Letcher County Court Records

The trial courts in Letcher County, Kentucky, generate and maintain various official documents associated with the cases and proceedings they handle. These documents, such as summonses, dockets, orders, and judgments, collectively form the court records for the region. The Letcher County Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining and dispensing records that emanate from the county's district, family, and circuit courts.

When reviewed alongside Letcher County arrest records, which are generated by law enforcement agencies, Letcher court records provide valuable information about a person's contact with the local criminal justice system.

Are Court Records Public in Letcher County?

Yes. The common law right of access generally makes judicial records open to the public unless a specific court order closes them. Consequently, members of the public have the right to view and copy most court records in Letcher County per the Kentucky judiciary's policies. This access is not absolute, however. Sensitive data, for example, is not disclosed to the general public and must be removed before dissemination. Additionally, the entire contents of juvenile, adoption, and mental health records are confidential.

Letcher County Court Records Search

Members of the public seeking Letcher County court records may utilize the following options:

• Contact the Letcher County Circuit Clerk
• Access online databases maintained by the state's judiciary
• Access online databases maintained on private (third-party) websites

Letcher County Courts

All courts in Letcher County are unified under a single Court of Justice system. The local circuit, district, and family courts all share the same address, as listed below:

Letcher County Courthouse
156 Main Street
Suite 201
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Phone: (606) 633-7559
Fax: (606) 633-5864

Letcher County Criminal and Civil Records

The Letcher County Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of all civil and criminal cases that occurred within the county. Interested parties can contact the office to inquire about available request methods, such as mail-in, telephone, and walk-in orders.

The Kentucky court system also maintains a searchable online database (KYeCourts portal) for anyone to find cases by name and case number. The system displays basic information, including party name, case number, next court event and date, and case title.

For criminal records access, including certain Letcher County arrest records, the judiciary offers a paid service: AOC FastCheck. For arrest records that may not be part of Letcher court records, individuals may contact local law enforcement agencies.

Letcher County Marriage Records

The Letcher County Clerk holds original copies of all marriages that occurred in the county since its formation. Individuals can visit the clerk's office at 156 Main Street, Suite 102, Whitesburg, KY, to inspect records or obtain certified copies. The fee is $5, plus 50 cents per page after the first 3 pages. Letcher residents can use the free version of the clerk's online service to conduct up to 5 searches per day.

Alternatively, the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) under the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) dispenses post-1958 marriage records upon request. Searchers can drop off an application form in the on-premise OVS box, mail the form, or make a physical request at:

Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4212

The OVS also provides online, mail delivery, and pick-up options through its authorized third-party provider.

Letcher County Divorce Records

Availability and access to Letcher County Divorce records are determined by the specific type of record requested. Case files, including divorce proceedings, judgments, settlements, and agreements, can be reviewed in person at the clerk's office of the local circuit court. To obtain copies, a fee of 25 cents per page applies, with an additional $5 charge for certification.

Those who need a divorce certificate may contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. The agency charges $6, which must be paid before a record search may commence. Divorce certificate retrieval is only available to the parties involved and their immediate families. Online orders are also available through the agency's approved vendor.

Letcher Birth Records

KRS 213.131 establishes that Letcher County vital records, including birth records, can only be made available to the subject of the record, their family, and their legal representatives. Birth documents only become open records 100 years after the birth event.

A birth certificate serves as essential proof of identity for various applications, including passports, driver's licenses, and social security. Additionally, it is a vital document for legal processes, such as establishing parenthood, adoption, and inheritance claims.

Eligible individuals may complete the birth certificate request form and mail or submit it to the Kentucky OVS, along with a $10 fee per certified copy. Applicants must provide certain information to the agency:

• The full birth name of the subject
• The subject's date and country of birth
• The subject's maiden name (and father's name if needed)

OVS also partners with a third-party service for those who prefer to order online or by phone.

Letcher Death Records

Death records, especially certificates, are often crucial for obtaining insurance benefits and settling the estates of deceased Letcher County residents.

Letcher County death records, maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) and dating back to 1911, are accessible to the deceased's family members and authorized agents upon submission of proof of relationship. Individuals not related to the deceased can only view these records once 50 years have passed since the date of death.

To obtain a death record, similar to a birth record, the office requires the following information:

• The deceased's full name
• The date of death (month, day, and year)
• The county where the death occurred

Other information will also be required to complete the request, such as the certificate applicant's name, complete mailing address, and phone number where requesters can be reached.

Upon completing the death certificate application, it can be mailed or submitted directly to the OVS. Each death certificate costs $6.

Letcher County Probate Court Records

In Letcher County, most probate matters, including estates, wills, and guardianships, are heard by the local district court (KRS 24A.120). Documents generated by these legal matters are managed by the clerk of the circuit court.

Probate case records can be reviewed on the KYeCourts portal. Obtaining copies of full probate documents may require contacting the circuit court clerk at the Whitesburg courthouse. Each standard copy costs 25 cents.

Letcher County Property Records

Members of the public who wish to look up property records in Letcher can visit the Letcher County Clerk's office. Records maintained by the clerk include deeds, mortgages, liens, and releases.

For records related to property taxation and valuation, the Letcher County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is the primary contact.

Letcher County PVA
156 Main Street
Suite 105
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Phone: (606) 633-2182
Fax: (606) 633-3995

Letcher County Court Records Online

Letcher County court records are available through various online sources. These include the judiciary's KYeCourts and AOC FastCheck portals, as well as the county clerk's online service. For a more streamlined experience, individuals may access third-party platforms, such as Kentuckycourtrecords.us, which attempt to simplify the search process by compiling data from various public search databases. However, because third-party websites are not affiliated with the local courts or government, users should verify data through official repositories.