District Civil Divisions
District Civil / Small Claims
The District Civil Division processes:
- complaints for damages up to $5000
- forcible entry/detainer (eviction) petitions
- post-judgment remedies such as garnishments and executions
- infant settlements under $25,000
- administrative board appeals
- student hardship driver’s license cases
The Small Claims Division handles the intake and processing of small claims for complaints not exceeding $2,500. You can obtain an information packet on how to file a small claims case from the Small Claims Division during normal business hours.
Probate
The Probate Division processes pleadings and judicial orders that validate wills, appoint executors or administrators, and settle estates. This division also handles estate cases, guardianship for individuals under age 17, trusts, curatorships, small claims, name changes for adults and children, and corrections to death certificates. Petitions to dispense, birth certificate corrections should be filed in Circuit Court. For Circuit Court court information, call (502) 595-3007.
Juvenile
Please be advised that due to the statutorily confidential nature of this division, photos or recordings are prohibited.
Information about these cases can only be given in person to the child, parent, victim or individuals who are authorized by a court order. A photo ID is required. Thank you for your cooperation.
This department handles the following case types in Juvenile Court:
- Juvenile delinquency cases (community crimes)
- Juvenile Mental Health Petitions
- Juvenile restitution: This department processes all restitution issued out of Juvenile Court as well as public defender fees. Payments should be made payable to “David L. Nicholson, Circuit Court Clerk.”
Mental Health
Please be advised that due to the statutorily confidential nature of this division, photos or recordings are prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Mental Health Division works with individuals petitioning the court for:
- Emergency or permanent guardianship of an individual who can no longer manage his or her personal care or finances.
- Involuntary commitment/treatment of an adult.
- Involuntary admission for mental health treatment.
The division handles the intake of petitions for involuntary commitment/treatment (issuance of mental health petitions), new disability petitions, modification/termination of guardianship and restoration of rights. The division also processes motions/pleadings, annual financial reports and judicial orders.
Eviction
Jefferson County Eviction Court dockets are held in person and online. For online hearing information, visit Jefferson District Court.
Any questions may be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk’s District Civil Office at 502-595-4475.
Donate Life Kentucky Trust
Donate Life Kentucky Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of the impacted by donation and transplant. Founded in 1992, by the Circuit Court Clerks of Kentucky, Donate Life Kentucky Trust (Trust) focuses on public education and donor registration efforts to save and heal lives. The Trust also provides critical financial support to transplant patients and donor families by providing access to travel, lodging, medication, mental healthcare, and funeral expenses.
