Kentucky Court Case Search: Find Your Debt Lawsuit Fast
Kentucky provides free public access to court records through KYeCourts. You can search for your debt lawsuit by party name, case number, or business name. If you're being sued for debt in Kentucky, you have 20 days to file an Answer or lose by default.
Respond to Your LawsuitKentucky gives you the right to access court records. The state’s 4.5 million residents can search for civil cases online.
You can find most Kentucky court cases by calling the court clerk. Public access to court records is also available through the Kentucky courts’ website.
Kentucky Debt Lawsuit? Respond in 20 Days or Lose
You have only 20 days to file your Answer in Kentucky. Don't lose by default. Get step-by-step help drafting your response to the court and settling with collectors.
Draft Your Answer NowCan You Access Kentucky Civil Court Records?
The Kentucky Open Records Act guarantees public access to government records. Court documents are public records. You can request access to them.
Some records remain confidential. Juvenile records, medical files, and sealed cases require special authorization. Judges can order certain records sealed from public view.
Kentucky Civil Court Structure Explained
Understanding court jurisdiction helps you find your case faster. Kentucky’s judicial system has four levels:
- Kentucky Supreme Court
- Kentucky Court of Appeals
- Kentucky Circuit Courts (57 circuits)
- Kentucky District Courts (60 judicial districts)
The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals handle appeals. Most civil cases don’t start there.
Your case likely started in Circuit or District Court. Circuit Courts handle civil cases involving $5,000 or more. District Courts handle cases under $5,000.
How to Search Kentucky Court Records Online
KYeCourts is Kentucky’s statewide court case search tool. You can search for court records several different ways.
Search by Party Name
Use this method when looking for a specific person. You can search using your first and last name.
Additional identifiers improve search accuracy. Birth date, social security number, or driver’s license number help narrow results. More details mean better matches.
You must provide one of these combinations:
- Last name, first name, and date of birth
- Last name and first name
- Driver’s license number
- Social security number (limited access)
- Event range and county
Search by Case Number
You need the case number and county of origin. Both pieces of information are required. Case search doesn’t allow statewide searches.
Search by Citation
You need the citation year and control number. The citation type is also required. Click view example citation to see where information appears.
Search by Business Name
Enter the company name and county. Business name searches use “starts with” logic. Typing “Bank” returns Bank of Lexington, Bank of America, and similar names.
What If You Can’t Find Your Case Online?
Visit the courthouse if online searches fail. A court clerk can help you locate your case.
The Kentucky Courts of Justice website lists court addresses. You can request records from the Clerk of the Supreme Court’s office.
The Court Clerk responds to record requests. They instruct you on completing necessary paperwork. Visit the Office of Circuit Court Clerk’s website to find contact information.
Kentucky Electronic Filing Requirements
The Judicial Branch launched statewide e-Filing in 2015. Attorneys must file foreclosure and credit card debt collection cases electronically.
The Kentucky Supreme Court issued Administrative Order 2022-22. Electronic filing became mandatory for these case types starting July 1.
How to Respond to a Kentucky Debt Lawsuit
Responding is your first step to winning. You must file a written Answer with the court. You also need to serve a copy to whoever is suing you.
Kentucky gives you 20 days to respond. Missing this deadline means you lose by default.
Our partner Solo helps you draft an Answer in 15 minutes. The service guides you through every necessary question.
What to Include in Your Answer
Your Answer must address each claim in the lawsuit. Admit facts that are true. Deny claims that are false or you don’t know.
Include affirmative defenses if they apply. Common defenses include statute of limitations and lack of documentation.
Filing and Serving Your Answer
File your Answer with the court before the deadline. Keep a copy for your records.
Serve the plaintiff or their attorney with your Answer. Proper service is required. Use certified mail or a process server.
After You File Your Answer
The debt collector must respond to your Answer. They may request documentation or schedule a hearing.
Many debt lawsuits settle before trial. You can negotiate a settlement after filing your Answer. Our partner Solo can help you negotiate with collectors.
Prepare for court if settlement fails. Organize your documentation. Review Kentucky debt collection laws.