Bullitt County Public Records /Bullitt County Divorce Records

Bullitt County Divorce Records

What Are Bullitt County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Bullitt County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.150, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed during the divorce process, including the initial petition, financial disclosures, custody arrangements (if applicable), and the final divorce decree issued by the Bullitt County Circuit Court.

The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains these records as part of its official court documentation system. Divorce records serve numerous important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Bullitt County are created and maintained by the Circuit Court as part of its family court division. The records document the legal process through which a marriage is dissolved, including any determinations regarding property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support obligations.

Are Bullitt County Divorce Records Public?

Bullitt County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870-61.884), but with significant exceptions and limitations.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk are generally accessible to the public, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted. These files typically include:

Petitions for dissolution of marriage
Court orders and judgments
Property settlement agreements
Financial affidavits (may be partially redacted)
Court hearing transcripts

However, certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, certified divorce certificates are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Legal representatives of the parties
Individuals with a demonstrated legitimate interest
Persons with a court order authorizing access

Additionally, certain information within divorce records may be sealed by court order if disclosure would cause undue harm to any party or child involved in the proceedings. Information commonly restricted includes:

Details regarding minor children
Sensitive financial information
Allegations of domestic violence
Medical or mental health information
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers

The Kentucky Court of Justice provides guidance on accessing public court records while maintaining privacy protections required by law.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bullitt County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Bullitt County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repositories for divorce records are the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Office of Vital Statistics.

To obtain divorce records from the Bullitt County Circuit Court:

Visit or contact the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Provide the names of both parties to the divorce.
Specify the approximate date of the divorce (year).
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay the applicable search and copy fees.
Submit a written request if unable to appear in person.

Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk
300 South Buckman Street, Suite 123
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7104
Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk

For certified divorce certificates (verification of divorce), individuals may:

Contact the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Office of Vital Statistics.
Complete the application for a certified copy of a divorce certificate.
Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility to receive the record.
Submit the applicable fee.
Allow processing time as specified by the agency.

Kentucky Department for Public Health - Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4212
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics

Under current law, requestors must demonstrate legal entitlement to access certified divorce certificates, though court divorce records are generally available to the public with certain restrictions.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Bullitt County Online?

Bullitt County offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides a partial online search system for court records, including divorce cases. To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
Navigate to the "Records Search" section.
Select "CourtNet 2.0" for case information searches.
Register for an account if required (fees may apply).
Enter search criteria including names of parties and date range.
Review the search results for basic case information.

It is important to note that online access provides limited information compared to in-person requests. The online system typically displays:

Case numbers
Names of parties
Filing dates
Case type
Current status
Scheduled hearings
Basic disposition information

For more comprehensive divorce record information, including the full divorce decree and associated documents, requestors may need to:

Use the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services online portal for divorce certificate verification.
Complete the required fields in the online form.
Pay applicable fees via the secure payment system.
Receive confirmation of the request.

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same privacy restrictions and eligibility requirements as in-person requests. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or unavailable through online platforms.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Bullitt County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Bullitt County have limited options, as most official record requests involve administrative fees. However, several approaches may provide basic information without charge:

Visit the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person to conduct a self-directed search of publicly available divorce case indices.

Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk
300 South Buckman Street, Suite 123
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7104
Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk

Utilize public access terminals at the courthouse to view basic case information without printing fees.
Contact the Bullitt County Public Library for assistance with historical divorce records research:

Bullitt County Public Library
127 N. Walnut Street
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7675
Bullitt County Public Library

Review the Kentucky Court of Justice website for basic case status information that may be available without subscription fees.

While viewing basic record information may be available at no cost, obtaining copies or certified documents will require payment of established fees. Current fees include:

Case search fee: $25.00 per name
Copy of divorce decree: $0.50 per page
Certified copy of divorce decree: $5.00 plus copy fees
Certified divorce certificate from Vital Statistics: $6.00

Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through the submission of an Affidavit of Indigency to the court.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Bullitt County

Divorce records in Bullitt County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records typically include multiple components that collectively document the legal termination of the marriage. The content of divorce records is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.150-403.170, which establishes requirements for divorce proceedings.

