Boone County KY divorce records are official court documents that show the legal end of a marriage within the county. These records include the original divorce petition, the final judgment signed by a judge, any orders for child support or spousal maintenance, and the certified divorce certificate issued by the Clerk’s Office. Anyone can request these records for personal, legal, or research purposes. The process is straightforward, but it requires specific information and proper identification. This page gives you everything you need to know about locating, requesting, and obtaining divorce records in Boone County, Kentucky, including fees, office locations, online tools, and state-level resources.
What Are Boone County KY Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Boone County are legal files created when a couple ends their marriage through the court system. These documents are part of the public record unless sealed by a judge. Each file contains key details such as the names of both spouses, the date the divorce was filed, the case number, the judge’s decision, and any financial or custody arrangements. The most important document is the certified divorce decree, which proves the marriage has been legally dissolved. These records are maintained by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk and are available to the public under Kentucky’s open records laws.
Types of Documents Included
- Original divorce petition (complaint for dissolution of marriage)
- Final divorce judgment or decree
- Child support and custody orders
- Spousal support (alimony) agreements
- Property division summaries
- Certified divorce certificate
Each document serves a different purpose. The petition starts the case, the judgment ends it, and the certified copy is often needed for remarriage, name changes, or legal identification. All are stored in the county’s legal records system and can be accessed by anyone with the right information.
Where to Find Boone County KY Divorce Records
There are four main offices in Boone County that handle divorce records. The primary location is the Boone County Clerk’s Office in Burlington. You can also visit the Florence branch, the Justice Center, or use online services. Each office provides certified copies, but processing times and fees may vary. For older records, the Kentucky Court of Justice’s Central Records Repository may be needed. Below is a full list of locations with addresses, phone numbers, and services offered.
Boone County Clerk – Burlington Office
This is the main office for legal records, including divorce files. It is located at 2950 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays until 6:00 p.m. Walk-in requests are processed the same day if all requirements are met. Staff can help you locate case numbers, verify identities, and print certified copies. Phone: (859) 334-2108.
Boone County Clerk – Florence Office
The Florence location at 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY 41042, also handles divorce records. It offers the same services as the Burlington office but may have shorter lines. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: (859) 647-8702. Both offices accept in-person, mail, and online requests.
Justice Center – Legal Records Division
Located at 6025 Rogers Lane, Room 141, Burlington, KY 41005, this division manages all public court records, including divorce cases. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This office provides access to indexed records dating back to 1799. Staff can retrieve files by case number, party name, or filing date. Certified copies cost $12 per page, and standard copies are $5 per page.
Kentucky Court of Justice – State Records Center
For archived cases or records older than 35 years, the State Records Center maintains a secure repository. Requests must include the exact case number, county, and full names of both parties. Submit forms via email to the protected address listed on the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Certified copies from the state cost $20 each. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days.
How to Request Boone County KY Divorce Records
To get a copy of a divorce record, you must provide specific information and follow the correct procedure. The process is the same whether you apply in person, by mail, or online. You will need a government-issued photo ID, the full legal names of both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if known. Fees vary by type of copy and delivery method.
Required Information
- Full name of both spouses (as listed on the divorce filing)
- Case number (if available)
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Your relationship to the case (optional but helpful)
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
If you do not have the case number, the clerk can search using names and dates. This may take longer and could incur an additional search fee of $10.
Fees and Payment
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (uncertified) | $5 per page |
| Certified copy (with court seal) | $12 per page |
| Basic transcript (summary) | $10 |
| Expedited processing | $10 extra |
| Search fee (if case number unknown) | $10 |
Payments can be made in cash, check, or money order at the office. Online requests accept credit cards through the Kentucky Online Judicial Records portal. Mailed requests must include a check or money order payable to the Boone County Clerk.
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Same day (during business hours)
- Mailed requests: 7 to 10 business days
- Online requests: 3 to 5 business days
- State archive requests: 10 to 15 business days
Expedited service reduces processing time by half but costs an extra $10. Certified copies include a raised seal and are legally valid for official use.
Online Access to Boone County KY Divorce Records
Boone County offers digital access through the Kentucky Online Judicial Records portal. This system allows users to search for divorce cases using names, dates, or case numbers. Results show basic docket information, but full documents must be requested separately. The portal is free to search, but downloading or printing records may incur fees.
Steps to Search Online
- Go to the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
- Click “Case Lookup” under the Public Resources section.
- Select “Boone County” and choose “Civil” or “Domestic Relations.”
- Enter the names of both parties or the case number.
- Review the docket and note the case number.
- Use the case number to request certified copies online or by mail.
The online system does not provide instant downloads of full divorce decrees. It only shows case summaries. To get official documents, you must submit a formal request through the clerk’s office or the state portal.
eCCLIX Records Search
Boone County also uses the eCCLIX system for property and legal records. While it focuses on deeds and liens, it sometimes includes divorce-related filings. Access is available on the Boone County Clerk’s website. Users can view scanned documents and request copies for $5 per page.
