests within five business days and provides an administrative appeal process through the Office of the Attorney General if a request is denied.

    Although the presumption favors disclosure, certain categories of court records are exempt from public access. Under KRS 61.878, records may be withheld where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or where a specific statute or court order mandates confidentiality. In the court context, the following types of Warren County records typically carry access restrictions:

    • Juvenile case records — protected under Kentucky law and not included in public case searches or criminal record reports
    • Mental health proceedings — confidential by statute
    • Domestic violence case records — restricted from inclusion in standard criminal record reports
    • Sealed records — cases sealed by court order or under expungement statutes are removed from public access
    • Records containing photographic evidence of sex-related crimes — exempt from public disclosure

    When requesting records that fall into restricted categories, the custodian agency may require the requester to verify their identity, demonstrate eligibility, and in some cases present a valid photo ID before releasing copies. The Attorney General’s Open Records/Open Meetings Guide provides additional detail on the exemption framework and the appeal process for denied requests.

    Warren County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Warren County are heard by both the Circuit Court and the District Court at the Warren County Justice Center. The Circuit Court handles felonies and capital offenses, while the District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Both courts’ criminal records are maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.

    Searching criminal court records online:

    The KYeCourts case search portal includes criminal case records from approximately the past 15 years. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or other identifiers and view docket entries, charges, and case dispositions.

    Obtaining a criminal background report through the AOC:

    The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) operates FastCheck, an online portal for ordering criminal record reports. These reports cover all misdemeanor and traffic cases for at least the last five years and felony records dating back to 1978. Reports are public information and can be requested on any individual. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), with a processing surcharge of 2.25% of the transaction amount or $2.50, whichever is greater. Results are available online for 30 days after processing. For questions, contact the AOC Records Unit at (800) 928-6381, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Alternatively, criminal record reports can be requested by mail using the Criminal Record Request Form (AOC-RU-004). The form is available in English and other languages. Include a $25 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer and mail to:

    Administrative Office of the Courts
    Records Unit
    1001 Vandalay Drive
    Frankfort, KY 40601

    Kentucky State Police background checks:

    The Kentucky State Police also provides criminal history checks. A mail-in request requires a completed form from the KSP background check forms page and a $20 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Send the request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

    Kentucky State Police
    Criminal Identifications and Records Branch
    1266 Louisville Road
    Frankfort, KY 40601

    Note that criminal record reports from both the AOC and KSP will not include juvenile cases, mental health cases, or domestic violence case information, as these are confidential by law.

    Warren County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Warren County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court hears civil matters involving claims exceeding $5,000, while the District Court handles small claims and civil disputes below that threshold. Civil case types commonly processed in Warren County include general civil actions, contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, personal injury claims, and small claims.

    Accessing civil court records:

    The Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Warren County Justice Center maintains all civil case files. Individuals can visit the clerk’s office during business hours to review or request copies:

    Warren County Justice Center
    1001 Center Street, Suite 102
    Bowling Green, KY 42101
    Phone: (270) 746-7400
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Online access:

    Civil case records from the past 15 years can be searched through the KYeCourts guest login portal. Enter the party name, case number, or business name to locate docket information, filings, and case status.

    Older civil records:

    For civil case files between 15 and 35 years old, submit a request form with the case and file locator numbers (obtained from the circuit clerk) to the State Records Center at state.records@ky.gov. Civil records older than 35 years may be archived with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

    Filing fees and payments:

    The Kentucky Court of Justice publishes statewide filing fee schedules. Warren County accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person transactions. Online payments for existing cases can be processed through ePay. For current civil filing fee amounts, contact the circuit clerk’s office or consult the Kentucky Court of Justice website.

    Property-related records:

    While not strictly civil court records, property records such as deeds, liens, and mortgages are maintained by the Warren County Property Valuation Administrator, which offers a searchable online database. Property information can be searched by owner name, parcel number, address, or account number.

