Court records in Christian County, Kentucky can be searched through several channels. ChristianCourt.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 website, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Hopkinsville, and public terminals available at the Christian County Justice Center.
Christian County Court System & Jurisdictions
Christian County is part of Kentucky's 3rd Judicial Circuit, and court proceedings take place at the Christian County Justice Center in Hopkinsville. Two primary trial courts operate in the county:
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Kentucky. In Christian County, it handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil disputes over $5,000
- Real property disputes
- Contested probate and estate matters
- Appeals from District Court
Christian County also has a Family Court division within Circuit Court. Family Court takes primary jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile dependency cases.
District Court
District Court is the court of limited jurisdiction and handles:
- Misdemeanor and violation-level criminal offenses
- Traffic offenses
- City and county ordinance violations
- Civil cases involving $5,000 or less
- Small claims (disputes up to $2,500)
- Juvenile status offenses
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
Small claims cases are heard within District Court. There is no separate magistrate court in Kentucky's unified court system — the functions historically associated with magistrate courts are handled by District Court.
Both courts are housed at the same location:
Christian County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Christian County, use the Kentucky Court of Justice's online tools:
- Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
- Use the "Find a Court Date" feature from the main navigation.
- Select Christian County and the relevant court division (Circuit, District, or Family).
- Search by party name or case number to locate scheduled hearings.
You can also check the Christian County court information page for contact details to call the clerk's office directly and ask about upcoming docket calls. Court calendars may also be posted at public terminals inside the Justice Center lobby.
Keep in mind that schedules change frequently due to continuances, plea agreements, and judicial reassignments. Confirm any hearing date by contacting the clerk's office before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Christian County Court Document
The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Christian County is the custodian of records for both Circuit and District Court cases. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Justice Center during business hours. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up the case and provide copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
Kentucky's CourtNet 2.0 system provides electronic access to case information for subscribers. The Kentucky Court of Justice website offers details on how to register. Some basic case data may also be available through the court's public access terminals.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference and general information.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in other courts.
For older court records or legal documents such as deeds, wills, and mortgages, the Christian County Legal Records Division maintains documents dating back to 1797 and can be reached at (270) 887-4109.
Other Record Types
- Marriage and divorce certificates: The Christian County Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. Statewide divorce and marriage certificates are available through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
- Criminal background checks: The Kentucky State Police processes adult criminal history checks for a $20 fee.
- Incarcerated offender information: Use the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system to search for individuals held in state facilities or the Christian County Jail.
Christian County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Kentucky are set by statute (KRS 64.012). The following schedule reflects standard fees charged by the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Contact the clerk to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Certificate and seal | $5.00 |
| Fax fee (per page, if available) | $1.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some clerk's offices also accept credit or debit cards — call ahead to verify.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Christian County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Online fines and fees: The Kentucky Court of Justice website offers an online payment option for court fines and fees through its "Pay Fine/Fee" portal.
Fees may vary for specialized searches or bulk requests. If you need records from multiple cases or require expedited processing, contact the clerk's office in advance to discuss costs and turnaround times.