Marriage and Divorce Records from Vital Statistics
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) keeps marriage and divorce records from June 1958 to the present. These are separate from court records and are used for birth, death, and identity verification. To get a divorce certificate from OVS, you must submit an Application for Vital Records form, a copy of your ID, and a $10 fee. If you need a record before 1958, you must contact the county clerk where the divorce was granted.
OVS Request Process
- Download the Application for Vital Records form from the OVS website.
- Fill in the names, dates, and case number (if known).
- Attach a copy of your government-issued ID.
- Include a $10 check or money order.
- Mail to: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
Processing takes 10 to 12 business days. Expedited service is available for an extra $15. The OVS only issues certificates, not full court files.
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Most divorce records in Boone County are public under Kentucky law. However, certain details may be restricted, such as Social Security numbers, children’s names, or financial account numbers. Judges can also seal entire cases for safety or privacy reasons. If a record is sealed, you must file a motion with the court to request access.
Who Can Request Records?
- Either spouse named in the divorce
- Legal representatives (lawyers with authorization)
- Researchers with a valid reason
- Family members with proof of relationship
- Background check agencies (with consent)
Minors cannot request records without a parent or guardian. All requests are logged for audit purposes, and misuse of information is punishable by law.
Common Reasons for Requesting Divorce Records
People need divorce records for many reasons. Some are personal, like remarriage or name changes. Others are legal, such as inheritance claims or immigration applications. Researchers use them for genealogy or statistical studies. Below are the most common uses.
Personal Use
- Remarriage (proof of single status)
- Name change after divorce
- Updating Social Security records
- Applying for loans or housing
Legal Use
- Child support enforcement
- Alimony modification
- Property division disputes
- Immigration or visa applications
Research Use
- Genealogy and family history
- Academic studies on marriage trends
- Journalistic investigations
- Statistical reporting by government agencies
Boone County reported 1,342 divorces in 2022, a 4.2% increase from 2021. These numbers are published annually by the Kentucky Judicial Branch.
Tips for a Successful Record Request
To avoid delays, follow these best practices when requesting divorce records. Have all documents ready, double-check names and dates, and use the correct office. If you’re unsure, call ahead to confirm requirements.
Do’s
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Provide full legal names (including middle names)
- Use the case number if you have it
- Arrive early to avoid long lines
- Ask for a receipt after payment
Don’ts
- Don’t guess the case number
- Don’t use nicknames or shortened names
- Don’t send cash through the mail
- Don’t expect instant service during peak hours
- Don’t assume all records are online
Most requests are completed within a week. If you don’t receive your documents, contact the clerk’s office with your receipt number.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For help with divorce records, contact the Boone County Clerk’s Office. Staff can answer questions, provide forms, and guide you through the process. All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays.
Main Office – Burlington
Address: 2950 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone: (859) 334-2108
Email: [protected email address]
Website: https://www.booneclerk.com
Florence Office
Address: 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY 41042
Phone: (859) 647-8702
Justice Center – Legal Records
Address: 6025 Rogers Lane, Room 141, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone: (859) 448-2900
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
Address: 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/marriage-divorce.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about accessing divorce records in Boone County. Below are answers to the most common inquiries, based on real user requests and official guidelines.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes, you can still request a divorce record without the case number. The clerk’s office can search using the full names of both spouses and the approximate year of the divorce. This may take longer and could cost an extra $10 search fee. Providing as much detail as possible helps speed up the process.
Are divorce records public in Kentucky?
Yes, divorce records in Kentucky are generally public unless sealed by a judge. This includes the petition, judgment, and certified decree. However, sensitive information like Social Security numbers or children’s details may be redacted. Anyone can request these records with proper identification.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree?
Processing time depends on how you request the record. In-person requests are usually ready the same day. Mailed requests take 7 to 10 business days. Online requests take 3 to 5 days. State archive requests can take up to 15 days. Expedited service reduces time by half for an extra $10.
Can I request a divorce record by mail?
Yes, you can mail a request to the Boone County Clerk’s Office. Include a completed request form, a copy of your ID, the required information (names, dates, case number), and a check or money order for the fees. Send it to 2950 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005. Processing begins once payment is received.
What if the divorce happened before 1958?
Divorces before June 1958 are not kept by the Office of Vital Statistics. You must contact the Boone County Clerk’s Office or the Kentucky Court of Justice’s Central Records Repository. These older records are stored offsite and may take longer to retrieve. Certified copies cost $20 each.
Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce record?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request a divorce record. Anyone can obtain a copy with proper identification and payment. Lawyers often request records for clients, but individuals can do it themselves. The process is designed to be accessible to the public.
Can I use an online service to get my divorce record?
You can use the Kentucky Online Judicial Records portal to search for case information, but you cannot download full documents directly. To get certified copies, you must submit a formal request to the clerk’s office. Private websites may offer help, but they charge extra fees and are not official sources.