Grant County Court Records

Grant County court records are official documents generated during court proceedings and operations. These records fall into two primary categories: administrative records and case records. The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains administrative records, which document the court's internal operations and procedures. Case records, managed by the Court Clerk, pertain to legal matters heard in trial courts and detail information such as case numbers, party names, submitted evidence, judicial rulings, and final judgments. These records help the public understand the operations of the court and verify the outcomes of legal proceedings in the county.

Are Court Records Public in Grant County?

Yes. Grant County public records include court records per the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA), which ensures public access to court case documents in the county. However, the Act primarily applies only to court case records. Access to administrative court records—such as internal court operations—is governed separately by the Open Records Policy of the Administrative Office of the Courts.

In Kentucky, not all court case records are publicly accessible. While most are presumed open, specific categories remain confidential, including:

• Domestic violence records
• Juvenile records
• Grand jury proceedings
• Sensitive personal information
• Mental health and involuntary commitment records
• Termination of parental rights records
• Adoption records

Grant County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking court records access in Grant County have several options:

• In-person requests at the courthouse
• Online access through the court's official search portal
• Independent platforms that offer searchable databases that may include Grant court records

Grant County Courts

The Grant County court system operates within Kentucky's unified judicial structure, which includes both District and Circuit Courts. The Grant County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, juvenile matters, probate proceedings, and small civil claims. The Circuit Court, being the highest trial court in the county, handles felonies, larger civil claims, family law matters, and lower court appeals. Both courts are situated in the same courthouse:

Grant County Judicial Center
24 South Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
District Court Phone: (859) 823-5251
Circuit Court Phone: (859) 824-4467

Grant County Criminal and Civil Records

Grant County criminal records pertain to criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors, infractions) occurring in the county. In most cases, a criminal record originates after an arrest by law enforcement (such incidents are documented in the Grant County arrest records). Then, when the case moves to the court system, its events and proceedings are documented as part of the criminal court records, which the court clerks maintain. Civil court records, on the other hand, detail the proceedings of small claims, personal injury, property disputes, family law, and other non-criminal matters filed in court.

To access a court record, individuals can visit the Grant County Judicial Center and provide identifying details such as a name or case number to the court staff. Older records (15–35 years) require submitting a records request form to the State Records Center by email or phone at (502) 564-3617 Searches require a case number, as name-based searches are not permitted. Records over 36 years old must be requested from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives.

Individuals may also search for Grant County criminal and civil court records online via the Kentucky Find a Case portal using a case number, party/business name, or citation number.

Grant County Marriage Records

Grant County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk and are generally available to the public unless sealed by court order, though this is rare. The County Clerk is charged with issuing marriage licenses to intending couples, who are required to return the license for recording after the ceremony. To obtain a copy, individuals must provide the full names of both spouses and the date of marriage. Photocopies are available for 50 cents, while a certified copy of a Grant County marriage certificate costs $5.

Grant County Divorce Records

Divorce cases in Grant County are handled by the Circuit Court, with the records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. These records are generally public unless sealed by the court, especially in cases involving sensitive matters like child custody or financial disclosures.

Individuals can visit the Grant County Judicial Center to view or request copies for a small fee. Alternatively, divorce records can be searched online on the court's Find a Case portal.

Grant County Birth Records

Grant County birth records are maintained at the state level by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS). These records are often needed for school enrollment, driver's license applications, or employment verification. Under KRS 213.131, birth records remain confidential for 100 years after birth. Before becoming public, only the registrant, an immediate family member, a parent/guardian, or a legal representative may access the record.

Eligible persons can obtain a Grant County birth certificate by submitting the Birth Certificate Application to the OVS in person or by mail at:

Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621

Requests can also be made online or by phone. The cost for a Grant birth certificate is $10 (non-refundable) per copy. Payment for mail requests should be made by check or money order.

Grant County Death Records

Death records, together with birth, marriage, and divorce records, make up Grant County vital records. By law, death records remain confidential for 50 years, during which access is limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order.

To request a death certificate, individuals may submit a completed Death Certificate Application to the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics in person, by mail, or make an online or phone request. Each certified copy costs $6.

Grant County Probate Court Records

The Grant County District Court has primary jurisdiction over probate matters, including will validations, estate administration, heir determinations, and guardianship/conservatorship cases. These probate records are generally available for public review at the courthouse, though certain sensitive documents, particularly those involving minors or mental health commitments, may have restricted access. For convenience, many probate records are also accessible electronically using the Kentucky Find a Case online portal.

Grant County Property Records

Property records inform individuals about properties in Grant County. The Grant County Clerk and the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) share responsibility in maintaining these records. The County Clerk maintains land-related documents such as deeds and liens, while the PVA manages property assessments and tax-related data.

Once a person identifies the record they need, they may visit the appropriate office to obtain the record. Additionally, individuals may use the County Clerk's Land Record Search portal or the PVA's Property Search portal to find these records online.

Grant County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like Kentuckycourtrecords.us can be a convenient way to access court records in Grant County, especially for those unable to visit the courthouse in person. These platforms often compile public records from various sources, allowing users to search by name, case number, or other criteria. Third-party providers generally offer ease of access to court records; however, there may be an access fee, either charged as a one-time payment or a subscription. It is important to note that the information provided by third parties may sometimes be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate.