Graves County Court Records are official documents created during legal proceedings in the county’s circuit, district, and municipal courts. These records include case filings, judgments, motions, docket entries, and certified copies of court orders. Managed by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, they serve attorneys, researchers, government agencies, and the general public who need access to civil, criminal, probate, or family law case information. The primary office is located at 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21, Mayfield, KY 42066, with additional services available at 100 East Broadway and 101 East South Street. All locations operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact numbers include 270-247-1733 and 270-247-1796. Filing fees are accepted only in cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders issued within Kentucky. Out-of-state checks are not accepted.
How to Search Graves County Court Records
Residents can search Graves County Court Records through three main channels: the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, the County Office’s local database, and on-site archives at the courthouse. The digital index covers cases filed from 1972 to the present. Each entry shows the case number, filing date, parties involved, and current status. Users may search by name, case type, or date range. The system updates nightly to reflect new filings. For older records—those more than fifteen years old—a written request must include the case number, full party names, and relevant dates. Processing takes up to ten business days, after which the office notifies the requester for pickup.
Online Access via Kentucky Court of Justice
The official state website provides free public access to Graves County Court Records. Users can view dockets, judgments, and scheduling information without creating an account. The platform supports searches across all court levels in the county. It also offers downloadable PDFs of final judgments and court orders. This service is ideal for remote users who cannot visit the courthouse in person. The site is maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts and follows strict data privacy standards.
On-Site Archives and Clerk Assistance
For hands-on research, the temporary courthouse at 1102 Paris Road houses physical archives and staff-assisted search terminals. Trained clerks help visitors locate files, interpret docket codes, and explain procedural history. The office maintains microfilm backups for records predating 1972. Researchers should bring valid ID and know basic case details to speed up the process. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can clarify how to read court documents.
Types of Records Available
Graves County Court Records cover a wide range of legal matters. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property litigation. Criminal records contain indictments, sentencing documents, and probation reports. Family law files include divorce decrees, child custody agreements, and adoption records. Probate matters involve wills, estate settlements, and guardianship filings. Land records and marriage licenses are managed separately by the County Clerk but are often cross-referenced in court cases.
Certified Copies and Fees
Anyone needing official copies must submit a written request with their name, record description, and payment. Fees range from $2 per page for single documents to $25 for bulk requests. Certified copies carry the court seal and are legally valid for background checks, immigration, or employment verification. Requests can be made in person, by mail with a prepaid return envelope, or through the online portal. Processing time is typically three to five business days.
Appeals and Long-Term Storage
Appealed cases are retained for at least ten years before transfer to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. These records remain accessible but require a formal retrieval request. The state archive holds files dating back to the 1800s, including historic land disputes and early criminal trials. Researchers studying genealogy or local history often use these materials.
Fiscal Court and Government Meeting Records
The Graves County Fiscal Court publishes detailed minutes from every regular session. These records show budget approvals, ordinance votes, and public comments. Minutes from 2022 and prior years are available as free PDF downloads on the county website. The Chamber of Commerce, located in the same municipal complex, allows in-person review during business hours. Judge Executive Jesse Perry leads the fiscal court and signs final budgets each June.
County Clerk Services
Kim Gills serves as the elected County Clerk and oversees land deeds, motor vehicle titles, and election records. The Records Vault at 1102 Paris Rd., Suite 5, stores original documents and can be reached at 270-247-1697. The Motor Vehicle Division accepts faxed applications at 270-247-1274. Voter registration and precinct maps are handled by the Election Department via fax at 270-248-7154 or 270-247-7136. Extended hours are offered during election periods.
District and Circuit Court Operations
The Graves County District Court handles misdemeanors, small claims, and preliminary felony hearings. It shares the building at 100 East Broadway with the Circuit Court. The District Court phone number is 270-247-1733, and fax submissions go to 270-247-7358. Its digital docket updates hourly, allowing attorneys to file motions electronically and receive instant notifications.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
The Circuit Court manages felony cases, major civil suits, and equity matters. Presiding Judge Kevin D. Bishop can be contacted at 270-247-8726. The court’s website lists upcoming hearings and allows users to download judgment PDFs. All public record requests go through the Clerk’s Office, which issues certified copies and maintains the online case lookup tool.
Public Access Policies and Limitations
Most Graves County Court Records are open to the public under Kentucky’s Open Records Act. However, certain documents—such as juvenile records, sealed settlements, or protective orders—may be restricted. Requesters must specify if they need redacted or unsealed versions. The clerk will notify them of any access limitations before processing. Minors’ names and sensitive personal data are routinely removed from publicly available files.
Remote and Third-Party Services
Several third-party sites aggregate Graves County Court Records for easier searching. While convenient, these platforms may charge fees or display outdated information. For accuracy, always verify details through the official Kentucky Court of Justice portal or the Clerk’s Office. Free accounts on sites like CourtCaseFinder.com allow email alerts for new case activity.
