Floyd County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Floyd County in 2026
FloydCountyRecords.us provides access to data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Floyd County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through the Floyd County 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 Branch.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary repository for divorce case records. Members of the public may search basic case information at no charge through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal. Obtaining copies of filed documents requires payment of applicable per-page fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Kentucky Court of Justice operates a statewide case information system that allows searches across all county jurisdictions. This consolidated database provides docket entries, case status, party names, and hearing dates for dissolution of marriage proceedings filed throughout the Commonwealth.
3. State Vital Records
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains divorce certificates through its Marriage and Divorce Certificates program. These certificates provide summary-level information about the dissolution and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Fees apply to certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Floyd — Kentucky Court of Justice
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 with locating archived records
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., consistent with standard Kentucky court operating hours.
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk at the address listed above. Each written request should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and mailing address
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk: (606) 886-3816
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or information from confidential or sealed portions of a case file
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Kentucky may access divorce case files 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 at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Floyd 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 at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the proceeding. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred will not yield results unless one of the parties also resided there.
Residency Requirement:
Kentucky law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the Commonwealth for 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition. The divorce is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the judge signs the final decree
- The Circuit Court Clerk's office can confirm whether a recent case has been entered into the system
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives
- Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time
- Some older records have not been digitized and must be reviewed in person
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk at (606) 886-3816
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Kentucky Vital Records office for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for complex searches
What Are Floyd County Divorce Records?
Floyd County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Floyd County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to the public access provisions of Kentucky law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the 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 awarded
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer proceedings, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and verification of divorce terms.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies to authorized requestors. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Vital Records Branch maintains divorce certificates as a separate summary record. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 213.076, clerks of court are required to report dissolution of marriage data to the state vital records system.
As the Kentucky Court of Justice states, "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 Floyd County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Floyd County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the open records provisions of Kentucky law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations involving children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
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.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access public portions of the case file, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of existing protective orders.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Floyd County?
The Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records consistent with the schedule established under Kentucky law. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Electronic copies, where available through the court's online system, may be obtained at no charge for basic case information; document downloads may carry a per-page fee
- Accepted payment methods at the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk; credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office
- Mail requests require payment in advance by money order or check
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record copies; parties who are indigent and represented by counsel may address fee issues through their attorney
The fee schedule for court records is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 142.010, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to court filings and copies in the Commonwealth.
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Floyd — Kentucky Court of Justice
What's Included in Divorce Records in Floyd County
A complete Floyd County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the date of separation if applicable, identifies minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody. The Response or Answer states the respondent's position and may include a counterpetition. Financial Affidavits filed 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.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property and business interests are filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal and physical custody, the regular timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. The Child Support Calculation Worksheet documents both parties' income, the number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the case file but may be subject to restricted access.
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, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property may be entered early in the proceeding. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing property, support, and custody. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued separately when retirement accounts are divided and instructs the plan administrator on the division of benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Modification petitions, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after entry of the final judgment are part of the ongoing case file and are accessible under the same public access rules applicable to the original proceeding.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases with protective orders
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Floyd County
Proof of divorce in Floyd County is obtained either as a certified copy of the final decree from the Circuit Court Clerk or as a divorce certificate from the Kentucky Vital Records Branch.
Certified Copy of Final Decree:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal, immigration, and remarriage purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 149 South Central Avenue, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
- Submitting a written mail request with the required identifying information and prepaid fees
- Requesting through the court's online portal where document download is available
Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk
149 South Central Avenue
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3816
Floyd — Kentucky Court of Justice
Divorce Certificate from State Vital Records:
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services issues divorce certificates through its vital records program. The Marriage and Divorce Certificates page provides instructions for requesting a certificate by mail or in person. The Divorce Web Form Application VS300 is used to generate and print the Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300), which must include all required fields before submission.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Vital Records
As the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services notes, divorce certificates may be obtained from "the Kentucky county where the marriage license or divorce decree was issued," providing requestors with two potential sources depending on the nature of the document needed.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Floyd County?
Divorce proceedings in Floyd County are presumptively public, but Kentucky law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.
- A party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed, and the court will apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake.
- Cases involving credible allegations of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or stalking may be subject to protective orders that restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence.
- Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and psychological assessments of minor children are routinely restricted from general public access.
- Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order to protect the best interests of minor children.
- Mediation communications are confidential under Kentucky law and are not filed with the court or accessible as public records.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules.
- High-profile cases may be sealed upon a specific showing, though the presumption of public access remains strong under Kentucky's open courts doctrine.
- The Kentucky Court of Justice Family Court provides guidance on the procedures applicable to family law cases, including confidentiality provisions.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Floyd County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Floyd County Keep Divorce Records?
Floyd County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in accordance with the Kentucky Court of Justice records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all categories of court records.
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are permanent records and are retained indefinitely by the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, orders, and exhibits, are retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under current Kentucky court records retention guidelines.
- Cases involving minor children may be retained for a longer period, extending at minimum until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Physical paper records from older cases may be transferred to archive storage but remain retrievable upon request to the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Records that have been digitized are maintained in the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic case management system and are accessible through the court's online portal.
- Divorce certificates maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics are permanent records retained indefinitely by the state.
- Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk directly at (606) 886-3816 to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.
The retention of court records in Kentucky is governed by administrative orders of the Kentucky Supreme Court, which establish binding schedules for all Circuit Court Clerks throughout the Commonwealth.