Kenton County Court Records
What Is Kenton County Court Records
Court records in Kenton County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice and its various divisions operating within Kenton County.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records
- Settlement agreements in civil matters
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by the Kenton County Clerk's Office rather than the courts.
In Kenton County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Kentucky state court system, including:
- Circuit Court (general jurisdiction)
- Family Court (division of Circuit Court)
- District Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Probate Court (handled within District Court)
- Small Claims Court (division of District Court)
Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 26A.200, court records are defined as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data processing records, data, and other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, which are made, produced, executed, or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of the business of any court."
Are Court Records Public In Kenton County
Court records in Kenton County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870-61.884) and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Kentucky Constitution, Section 14, establishes that "All courts shall be open," which has been interpreted to include reasonable access to court records.
Publicly accessible court records typically include:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, judgments)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents, indictments, plea agreements)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate records and wills
However, certain records may be restricted from public access or sealed by court order. According to the Kentucky Court of Justice, records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile proceedings (except when a juvenile is tried as an adult)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Cases involving sexual offenses (certain details may be redacted)
- Records containing confidential personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, etc.)
The Kentucky Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Rules of Administrative Procedure (AP Part I), which balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the effective administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Kenton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kenton County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate Kenton County courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
303 Court Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6314
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
Online Requests:
- Access the Kentucky Court of Justice Records Portal
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Select "Kenton County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Pay applicable online access fees
- Download or view available documents
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
- Include specific case information and documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for copy fees ($0.50 per page)
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For certified copies of court records, additional fees apply. Currently, certification costs $5.00 per document in addition to copy fees. Pursuant to KRS § 64.012, these fees are established by state law and subject to periodic revision.
How To Look Up Court Records in Kenton County Online?
Kenton County court records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice. Each system provides access to different types of court records and requires specific search parameters.
Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet 2.0:
- Navigate to the CourtNet 2.0 portal
- Register for an account or log in with existing credentials
- Select "Search" from the main menu
- Choose "Kenton County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($25 monthly subscription or per-document fees)
This system provides access to Circuit Court and District Court records, including civil, criminal, domestic, probate, and traffic cases.
Kentucky Open Records Portal:
- Visit the Kentucky Open Records Portal
- Select "Submit a Request" and choose "Court Records Request"
- Complete the required fields, specifying Kenton County
- Provide detailed case information
- Submit the request and await notification when records are available
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copies
eCourts Case Lookup (Free Limited Access):
- Access the eCourts Public Portal
- Select "Guest Access" (no registration required)
- Choose "Kenton County" from the location dropdown
- Enter case number or party name
- View basic case information (docket entries, hearing dates, case status)
Note that the free public portal provides only limited information. For complete case files and document access, users must register for a paid CourtNet 2.0 account or submit formal records requests.
How To Search Kenton County Court Records for Free?
Kentucky law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities during normal business hours. Pursuant to KRS § 61.874, while agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, public inspection of records must be permitted without charge.
Free access options for Kenton County court records include:
In-Person Courthouse Access:
- Visit the Kenton County Justice Center during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Request to inspect specific case files at the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names to assist staff in locating records
- Review documents on-site at designated public terminals or reading areas
Kenton County Justice Center
230 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6314
Kenton County Courts
Free Online Resources:
-
Kentucky Court of Justice eCourts Public Portal - Provides basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Case type and status
- Docket entries (list of filings without document access)
-
Kenton County Court Calendar - Displays upcoming court hearings and trials
-
Kentucky Court of Justice Records Request Page - Provides information on how to request records and applicable fees
While these free resources provide basic case information, they typically do not include access to actual document images or complete case files. For comprehensive document access, users may need to utilize paid services or visit the courthouse in person.
What's Included in a Kenton County Court Record?
Kenton County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents of court records are standardized according to the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, and the Rules of Administrative Procedure.
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records typically include:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond/bail information
- Defendant's plea
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Evidence logs and exhibits
- Jury selection records (in jury trials)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation/parole information
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Family Court Records typically include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting time schedules
- Financial disclosure statements
- Domestic violence orders
- Adoption proceedings
- Paternity determinations
- Guardian ad litem reports
Probate Records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Executor/administrator appointments
- Distribution orders
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. The docket provides a comprehensive overview of the case history and procedural timeline.
How Long Does Kenton County Keep Court Records?
Kenton County courts retain records according to the Kentucky Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
General Retention Periods:
-
Felony Criminal Cases:
- Capital offenses: Permanent retention
- Class A and B felonies: 75 years after final disposition
- Class C and D felonies: 20 years after final disposition
-
Misdemeanor Criminal Cases:
- 5 years after final disposition
- DUI cases: 10 years after final disposition
-
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 25 years after final disposition
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable)
-
Probate Cases:
- Wills and estate administration: 20 years after estate closing
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 5 years after termination of guardianship
-
Juvenile Records:
- Status offenses: Until age 23
- Delinquency cases: Until age 28
- Dependency, neglect, abuse: 5 years after child reaches age 18
These retention periods are established pursuant to KRS § 171.420, which authorizes the Department for Libraries and Archives to establish records retention schedules for state and local government agencies, including courts.
