Court records in Fayette County, Kentucky can be searched through several channels. FayetteKYCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Fayette County Office of Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky Court of Justice website, in-person visits to the clerk's office, and public access terminals located inside the courthouse.
Fayette Court System & Jurisdictions
Fayette County is part of Kentucky's 22nd Judicial Circuit and operates both Circuit Court and District Court divisions. Because Lexington and Fayette County share a merged local government, court operations are centralized in downtown Lexington. Understanding which court handles your case type is essential before searching for docket information.
Fayette Circuit Court
The Fayette Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $5,000
- Real property disputes
- Contested probate and estate matters
- Appeals from District Court
The Circuit Court also includes a dedicated Appeals & Records Division at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse.
Fayette Family Court
Family Court in Fayette County is a division of Circuit Court and covers:
- Divorce and dissolution
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and paternity
- Adoption
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
Fayette District Court
The Fayette District Court is the county's high-volume court and includes the largest District Criminal/Traffic Division in the Fayette County clerk's office. It handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and DUI cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil cases with amounts up to $5,000
- Small claims (up to $2,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and forcible detainer actions
- Uncontested probate matters
- Mental health and involuntary commitment proceedings
Small claims cases are heard within District Court and follow simplified procedures. Kentucky does not operate a separate Magistrate Court; those functions are handled by District Court judges.
Fayette Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Fayette County are managed through the Kentucky Court of Justice system. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice website and navigate to the court calendars section.
- Select Fayette County, then choose the court division (Circuit, District, or Family).
- Filter by date to view current or upcoming hearings.
You can also check schedules by contacting the clerk's office directly:
Courtroom assignments and hearing times may change on short notice. If you have a case number, the clerk's office can confirm the exact courtroom and time. Public access terminals inside the courthouse also display daily docket sheets.
How to Get a Copy of a Fayette Court Document
The Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk's office is the custodian of records for all Circuit, Family, District, and Business Court cases in the county. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can locate records using case locator numbers. Both certified and uncertified copies are available at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Fayette Circuit Court Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
The Kentucky Court of Justice offers an online records request process through its website. You may also use FayetteKYCourt.us to look up publicly available case information before submitting a formal request.
What's Public vs. Restricted
- Generally public: Civil case filings, criminal case dockets, traffic records, judgments, liens
- Restricted or sealed: Juvenile records, adoption records, mental health proceedings, expunged records, records sealed by court order
- Limited access: Some Family Court records may require a demonstrated interest to obtain copies
For statewide criminal background checks, the AOC Records Unit provides criminal record reports based on state court system data. The Kentucky State Police handles fingerprint-based background checks, including FBI nationwide checks.
Fayette Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and searches in Kentucky are set by statute (KRS 64.012). The following schedule reflects standard fees charged by the Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Certificate and seal (per certification) | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| AOC statewide criminal background check | $20.00 |
| KSP criminal background check (state) | $20.00 |
| FBI background check (nationwide, via KSP) | $12.00 |
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office:
- Cash
- Check or money order (payable to Fayette Circuit Court Clerk)
- Credit or debit card (a convenience fee may apply)
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before mailing payment. The Fayette County Legal Help Center, located at the courthouse, offers free legal information for individuals who need help understanding court processes or fees.