Montgomery County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Montgomery County in 2026
MontgomeryKYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and any applicable court-ordered restrictions.
Divorce records in Montgomery County may be searched through official resources including the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services vital records system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Montgomery County Clerk's online records portal provides access to public records archived in the Kentucky County Clerk's office through the eCCLIX system. This is the most common method for locating divorce-related filings. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for printed or certified documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice – Montgomery County page directs members of the public to the Circuit Court Clerk as the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases filed in the county. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains a statewide case search tool that allows searches across multiple jurisdictions.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains divorce certificates through its Vital Statistics Branch. Members of the public may request a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) through the online VS-300 web form application. The Kentucky marriage and divorce certificates page provides instructions for obtaining certified copies. Fees apply for certified vital records certificates.
In-Person Searches
Circuit Court Clerk – Family Division:
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
Montgomery County Courthouse
1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353
Phone: (859) 498-8706
Kentucky Court of Justice – Montgomery County
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
Montgomery County Clerk's Office:
Montgomery County Clerk
1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353
Phone: (859) 498-8700
Montgomery County Clerk: Home
The County Clerk's office maintains land records, marriage licenses, and certain recorded instruments. Divorce decrees recorded as instruments may be located through this office in addition to the Circuit Court Clerk.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk, 1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record age.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Circuit Court Clerk: (859) 498-8706
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Montgomery County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.140, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence at the time of the divorce before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: Under current Kentucky law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the Commonwealth for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (859) 498-8706
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Kentucky vital records divorce certificate system
- Retain a licensed Kentucky attorney for complex searches
What Are Montgomery County Divorce Records?
Montgomery County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute part of the public court record of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files contain the complete record of the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
- Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include:
- Original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files in Montgomery County. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Vital Statistics Branch maintains divorce certificates separately from the full court file. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 213.076, courts are required to report dissolution of marriage data to the state vital statistics system, which maintains a separate certificate record distinct from the full court file.
As the Kentucky Court of Justice notes, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Are Montgomery County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court are public court records under Kentucky law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are subject to restriction or redaction under applicable state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings under court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Certain financial statements may have limited public availability
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Medical records incorporated into filings are subject to HIPAA protections
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Kentucky law and are not part of the public record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Kentucky's Open Records Act, codified at Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., establishes the presumption that public agency records are open to inspection by any person. Court records are governed by the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure and Supreme Court administrative orders, which incorporate similar transparency principles while providing specific protections for family law proceedings.
As the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services states regarding vital records access, "The Kentucky county where the marriage license or divorce decree was issued" is the appropriate starting point for obtaining certified copies of dissolution records.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Montgomery County?
The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges for obtaining divorce records through the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk and related state agencies. Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current rates directly with the applicable office.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification fee (court seal) | $5.00 per certification |
| Divorce certificate (state vital records) | $6.00 per certified copy |
| Additional certified copies (vital records, same order) | $6.00 each |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by system |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the Circuit Court Clerk |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability may vary; confirm with the office)
- Payment by mail: Check or money order only
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No fee is charged to inspect public records at the courthouse; fees apply only to copies and certifications.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Viewing docket entries and case status information online through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal
- Basic case information confirmed by phone (no document copies)
Certified copies of the divorce certificate through the Kentucky vital records system are available through the VS-300 divorce certificate web form at a fee of $6.00 per certified copy.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Montgomery County
A complete Montgomery County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following describes the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (Kentucky is a no-fault state; the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested.
The Response or Answer filed by the respondent states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requested relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, the regular timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and provisions governing relocation. Child support documentation includes the Kentucky child support calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare costs, and the support amount ordered.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the case, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address interim custody, support, use of marital property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division awards, spousal support orders, child custody and support orders, and the judge's signature and court seal.
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued separately when retirement accounts are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute benefits in accordance with the divorce decree.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation communications (not part of the record)
How the File Is Organized:
Documents are filed in chronological order as received by the Clerk. The case docket reflects the filing sequence and date of each document. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the Kentucky Court of Justice e-filing system; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital images.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Montgomery County
Proof of divorce in Montgomery County is obtained through either a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Circuit Court Clerk or a certified divorce certificate from the Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Court Clerk):
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution by appearing in person at the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk's office, submitting a written mail request, or requesting through an authorized attorney. The requestor must provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number. The current fee for a certified copy is $5.00 per document plus applicable per-page copy fees.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353
Phone: (859) 498-8706
Kentucky Court of Justice – Montgomery County
Certified Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services issues certified divorce certificates through its Vital Statistics Branch. Members of the public may submit a request online using the Certificate of Divorce or Annulment VS-300 web form. The fee is $6.00 per certified copy. The certificate provides official confirmation that a dissolution of marriage was granted but does not contain the full terms of the decree.
Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch
275 East Main Street, HS1W-A, Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Marriage and Divorce Certificates – CHFS
A certified copy of the final decree is the appropriate document for legal purposes such as remarriage, name change, property transfer, and benefit eligibility verification. The vital records certificate is a summary document suitable for confirming marital status.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Montgomery County?
Divorce proceedings in Montgomery County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire case files may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances.
Records that may be restricted or sealed include:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of abuse, the court may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be sealed to protect the best interests of the children
- Mental health and medical records: Records incorporated into filings that contain protected health information are subject to restriction under applicable privacy law
- Confidential settlement terms: Parties may petition the court to seal specific settlement terms upon a showing of good cause
- Mediation communications: Under Kentucky law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with or disclosed to the court
- High-profile or sensitive cases: The court retains discretion to seal records where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access
A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court, demonstrate good cause, and provide notice to all other parties. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests at stake. Sealing orders are not granted as a matter of course and require a specific legal basis.
How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Divorce Records?
Montgomery County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Kentucky court records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the permanent court record; these documents are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under current Kentucky court records retention guidelines
- Complete case files (uncontested/agreed cases): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after a set number of years while the final judgment is preserved
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period
- Vital records divorce certificates: Maintained permanently by the Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch
Older paper records that have reached the end of their retention period may have been transferred to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives or microfilmed prior to destruction. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and location of archived materials.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives establishes records retention schedules for all state and local government agencies, including courts, under authority of Kentucky law. Members of the public may reference the Kentucky Court of Justice – Montgomery County page for current guidance on record availability.