Harlan County Court Records

Harlan County court records consist of official materials compiled and maintained by the local judiciary (Kentucky Supreme Court Rules). These records include pleadings, filings, transcripts, audiovisual content, and electronically stored data generated or submitted during legal proceedings.

Access to Harlan County court records promotes transparency in judicial processes. These files also assist the public in understanding court operations and individual case outcomes. Typically, these judicial records include civil complaints, criminal indictments, court motions, judgments, and sentencing orders filed in county courts.

Are Court Records Public in Harlan County?

Yes. Harlan County court records are public by law. These documents are deemed public records under K.R.S 171.410(1) and as enforced by Kentucky Supreme Court rules. This law grants every citizen the right to inspect and request copies of court documents unless a specific exemption applies. The following records are excluded from public access:

• Juvenile dependency, neglect, or abuse case files
• Adoption records and related filings
• Any documents sealed by a court order
• Mental health competency evaluations
• Information tied to confidential informants
• Criminal files that have been sealed or expunged.

Harlan County Court Records Search

Members of the public may access Harlan County court records at the following sources:

• The County Clerk's office.
• The Circuit Court Clerk's office
• The originating courthouse (i.e., where a case was filed).
• Court electronic portal
• A third-party public records website.

Harlan County Courts

The Harlan County court system consists of a Circuit Court. The courthouse is located at the following address:

Harlan County Circuit Court
Harlan County Justice Center
129 South 1st Street
Harlan, KY 40831
Phone: (606) 573-7114

Harlan County Criminal and Civil Records

Some Harlan County criminal records maintained by law enforcement agencies are publicly accessible under the Kentucky Open Records Act. The Act allows the public access to specific arrest-related information, including the arrestee's full name, date of birth, physical description, charges filed, and booking details. Requests for Harlan County arrest records should be directed to the appropriate police agency, such as the County Sheriff's Office or the relevant local police department.

Harlan County criminal records include documents related to prosecutions for felonies, misdemeanors, and related offenses. Interested persons may access these criminal court records by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

Office of Circuit Court Clerk
Harlan County Justice Center
129 South 1st Street
Harlan, KY 40831
Phone: (606) 573-7114
Fax: (606) 573-5895

County civil cases include matters such as probate of wills, small claims involving $2,500 or less, civil disputes involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental health commitments, and cases related to domestic violence and abuse. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains records for these proceedings. To inquire about records availability or request procedures, individuals should visit the clerk's office in person or call (606) 573-7114.

Harlan County Marriage Records

Per KRS 213.131, access to Harlan County marriage records is restricted to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of vital records. Disclosure is permitted only to the subjects named on the records or parties with a court order. Eligible parties may request copies by contacting the County Clerk, the official records custodian. Requests for documents such as a Harlan County marriage certificate can be made in person, by phone at (606) 573-3636, or by email. Proper identification and applicable payment may be required to process requests. The County Clerk's office is located at the following address:

210 East Central Street,
Suite 205
P.O. Box 670
Harlan, KY 40831.

Harlan County Divorce Records

Per KRS 213.131, access to Harlan County divorce records is restricted to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of vital records. Disclosure is permitted only to the subjects named on the record or parties with a court order. The Circuit Court Clerk, the official custodian, handles divorce records. Eligible parties may request copies in person by calling (606) 573-7114. Requests should include identifying case information, and proper identification may be required. Applicable fees may apply.

Office of Circuit Court Clerk
Harlan County Justice Center
129 South 1st Street
Harlan, KY 40831
Phone: (606) 573-7114
Fax: (606) 573-5895

Harlan County Birth Records

Harlan County birth records are confidential and become public only after 100 years from birth (KRS 213.131). Access to non-public birth records is restricted to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of vital records. Disclosure is permitted only to the individual named on the record or parties with a court order. Eligible requestors may obtain certified copies by contacting the County Clerk, the official custodian for local birth record filings. Requests can be made in person, by phone at (606) 573-3636, or by email. Valid identification and applicable payment may be required. The County Clerk's office is located at the following address:

210 East Central Street
Suite 205
P.O. Box 670
Harlan, KY 40831.

Harlan County vital records like these establish a person's identity, citizenship, age, and parental lineage. Documents such as a Harlan County birth certificate are essential for obtaining passports, enrolling in school, accessing benefits, and providing legal proof of personal information.

Harlan County Death Records

KRS 213.131 restricts access to Harlan County death records to the decedent's immediate family, their legal representatives, and individuals with a court order. Death records become public only after 50 years from the date of death. County death records may be obtained by contacting the County Clerk. Requestors should provide proper identification and the required payment. These records are important for legal proceedings, estate administration, genealogy research, and verifying death for insurance or benefits claims.

Harlan County Probate Court Records

Probate court records in Harlan County document legal proceedings related to the administration of estates, probate of wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health commitments. Records typically include petitions, inventories, accountings, court orders, and related filings. The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian of these records. Interested parties may obtain public probate records by visiting the clerk's office or submitting a request by phone at (606) 573-7114. Proper identification and payment of applicable fees are required.

Harlan County Property Records

The Harlan County Clerk maintains county property records, available to the public under the state's open records laws. These files document property ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and transfers. These records are available online through the records section of the County Clerk's official website. Users can search property-related documents remotely, though applicable fees may apply for viewing or obtaining copies.

Alternatively, interested individuals may access records in person at the clerk's office or request copies by phone at (606) 573-3636. Property records are essential for verifying legal ownership, resolving boundary disputes, and conducting title searches. Property tax assessments and historical land transactions are also included.

Harlan County Court Records Online

Online platforms like Kentuckycourtrecords.us provide remote access to Harlan County public records, but are not official sources. These sources allow users to search multiple jurisdictions by name, including Harlan County arrest records, offering convenience. While some sources provide free access to public records, access to detailed reports often requires fees, and the data may be outdated or incomplete. Users should confirm all details through the court or agency that initially handled the records.