A complete divorce file generally contains:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
Response or Answer - The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition
Financial Disclosure Forms - Detailed statements of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
Property Settlement Agreement - Document outlining division of marital property and debts
Child Custody and Support Provisions - If applicable, arrangements for minor children
Parenting Plans - Detailed schedules and responsibilities for child custody arrangements
Temporary Orders - Court directives in effect during the pendency of the divorce
Final Decree of Dissolution - The judge's final order terminating the marriage
Certificate of Dissolution - Official verification document of the divorce

The final divorce decree is particularly significant as it contains the court's final determinations regarding:

Legal termination of the marital relationship
Division of marital property and allocation of debts
Spousal maintenance/alimony awards, if any
Child custody and visitation arrangements
Child support obligations
Name restoration provisions, if requested
Any other specific orders related to the dissolution

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of marital assets, and whether minor children were involved.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Bullitt County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Bullitt County have two primary options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often determines which source is most appropriate.

For a certified copy of the divorce decree (the court's final judgment):

Contact the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk's office where the divorce was granted.
Provide the names of both parties to the divorce.
Indicate the approximate date of the divorce.
Present valid identification.
Pay the required certification fee ($5.00) plus copy costs ($0.50 per page).
Specify whether the document needs to be certified for domestic or international use.

Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk
300 South Buckman Street, Suite 123
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7104
Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk

For a certified divorce certificate (official verification document):

Contact the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Office of Vital Statistics.
Complete the application for a certified divorce certificate.
Provide proof of identity and eligibility to receive the record.
Submit the required fee ($6.00 per certificate).
Indicate whether the certificate is needed for domestic or international use.

Kentucky Department for Public Health - Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4212
Marriage and Divorce Certificates

Alternatively, eligible individuals may request a divorce certificate online through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services online portal.

For international use, additional authentication such as an apostille may be required. This service is provided by the Kentucky Secretary of State's office for an additional fee.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Bullitt County?

While divorce proceedings in Bullitt County are generally matters of public record, Kentucky law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure 26.03 and various provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealed Records by Court Order - Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file if disclosure would cause undue harm. The judge must find compelling reasons that outweigh the public's right to access.
Domestic Violence Protections - When domestic violence is involved, identifying information may be redacted or protected under KRS § 403.745.
Financial Information - Detailed financial disclosures may be filed under seal to protect sensitive financial data.
Child-Related Information - Records containing detailed information about minor children, including custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, may be restricted.
Medical and Mental Health Records - Documentation of medical or psychological conditions is typically protected from public disclosure.
Social Security Numbers and Personal Identifiers - These are redacted from public versions of documents pursuant to Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 7.03.

To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:

File a motion for a protective order with the Bullitt County Circuit Court.
Demonstrate specific, serious harm that would result from public disclosure.
Request the least restrictive means necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests.
Obtain a court order specifically directing which documents or information shall remain confidential.

Even when aspects of a divorce are confidential, basic case information (names of parties, case number, and general case type) typically remains in the public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Bullitt County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Bullitt County varies significantly based on several factors. Under Kentucky law, specifically KRS § 403.170, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least 60 days have elapsed from the date of filing. This mandatory waiting period applies to all divorces, even those with complete agreement between parties.

Beyond this minimum timeframe, several factors influence the total duration:

Uncontested vs. Contested Status:
- Uncontested divorces (complete agreement): Typically 60-90 days from filing
- Contested divorces (disagreements on key issues): 6 months to over a year
Complexity Factors:
- High-value or complex assets: Additional 3-6 months
- Business ownership requiring valuation: Additional 2-4 months
- Retirement accounts requiring Qualified Domestic Relations Orders: Additional 1-3 months
Child-Related Matters:
- Custody disputes: Additional 3-6 months
- Required parenting classes: Additional 30-60 days
- Guardian ad litem investigations: Additional 2-3 months
Court Scheduling:
- Current docket congestion in Bullitt Circuit Court
- Judge availability for hearings
- Time required for mandatory mediation (if ordered)

According to the Kentucky Court of Justice statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for divorces in Bullitt County is approximately:

Uncontested divorces without children: 3-4 months
Uncontested divorces with children: 4-6 months
Contested divorces without children: 8-10 months
Contested divorces with children: 10-14 months

These timeframes may be extended if temporary orders are needed, if discovery disputes arise, or if expert witnesses must be consulted. Conversely, the process may be expedited in cases where both parties have reached a comprehensive settlement agreement prior to filing.

How Long Does Bullitt County Keep Divorce Records?

Bullitt County maintains divorce records according to Kentucky's records retention schedule, which establishes different retention periods based on record type and historical significance. The retention of court records is governed by the Kentucky Court of Justice Records Retention Schedule as authorized by KRS § 171.420.

Divorce records retention periods in Bullitt County are as follows:

Case Files and Final Decrees: Permanent retention
- Complete case files for divorces granted in Bullitt Circuit Court are maintained indefinitely
- These records remain accessible through the Circuit Court Clerk's office
Docket Books and Indices: Permanent retention
- Chronological listings of divorce cases and alphabetical indices
- Essential for locating historical divorce records
Exhibits and Evidence: Variable retention
- Retained for 30 days after final judgment if no appeal is filed
- For appealed cases, retained until final disposition of appeal plus 30 days
- Parties must request return of original documents within specified timeframes
Audio/Video Recordings of Proceedings: 10 years
- Recordings of hearings and trials related to divorce cases
- May be destroyed after the retention period unless ordered preserved
Divorce Certificates: Permanent retention
- Official verification documents maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
- Available indefinitely for eligible requestors

For historical divorce records (generally those over 50 years old), researchers may need to consult:

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
The Bullitt County History Museum
The Kentucky Historical Society

The permanent retention of divorce decrees and certificates ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the divorce occurred. However, accessing very old records may require specialized research assistance and may involve longer processing times.

How To Get a Divorce In Bullitt County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Bullitt County must follow specific procedures established under Kentucky law. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 403.

To initiate a divorce in Bullitt County, the following steps must be completed:

Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Kentucky resident for at least 180 days prior to filing
- The petition should be filed in Bullitt County if either spouse resides there
Grounds for Divorce:
- Kentucky is a "no-fault" divorce state
- The only required ground is an "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage
- No proof of misconduct is necessary
Filing Procedure:
- Obtain appropriate forms from the Bullitt Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help Portal
- Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- File the petition with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $198)
- Serve the non-filing spouse according to court rules

Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk
300 South Buckman Street, Suite 123
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7104
Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk

Additional Required Documents:
- Case Information Sheet
- Vital Statistics Worksheet
- Income and Expense Disclosure
- Property Disclosure Statement
- If children are involved: Child Support Worksheet and Parenting Plan
Mandatory Waiting Period:
- 60 days minimum from date of filing to final decree
- This period applies even if both parties agree to all terms
Resolution Methods:
- Uncontested: Submit settlement agreement for court approval
- Mediation: Work with court-approved mediator to resolve disputes
- Litigation: Present contested issues to judge for determination
Final Hearing:
- May be waived in uncontested cases
- Required for contested issues
- Judge reviews all agreements and makes final determinations
- Final Decree of Dissolution issued upon approval

Individuals with limited financial resources may apply for fee waivers through an Affidavit of Indigency. Legal assistance may be available through:

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
104 East Seventh Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 431-8200
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass

How To Get Divorce Papers In Bullitt County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Bullitt County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents, collectively referred to as "divorce papers," include the petition for dissolution of marriage and various supporting documents required under Kentucky law.

To obtain divorce papers in Bullitt County:

Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person
- Request the divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with/without children)
- Pay any applicable fees for form packets

Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk
300 South Buckman Street, Suite 123
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
(502) 543-7104
Bullitt County Circuit Court Clerk

Kentucky Court of Justice Website:
- Access the Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help Portal
- Navigate to the Family Court Forms section
- Download the appropriate dissolution of marriage forms
- Forms are available in fillable PDF format
Kentucky Legal Aid:
- Visit the Kentucky Legal Aid website for form access
- Use their online form assembly program for guided completion
- Determine eligibility for legal assistance with form completion

The basic divorce papers package for Bullitt County typically includes:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Case Information Sheet
VS-300 Form (Vital Statistics)
Financial Disclosure Form
Entry of Appearance and Waiver (if spouse agrees to waive formal service)
Settlement Agreement (for uncontested divorces)

Additional forms required when minor children are involved:

Child Support Worksheet
Uniform Child Support Order
Parenting Time Schedule
Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit

All forms must be completed accurately according to the instructions provided. Incomplete or incorrect forms may be rejected by the court clerk or cause delays in the divorce process. Individuals uncertain about proper form completion may wish to consult with an attorney or utilize the services of the Kentucky Legal Self-Help Portal.