A Kentucky divorce certificate is an important paper that proves your divorce happened. This is different from a divorce decree. Understanding what each document is and how to get them helps you get the right papers for your needs.
What Is a Kentucky Divorce Certificate
A Kentucky divorce certificate is a simple document that shows basic facts about your divorce. The Office of Vital Statistics in Kentucky makes these certificates. They are official proof that a divorce took place.
The divorce certificate shows:
- Names of both people who got divorced
- Date the divorce became final
- County where the divorce happened
A divorce certificate does not show details about money, property, or children. It is just basic proof that the divorce happened.
Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree
Many people get confused about the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree. These are two different papers.
A divorce decree is a court order that has all the details about your divorce. The judge signs this paper. It tells you about:
- Who gets what property
- How much child support to pay
- Custody arrangements for children
- Spousal support payments
A Kentucky divorce certificate is much simpler. It just proves the divorce happened. You get the divorce certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics. You get the divorce decree from the court where your divorce case happened.
Who Issues Divorce Certificates in Kentucky
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services runs the Office of Vital Statistics. This office issues certified copies of Kentucky divorce certificates. The office is part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky government.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics keeps records of all divorces that happened in the state since June 1958. If your divorce happened before June 1958, you need to contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce decree was granted.
Where to Get Your Kentucky Divorce Certificate
The Office of Vital Statistics has its main office at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort, KY 40621. You can get your divorce certificate in several ways:
- You can visit the office in person. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. They are closed on state holidays.
- You can order by mail. Send your completed application and payment to the address above.
- You can order online through VitalChek. This is the only approved online service for Kentucky vital records.
What You Need to Request a Divorce Certificate
To get a Kentucky divorce certificate, you must give specific information. The Office of Vital Statistics needs this information to find your record.
You need to provide:
- Full name of both people who got divorced
- The exact date of the divorce (month, day, and year)
- The Kentucky county where the divorce happened
- Your name and mailing address
- Your phone number
- How many copies you want
The office cannot help you without all this information. They cannot do searches or give out information without a completed application and payment.
How Much Does a Kentucky Divorce Certificate Cost
Each certified copy of a Kentucky divorce certificate costs money. The current fee information is available from the Office of Vital Statistics.
You must pay by check or money order made out to "Kentucky State Treasurer." The office does not give refunds if they cannot find your record.
The fee you pay is a search fee. This means you pay even if they cannot find your divorce record. Make sure you have the right information before you send your request.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Certificate
The time it takes to get your Kentucky divorce certificate depends on how you order it.
If you visit the office in person, you might get your certificate the same day. However, they cannot promise same-day service, especially after 3:45 p.m.
If you order by mail, it takes longer. You need to allow time for your application to reach them, processing time, and mailing time back to you.
If you order online through VitalChek, you can choose faster delivery options. They offer next-day service and in-person pickup options.
Marriage Divorce Records Available
The Office of Vital Statistics keeps both marriage and divorce records. They have these vital records from June 1958 to today. The office issues certified copies of both types of documents.
For records before June 1958, you need to contact local offices:
- For old marriage records, call the county clerk where the marriage license was issued
- For old divorce records, call the circuit court clerk where the divorce decree was granted
Who Can Request a Kentucky Divorce Certificate
Kentucky law controls who can get copies of divorce certificates. The Office of Vital Statistics follows these rules carefully.
Generally, you can get a copy if you are one of the people named in the divorce record. Family members may also be able to get copies in some cases.
The office requires proof of who you are and why you need the record. They protect people's privacy by following state law about who can get copies.
Different Ways to Order
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics gives you several ways to order divorce certificates.
In-Person Orders: Visit the office at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort, KY. Use the Martin Luther King Blvd entrance. Look for visitor parking signs. Use the marked visitor entrance at the front of the building.