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Kentucky State Archives for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. Certain records of historical or legal significance may be retained permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule.
Types of Courts In Kenton County
Kenton County's court system operates as part of the Kentucky state judiciary and includes several levels of courts with varying jurisdictions.
Kenton County Circuit Court
303 Court Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6314
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Kenton County Circuit Court
Circuit Court is Kentucky's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases and civil matters involving more than $5,000. The court also hears appeals from District Court decisions. Kenton County has four Circuit Court divisions.
Kenton County Family Court
303 Court Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6314
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Kenton County Family Court
Family Court is a specialized division of Circuit Court that handles all domestic relations matters, including divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, paternity, and juvenile status offenses. Kenton County has three Family Court divisions.
Kenton County District Court
230 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6323
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Kenton County District Court
District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims (under $2,500), civil cases under $5,000, probate matters, juvenile delinquency cases, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Kenton County has five District Court divisions.
Kentucky Court of Appeals
(Not physically located in Kenton County, but hears appeals from Kenton County cases)
360 Democrat Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 573-7920
Kentucky Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals is the first appellate court to review decisions from Circuit Courts throughout Kentucky, including Kenton County.
Kentucky Supreme Court
(Not physically located in Kenton County, but is the final appellate authority for Kenton County cases)
State Capitol, Room 235
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-5444
Kentucky Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is Kentucky's highest court and the final interpreter of state law. It reviews decisions from the Court of Appeals and certain cases directly from Circuit Courts.
What Types of Cases Do Kenton County Courts Hear?
Kenton County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Kentucky law.
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $5,000
- Real property disputes
- Administrative agency appeals
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Contested probate matters
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
- Complex commercial litigation
- Class action lawsuits
Family Court Cases:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Property division in divorce
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
- Dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
- Juvenile status offenses
- De facto custodian petitions
District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and DUI offenses
- Small claims (up to $2,500)
- Civil cases with claims up to $5,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Eviction proceedings
- Uncontested probate matters
- Mental health commitments
- Emergency protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Local ordinance violations
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Kentucky Constitution and further defined in KRS Chapter 23A (Circuit Courts), KRS Chapter 24A (District Courts), and KRS Chapter 23C (Family Courts).
How To Find a Court Docket In Kenton County
Court dockets in Kenton County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. Members of the public can access court dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice eCourts Portal
- Select "Guest Access" for basic docket information
- Choose "Kenton County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Select "Court Calendar" or "Docket Search"
- Enter the search date or date range
- Filter by court division if desired (Circuit, Family, or District)
- Review the list of scheduled cases
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the appropriate Kenton County courthouse
- Locate the bulletin boards near courtroom entrances where daily dockets are posted
- Request docket information from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Provide the date and court division of interest
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
303 Court Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 292-6314
Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk
Telephone Docket Information:
- Call the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk's office at (859) 292-6314
- Provide the date and court division of interest
- Request information about scheduled proceedings
Attorney Access to Detailed Dockets: Attorneys registered with the Kentucky Courts of Justice have enhanced access to docket information through:
- CourtNet 2.0 (subscription required)
- Kentucky Bar Association resources
- E-filing system notifications for cases where they are counsel of record
Court dockets are typically updated daily, but last-minute changes may occur. For the most current information, contacting the clerk's office directly is recommended, particularly for same-day proceedings.
Which Courts in Kenton County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Kentucky's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim record of its proceedings, typically through audio recording, video recording, or court reporter transcription. These records can be used for appeals and serve as the official account of what transpired during court proceedings.
Under Kentucky law, specifically KRS § 22A.020, all Circuit Courts and District Courts are designated as courts of record. This means that all formal courts operating within Kenton County are courts of record, including:
- Kenton Circuit Court
- Kenton Family Court (division of Circuit Court)
- Kenton District Court
However, certain quasi-judicial bodies and administrative tribunals that operate in Kenton County are not courts of record:
Administrative Hearing Bodies:
- Code Enforcement Boards
- Planning and Zoning Commissions
- Local Ethics Commissions
- Tax Assessment Appeal Boards
- School District Disciplinary Hearings
Municipal Entities:
- City Council Administrative Hearings
- County Commission Administrative Proceedings
- Local Licensing Boards
These non-record tribunals typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts of their proceedings, though they may keep minutes and written decisions. Appeals from these bodies generally proceed to Kenton District or Circuit Court as appropriate, where a new hearing "de novo" (from the beginning) may be conducted rather than reviewing a transcript from the lower proceeding.
It's important to note that while small claims cases are heard in District Court (a court of record), the procedures are simplified, and though audio recordings are maintained, formal transcripts are rarely produced unless specifically requested for an appeal.
Lookup Court Records in Kenton County
Kentucky Court of Justice Records Portal