Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk — Justice Center, Covington
Address
Kenton County Justice Center230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
Covington, KY 41011
Circuit Court Clerk: John C. Middleton
Office Hours
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Payment cutoff: 3:30 pm. Phone bond/payment cutoff: 3:30 pm.
Filing Fee
$153
This is the most consistently reported figure for Kenton County. Call to confirm before your visit — fees adjust annually. Fee waiver available via AOC-026.
Payment Options
- Cash
- Local check
- Money order
- Credit / debit card (fee applies)
- Online payments / retail locations (select fees)
⭐ Kenton County Local Notes & Edge Cases
- Family Court, not just Circuit Court: Kenton County has a dedicated Family Court — two judges (Judge Acena J. Beck and Judge Tom Rauf). Family Court handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, paternity, and domestic violence. Your case is filed with the Circuit Clerk but heard in Family Court. Family court cases are confidential — staff cannot confirm any information in a confidential case without you appearing in person with photo ID.
- Self-Help Center (Wednesdays 11am–2pm): 2nd floor, Justice Center. Volunteer attorneys can review your forms. This service is free — not available in most NKY counties.
- Domestic Violence cases: If you have a domestic violence situation, the Kenton County Family Court processes emergency protection petitions. The ION Center (835 Madison Ave, Covington) is a 24-hour resource: (859) 491-3335.
- Cannot provide legal advice by phone: The clerk's office will not advise you on your legal situation. For civil legal help: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass (859) 431-8200. For criminal: Public Defender (1-833-385-6054). NKY Bar Referral: (859) 781-1525.
- Driver's licenses no longer issued here: As of July 1, 2022, all driver's license services moved to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Do not go to the Justice Center for a license.
Step-by-Step: Filing in Kenton County
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01
Optional: Visit the Self-Help Center First
If you're unsure about any part of the process, go to the 2nd floor Law Library on a Wednesday between 11 am and 2 pm. Volunteer attorneys will review your forms for free. This is especially valuable if you have minor children, shared property, or any complexity in your situation. Come with your completed (or partially completed) AOC-252 packet.
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02
Complete the AOC-252 Packet
Download all forms free from courts.ky.gov/forms. Print and complete two copies of each form. For a dissolution without minor children: AOC-252, AOC-252.1 (if spouse waives service), AOC-252.4, AOC-252.5, AOC-252.6, AOC-252.8, AOC-238, and VS-300.
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03
File at the 3rd Floor, Justice Center
Go to 230 Madison Avenue, Covington — 3rd Floor. Arrive before 3:30 pm. File your completed packet with the Circuit Clerk, pay $153, and receive your case-number-stamped copies. You're now formally filed.
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04
Serve Your Spouse
Serve within 45 days. Options: signed AOC-252.1 waiver (free), clerk-handled certified mail (~$12), Kenton County Sheriff service, or private process server. Proof of service must be filed with the clerk.
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05
File Financial Disclosures (AOC-238)
Both parties must file AOC-238 within 45 days of service. This is a mandatory financial disclosure even in uncontested divorces.
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06
Wait the 60-Day Mandatory Period
60 days from your filing date must pass before the court can grant a final decree. This is mandatory under KRS 403.170.
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07
Submit the Final Decree
File AOC-252.8 and AOC-252.6 with the clerk after 60 days. The clerk submits to the judge. No court appearance required for simple uncontested cases. Expect the signed decree by mail within 1–4 weeks.
Kenton County Divorce — FAQ
What is the Self-Help Center and do I need to make an appointment?
The Legal Self-Help Center in the Kenton County Justice Center Law Library (2nd floor, 230 Madison Ave) is staffed by volunteer attorneys every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm. No appointment is needed — walk in. They can review your forms and answer procedural questions but cannot represent you or give case-specific legal advice. It's genuinely useful for catching errors before you file.
My case involves domestic violence. Where do I go?
The Kenton County Family Court handles emergency protection orders. The ION Center at 835 Madison Ave, Covington, is open Monday–Friday 8 am–8 pm, walk-in, no appointment needed. Their 24-hour hotline (call or text): (859) 491-3335. Domestic violence situations should be addressed before or alongside your divorce filing — the court treats them as related matters.
Is Kenton County's $153 filing fee the highest in NKY?
It's toward the upper end among NKY counties. Kentucky filing fees range from $113 to $250 statewide; Kenton's $153 is within the typical mid-range for more populous counties. Call 859-292-6314 before visiting to confirm the current fee, as amounts can adjust annually per local court rules.
I'm in Independence or Erlanger — do I file in Covington?
Yes. All of Kenton County (including Independence, Erlanger, Edgewood, Fort Wright, Crescent Springs, Villa Hills, and all incorporated areas) files at the Kenton County Justice Center in Covington, 3rd Floor, 230 Madison Avenue. There is no branch clerk office for divorce filings.
Can the clerk's office tell me which forms I need over the phone?
The clerk's office can confirm procedural steps and which forms are required, but cannot give legal advice. For specific guidance on which forms apply to your situation (especially if children or significant assets are involved), visit the Wednesday Self-Help Center or contact Legal Aid of the Bluegrass at (859) 431-8200.