Richmond Madison County Public Records
Madison County, with a population of 95,769 residents, serves as a key administrative and educational center in central Kentucky. Home to Eastern Kentucky University, the county maintains comprehensive public records through its elected officials and court systems. Residents and researchers can access court documents, property records, marriage licenses, and vital records through various county offices. Many records are available online, while others require in-person visits to the Richmond courthouse or county clerk's office.
Madison County Circuit Court Clerk Public Records
The Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains all court records for the 25th Judicial Circuit. David M. Fernandez serves as the elected Circuit Court Clerk. The office handles records for Circuit Civil, Circuit Criminal, Family Court, and District Court cases. As a constitutional officer, the clerk ensures public access to court documents while maintaining the integrity of the judicial record-keeping system.
The main courthouse is located at 135 W. Irvine Street in Richmond, Kentucky. The Circuit Court Clerk's office can be reached at 859-624-4713 during regular business hours. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though it's recommended to call ahead for specific department hours and services.
CourtNet 2.0 provides online access to search Madison County court cases statewide from the Kentucky Court of Justice.
The Family Court division operates from 119 N. 1st Street in Richmond. This court handles domestic relations matters including divorce, child custody, and adoption cases. The District Court division is located at 351 W. Main Street and processes misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims, and evictions. Both locations maintain public records that can be accessed during business hours.
For online case searches, visit CourtNet 2.0 through the Kentucky Court of Justice website. This system allows name-based and case number searches for active and closed cases across all Kentucky counties.
Madison County Clerk Land Records and Documents
The Madison County Clerk's Office maintains land records, marriage licenses, business filings, and other official documents. As the county's chief record-keeper, the clerk ensures permanent preservation of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property. These records date back to the county's formation in 1785 and provide valuable historical documentation for researchers and property owners.
The County Clerk's office is located in the Madison County Courthouse at 135 W. Irvine Street, Richmond, KY 40475. The office provides public access to land records through both physical records and online search systems. Many current documents can be searched and viewed through the Kentucky County Clerks Association website at kentuckycountyclerks.com.
The Kentucky County Clerks Association provides online access to land records and other official documents from Madison County.
Marriage licenses issued in Madison County are available through the County Clerk's office. The office issues new licenses and maintains historical marriage records. For certified copies of birth and death certificates, contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics at chfs.ky.gov or visit the Madison County Health Department for local assistance.
Madison County Property Valuation Administrator
The Madison County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) maintains property assessment records and ownership information. The PVA office determines fair cash values for all real property in the county for tax purposes. Property owners can access assessment records, tax information, and property characteristics through the PVA office or online search tools.
The PVA office is located at 135 W. Irvine Street, Suite 104, Richmond, KY 40475. Property records can typically be searched online through the Madison County PVA website, allowing residents to view assessment values, property descriptions, and ownership history. This information helps property owners verify their assessments and understand their tax obligations.
For property tax questions and assessment appeals, contact the PVA office directly. The office can provide guidance on the assessment process, exemption qualifications, and the appeals timeline. Kentucky law requires properties to be assessed at 100% of fair cash value as of January 1 each year.
Richmond Kentucky Public Records
The City of Richmond maintains municipal records separate from county records. As the county seat and largest city in Madison County with over 35,000 residents, Richmond's city government generates records related to planning and zoning, building permits, business licenses, and city ordinances. These records are maintained by various city departments and are available through open records requests.
The Richmond City Hall is located at 239 W. Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475. The city's administrative offices handle public records requests in accordance with the Kentucky Open Records Act. Residents can submit requests for city council minutes, budget documents, police reports, and other municipal records by contacting the appropriate department.
For public safety records, the Richmond Police Department maintains incident reports and accident reports. Contact the Records Division at police headquarters for information about obtaining copies of police reports. The Richmond Fire Department also maintains records related to fire inspections and emergency responses.
Kentucky State Public Records Resources for Madison County
Several state agencies maintain public records that include Madison County documents. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides statewide court case access through CourtNet 2.0 at kcoj.kycourts.net. This system allows users to search civil and criminal cases from all 120 Kentucky counties.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) preserves historical records from Madison County dating back to the late 1700s. Researchers can access census records, military documents, old court files, and land grants at the KDLA Research Room in Frankfort. Visit kdla.ky.gov for information about available collections and research services.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives preserves historical public records including Madison County documents from the 1700s.
The Office of Vital Statistics maintains birth and death certificates from 1911 to present, marriage certificates from 1958 to present, and divorce certificates from 1958 to present. Order certified copies online through chfs.ky.gov, by mail, or in person at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY.
Accessing Madison County Public Records
Requesting public records in Madison County follows the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This law grants Kentucky residents the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records. To request records, submit a written request to the appropriate custodian. Include your name, address, and a statement confirming Kentucky residency. Describe the records you want with reasonable specificity.
Agencies must respond within five business days of receiving a request. They may grant the request, deny it with an explanation, or request additional time. Copy fees are generally $0.10 per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first three pages plus $0.50 for each additional page. Some agencies may waive fees for small requests.
If a request is denied, you may appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General's office. The Attorney General will review the denial and issue a binding decision. This process helps ensure transparency and compliance with Kentucky's open records laws.
For records between 15 and 35 years old, contact the State Records Center at state.records@ky.gov or 502-564-3617. Records older than 35 years are transferred to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives for permanent preservation.