Court records in Graves County, Kentucky can be searched through several channels. GravesCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Kentucky Court of Justice's Graves County page, the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, and public terminals at the courthouse. The County Clerk's office maintains land records, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents separately from court case files.
Graves Court System & Jurisdictions
Graves County is part of Kentucky's 52nd Judicial Circuit. Two trial-level courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types.
Graves Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Kentucky. In Graves County, it handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $5,000
- Real property disputes
- Contested probate and estate matters
- Family law cases — divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence orders
- Appeals from District Court
Graves District Court
District Court handles a broader volume of everyday cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic offenses and violations
- Civil cases involving $5,000 or less (including small claims up to $2,500)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Uncontested probate and guardianship matters
- Juvenile matters
- Mental health and involuntary commitment proceedings
Small claims actions are filed within District Court and follow simplified procedures. Kentucky does not have a separate Magistrate Court at the county level — those functions are handled by District Court. If you are unsure which court holds the records you need, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office for guidance.
Graves Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Graves County are managed through the Kentucky Court of Justice system. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Graves County page on the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
- Look for links to the Circuit Court and District Court dockets or contact the clerk's office directly for the current schedule.
- Call the Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm hearing dates and times, especially if you have a pending case.
Kentucky's statewide CourtNet system provides electronic docket information to court staff and authorized users. Members of the public who need to verify a hearing date or courtroom assignment should contact the clerk's office at the Graves County Courthouse (Temporary):
Schedules can change due to judicial reassignment, continuances, or emergencies. Always confirm your hearing date before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Graves Court Document
The Office of the Circuit Court Clerk is the custodian of court case records in Graves County. You can request copies of case documents — including judgments, orders, pleadings, and case summaries — through the following methods:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the temporary courthouse location listed above. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can search for records and provide copies while you wait, depending on volume.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Your full name and return address
- The case number (if known) or party names and approximate date range
- A description of the specific document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Graves County Circuit Court Clerk
Mail requests to:
Online
The Kentucky Court of Justice offers certain legal forms and court record request tools through its website. Not all Graves County records may be available online. For land records, deeds, and other recorded documents (not court case files), the Graves County Clerk's online land records portal (ECCLIX) allows registered users to search and print documents remotely.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies include the clerk's seal and signature and are accepted as official documents by other courts, government agencies, and financial institutions.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference but generally not accepted for legal proceedings.
Some records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and certain mental health records. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Graves Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Kentucky are set by statute (KRS 30A.100 and related provisions). The following schedule reflects standard fees charged by Circuit Court Clerk offices statewide. Contact the Graves County Circuit Court Clerk to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of a court document | $5.00 |
| Certification fee (additional documents, same case) | $5.00 per certification |
| Case record search (by clerk staff) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy (triple-sealed for out-of-state use) | $5.00 plus copy charges |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some Kentucky clerk offices accept credit or debit cards, but availability varies. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.
Additional notes:
- For recorded documents such as deeds, marriage licenses, and liens, contact the Graves County Clerk's office — fees differ from court record fees.
- Criminal background checks through the Kentucky State Police carry separate fees and require fingerprinting for FBI-level checks.
- Marriage and divorce certificates can also be obtained through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.