Historical Context and Legal Significance
Graves County was established in 1824 and named after Major Benjamin Graves, an early settler. Its court system has operated continuously since then, preserving one of the most complete legal archives in western Kentucky. Researchers frequently use these records to trace property ownership, verify ancestry, or study regional legal trends. The county’s adherence to transparency ensures ongoing public trust in judicial operations.
Disaster Recovery and Record Preservation
Following the 2021 tornado that damaged the historic courthouse, Graves County implemented a digital backup system for all court records. Critical files are now stored in encrypted cloud servers and on external drives. This ensures continuity even during emergencies. The temporary facility at Paris Road was equipped with fireproof vaults and climate-controlled storage to protect physical documents.
Contact Information and Office Locations
The main Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is at 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21, Mayfield, KY 42066. Additional services are available at 100 East Broadway (civil/criminal filings) and 101 East South Street (probate/land records). All locations follow the same hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. For urgent requests, call 270-247-1733 or 270-247-1796. Email inquiries should be directed to the clerk’s official address listed on the county website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing, understanding, or using Graves County Court Records. Below are common inquiries with clear, factual answers based on current policies and procedures. These responses reflect the most up-to-date information from the Clerk’s Office and Kentucky state law.
How do I get a certified copy of a court judgment?
To obtain a certified copy, submit a written request to the Graves County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 100 East Broadway, Mayfield, KY 42066. Include your full name, the case number, party names, and the type of document needed. Pay the required fee—$2 per page or $25 for bulk copies—using cash, a cashier’s check, or a money order issued in Kentucky. You may also use the online portal or mail your request with a prepaid return envelope. Processing takes three to five business days. Certified copies include the court seal and are legally valid for official purposes such as employment verification or immigration applications. Always call 270-247-1733 if you’re unsure about the exact document name or case details.
Can I search court records online for free?
Yes, the Kentucky Court of Justice website offers free public access to Graves County Court Records from 1972 to the present. You can search by case number, party name, or date range without creating an account. The system shows docket entries, filing dates, and final judgments. However, some sensitive records—like juvenile cases or sealed settlements—are not available online. For those, you must visit the courthouse in person or submit a formal written request. Third-party sites may charge fees, but the state portal remains the most reliable and up-to-date source. Always verify information from commercial sites with the official court records to avoid errors.
What happens to old court records?
Court records older than fifteen years are moved to archival storage. Appeals and significant cases are kept for at least ten years before transfer to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. These historical files remain accessible but require a written request with specific details like case number and party names. The state archive holds records dating back to the 1800s, including early land disputes and criminal trials. Researchers, genealogists, and historians frequently use these materials. The Clerk’s Office processes retrieval requests within ten business days and notifies requesters when documents are ready for pickup. Digital backups ensure preservation even if physical copies degrade over time.
Are all court records public?
Most Graves County Court Records are public under Kentucky law, but exceptions exist. Juvenile records, protective orders, sealed settlements, and certain family law documents may be restricted. The clerk will review your request and inform you if access is limited. Redacted versions that remove sensitive personal information are often provided instead. Minors’ names and confidential identifiers are routinely omitted from publicly available files. If you believe a record should be unsealed, you must file a motion with the court—not the clerk’s office. Always specify whether you need a redacted or full version when submitting your request.
How do I contact the judge or clerk for help?
For general inquiries, call the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 270-247-1733 or 270-247-1796. Staff can assist with filing procedures, fee schedules, and record searches but cannot give legal advice. To reach Judge Kevin D. Bishop of the Circuit Court, use 270-247-8726 for official correspondence. Fax documents to 270-247-7358. The County Clerk, Kim Gills, oversees land and election records and can be reached at 270-247-1697. All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21, Mayfield, KY 42066. Email contacts are available on the official county website.
What payment methods are accepted?
The Graves County Clerk’s Office accepts only cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders for all fees. Personal checks—especially those issued outside Kentucky—are not accepted. This policy ensures secure and traceable payments. Filing fees vary: $2 per page for single documents, $25 for bulk copies, and additional charges for certified seals. Always confirm the exact amount before submitting your payment. If mailing a request, include a prepaid return envelope and payment in the same package. For questions about fees, call 270-247-1733 during business hours.
Where is the courthouse located?
The temporary Graves County Courthouse is at 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21, Mayfield, KY 42066. This location houses the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and handles most civil, criminal, and family law matters. Additional services are available at 100 East Broadway (primary filing office) and 101 East South Street (probate and land records). All sites operate from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Parking is available on-site. For directions, use GPS or visit the Kentucky Court of Justice website. The historic courthouse was damaged in the 2021 tornado, but all operations continue uninterrupted at the temporary facility.
Official Website: https://kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Pages/Graves.aspx
Phone: 270-247-1733
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21, Mayfield, KY 42066