    Warren County Family Court Records

    Kentucky’s Family Court operates as a division of Circuit Court under the “One Family, One Judge, One Court” model. Warren County has a Family Court division that hears all family-related legal matters in a unified setting, so that one judge handles all issues involving a particular family. Family Court jurisdiction in Kentucky is defined by KRS 23A.100 and KRS 23A.110 and encompasses the following case types:

    • Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
    • Child custody, support, and visitation
    • Spousal support and equitable distribution of property
    • Paternity and adoption
    • Domestic violence protective orders
    • Dependency, neglect, and abuse proceedings
    • Termination of parental rights
    • Status offenses (runaways, truancy, beyond parental control)

    Requesting family court records:

    Family court case records are maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Warren County Justice Center. In-person requests can be made at:

    Warren County Justice Center
    1001 Center Street, Suite 102
    Bowling Green, KY 42101
    Phone: (270) 746-7400

    Family case records from the past 15 years are also searchable through the KYeCourts online portal. Older records follow the same state archival request process described for other case types—contact the circuit clerk for locator numbers, then submit a request to the State Records Center or the Department for Libraries and Archives as appropriate.

    Access restrictions:

    Family court records frequently contain sensitive and confidential information, particularly in cases involving minors, domestic violence, and dependency proceedings. The custodian may require requesters to verify their identity and demonstrate legal eligibility before releasing copies. Eligible requesters typically include the parties to the case, their attorneys, and immediate family members in certain circumstances.

    Marriage and divorce certificates:

    The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates. These records are distinct from court case files and are obtained through the state agency rather than the circuit clerk. Copies can be ordered in person, by mail, or through VitalChek:

    • In person or drop box: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621 (hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday)
    • By mail: Submit a completed marriage/divorce request form with a $6 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer to the address above.
    • Online or phone: Order through the VitalChek website or call (800) 241-8322; additional VitalChek processing fees apply.

    Birth and death certificates:

    Birth certificates ($10 per copy) and death certificates ($6 per copy) can also be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics using the same channels. Applications are available in English and Spanish for birth records, and in English and Spanish for death records. Mail-in orders should include a check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Allow up to 30 business days for processing of mailed requests.

    Warren County Probate Court Records

    Probate jurisdiction in Warren County is shared between the Circuit Court and the District Court, with both courts authorized to hear matters involving estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and related fiduciary proceedings. Probate case types typically processed in the county include formal estate administration, small estate affidavits, guardianship and conservatorship appointments, trust disputes, and name changes.

    Locating probate records:

    The Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Warren County Justice Center maintains probate case files. In-person requests and inquiries should be directed to:

    Warren County Justice Center
    1001 Center Street, Suite 102
    Bowling Green, KY 42101
    Phone: (270) 746-7400

    Online probate case search:

    Probate cases are indexed under the civil case category in the KYeCourts online search portal. Enter the decedent’s name, the estate case number, or the name of a party to the proceeding. The portal covers cases from approximately the last 15 years.

    Archived probate records:

    Probate case records between 15 and 35 years old may be stored at the State Records Center. To retrieve them, first contact the Warren County circuit clerk to obtain the case and file locator numbers. Then submit a completed request form to state.records@ky.gov or call (502) 564-3617. For probate records exceeding 35 years in age, direct your request to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

    Guardianship and conservatorship records:

    Guardianship and conservatorship cases are filed in the county where the incapacitated person or minor resides. These proceedings establish a court-appointed fiduciary to manage the personal welfare or financial affairs of the protected individual. Case records include the petition, court orders of appointment, required annual reports, and any related motions. Because these cases may involve sensitive personal and financial information, certain documents within the file may have restricted access. Parties seeking copies of guardianship or conservatorship records should contact the circuit clerk’s office to confirm availability and any eligibility requirements.

    Payments:

    The Warren County circuit clerk accepts cash, check, and money order for copy fees and filing costs. Online payments for existing cases can be made through the ePay system. For questions about specific probate filing fees or copy costs, contact the clerk’s office at (270) 746-7400.