Mail-In Orders: Send your completed application, payment, and any required identification to: Office of Vital Statistics 275 East Main Street, 1E-A Frankfort, KY 40621
Online Orders: Use VitalChek at their official website. This is the only approved online vendor for Kentucky vital records. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.
What Records Look Like
Kentucky divorce certificates are official documents with security features. They have the seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Only certified copies are considered legal documents.
The Office of Vital Statistics does not make:
- Photocopies
- Faxed copies
- Non-certified copies
- Electronic copies
You must get a certified copy for legal purposes. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies usually require certified copies.
When You Need a Divorce Certificate
You might need a Kentucky divorce certificate for many reasons:
- To prove your marital status when getting married again. Most states require proof that previous marriages ended.
- For Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration might need proof of divorce.
- For insurance purposes. Insurance companies might need to see divorce certificates.
- For passport applications. The State Department sometimes requires divorce certificates.
- For legal proceedings. Courts might need proof of divorce for various legal matters.
Record Keeping Tips
Keep your divorce certificate in a safe place. Consider getting multiple copies when you first order them. It costs less to order several copies at once than to order them separately later.
Store certified copies in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Make copies for everyday use, but remember that photocopies are not legal documents.
Office Hours and Contact Information
The Office of Vital Statistics has specific hours:
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Closed on official state holidays
Same-day service is not guaranteed after 3:45 p.m.
For questions, call their toll-free number: (800) 241-8322.
Ordering Options Comparison
Method | Processing Time | Benefits | Requirements |
In-Person | Same day possible | Fastest option | Must visit Frankfort office |
Several weeks | No travel needed | Complete application and payment | |
VitalChek Online | Expedited available | Convenient, multiple delivery options | Credit card or bank transfer |
Drop Box | Similar to mail | 24-hour availability | Applications available on-site |
Required Information Checklist
Information Needed | Why It's Important | Where to Find It |
Both full names | Identifies the correct record | Original divorce papers |
Exact divorce date | Locates record in files | Divorce decree or court papers |
Kentucky county | Determines jurisdiction | Court documents |
Requester information | Legal requirement | Your identification |
Payment | Required fee | Check or money order |
Getting Help with Your Request
If you have trouble getting your Kentucky divorce certificate, help is available:
Call the Office of Vital Statistics during business hours. Staff can answer questions about requirements and procedures.
Check the official Kentucky government website for current information and forms.
Contact the circuit court clerk in the county where your divorce happened. They might have additional information or records.
Be patient with the process. Government offices handle many requests and need time to process them properly.
Protecting Your Privacy
The Office of Vital Statistics protects your personal information. They follow Kentucky law about who can get copies of divorce certificates.
Only authorized people can request copies. This protects you from people who should not have access to your personal records.
Keep your certified copies safe. These official documents contain personal information that should be protected.
Special Situations
Some situations need special handling:
- If your name changed after divorce, you might need additional documentation to prove your identity.
- If you lost your original divorce papers, the certificate can help you get copies from the court.
- If you need records for someone who died, different rules might apply. Contact the office for guidance.
Military families might have special considerations if the divorce happened while stationed in Kentucky.
Planning Ahead
Think about your future needs when ordering divorce certificates. It is usually cheaper to order multiple copies at once.
Consider who else in your family might need copies. Children might need these documents later for their own legal purposes.
Keep track of where you store your important documents. Make a list of what papers you have and where you keep them.
Getting a Kentucky divorce certificate is straightforward when you have the right information. The Office of Vital Statistics at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort KY 40621, handles all requests for divorces since June 1958.
Remember the key points:
- You need specific information about the divorce
- Only certified copies are legal documents
- Several ordering methods are available
- The office follows strict privacy rules
Whether you order in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek, make sure you provide complete and accurate information. This helps ensure you get your Kentucky divorce certificate quickly and without problems.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services works to provide good service to Kentucky residents. By following their procedures and providing the right information, you can get the divorce certificates you need for legal and personal purposes.