Adair County, KY Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Circuit Court and District Court of Adair County serve as the county's trial courts, handling felonies, misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil and small claims disputes, family matters, and juvenile cases for Judicial Circuit 29.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Adair County Circuit Court and District Court (Judicial Circuit 29) |
| Main Address | Adair County Judicial Center, 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY 42728 |
| Main Phone | 270-384-2626 |
| Circuit Court Clerk | Dennis Loy |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Columbia) |
| Handles | Circuit Court: felonies, civil cases above the District Court limit, appeals from District Court, and family matters (Family Court divisions exist in some judicial circuits). District Court: misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, probate, juvenile matters, and preliminary felony hearings. |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Kentucky) and parking tickets (the issuing agency). |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626, or Request Court Records (statewide page) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets | Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office, and online with ePay. |
How to Search Adair County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Adair County cases are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Columbia.
Online
Go to kycourts.gov for the Kentucky Court of Justice county information page.
Call the Circuit Court Clerk to ask whether an online case search is available.
Confirm any fees with the clerk before you request records.
Best for: Finding the clerk's contact details
In Person
Go to 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY 42728.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 270-384-2626 to reach the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Have the case number, party names, and approximate dates ready.
Ask the clerk how to request documents that are not online.
Best for: Confirming what the clerk needs
Search by Name on KentuckyCourts.org
Go to KentuckyCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Adair County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Adair County courts handled an estimated 2,893 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,830. The estimate scales Kentucky statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,893
Total filings in CY 2024
~2,830
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~2,893
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,893 | ~2,935 | ~-1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,830 | ~2,893 | ~-2.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,677 | ~1,719 | ~-2.4% |
| Civil Filings | ~545 | ~545 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~273 | ~273 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~126 | ~126 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~38 | ~38 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~75 | ~75 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Adair County's 0.42% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Adair County?
Estimated total filings in Adair County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~2,893 | ~2,830 | ~-1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~2,935 | ~2,893 | ~+2.9% |
| CY 2022 | ~2,851 | ~2,809 | ~+4.6% |
| CY 2021 | ~2,725 | ~2,642 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2020 | ~2,684 | ~2,558 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +7.8% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 2,684 to 2,893. The largest annual change was +4.6% in CY 2022. The latest change of -1.4% reflects statewide Kentucky trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Adair County's 0.42% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Adair County?
The Circuit Court and District Court of Adair County hear the case types listed below. County filing counts by case type are not available here.
| Case Type | Court | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | Circuit Court | District Court holds preliminary felony hearings |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | Nontraffic criminal matters |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic citations |
| Civil cases | Circuit Court or District Court | Assigned by the amount in controversy |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims matters |
| Family matters | Circuit Court | Family Court divisions exist in some judicial circuits |
| Probate | District Court | Estates and guardianships |
| Juvenile matters | District Court | Juvenile cases |
| Appeals | Circuit Court, then the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Kentucky | Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court |
How Does Adair County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
Adair County is estimated to account for about 0.42% of the 690,000 cases filed in Kentucky courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Adair County | Kentucky | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,893 | 690,000 | ~0.42% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.4% | -1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,893 | 2,875 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,830 | 2,812 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~58.0% | 58.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~18.8% | 18.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~9.4% | 9.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Kentucky figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Adair County's 0.42% share of the state population.
Adair County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kentucky statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Adair County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 7.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 100% of Kentucky's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
9,959
Violent crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025
59,098
Property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
216.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (population 4,606,864)
-7.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (69,057 vs 74,690)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 192 | 4.2 | 291 | -34.0% |
| Rape | 1,650 | 35.8 | 1,765 | -6.5% |
| Robbery | 1,369 | 29.7 | 1,657 | -17.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 6,748 | 146.5 | 6,697 | +0.8% |
| Violent crimes total | 9,959 | 216.2 | 10,410 | -4.3% |
| Burglary | 7,813 | 169.6 | 9,188 | -15.0% |
| Larceny-theft | 42,056 | 912.9 | 43,970 | -4.4% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8,893 | 193.0 | 10,698 | -16.9% |
| Property crimes total | 59,098 | 1282.8 | 64,280 | -8.1% |
Rates use the Kentucky 2025 population of 4,606,864. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Adair County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Adair County Courthouse Locations
Adair County has 1 Circuit Court Clerk location, the courthouse in Columbia. Check your notice or ticket for the division or courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adair County Judicial Center (Columbia) | 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY 42728 | 270-384-2626 | Circuit Court Clerk |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Adair County?
Most matters in Adair County go to either the Circuit Court or the District Court, and the Circuit Court Clerk's Office keeps the records for both.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court; contact the clerk at 270-384-2626 with questions. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor criminal matters. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court hears felonies after District Court preliminary hearings. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge on your paperwork determines which court hears the case. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route; ask the clerk about related protective orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | The amount in controversy decides which court hears the claim. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims cases are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction (landlord-tenant) cases are heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court | Family matters go to Circuit Court, or to a Family Court division where one exists. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court | Family matters go to Circuit Court, or to a Family Court division where one exists. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are heard in District Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court, then the Court of Appeals | Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court; federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Kentucky. |
Are Adair County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Adair County court records are public, with exceptions set by Kentucky court rules and state law. Juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit Court and District Court, including dockets, filings, and orders, are open for inspection unless a rule, statute, or court order makes them confidential.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile records, adoption, mental health, protective-order-restricted, sealed, and expunged records are not publicly available. The clerk can explain which restrictions apply to a specific case.
Online access
No county online case search is listed for Adair County here. Statewide court information is available at kycourts.gov, and the clerk's office can confirm what is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk at Adair County Judicial Center, 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY 42728, or call 270-384-2626 to confirm which division holds your case.
Fees
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk about any fees for copies before you request records.
How to Search Adair County Court Records Online
No county online case search is listed for Adair County in the sources used here, so the Circuit Court Clerk is the main contact for case information.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 to ask whether an online case search is available.
- Ask the clerk to search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details the clerk provides, including status and scheduled dates.
- Request documents that are not online by visiting the clerk at 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, or by calling 270-384-2626.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Heard in District Court; ask the clerk |
| Juvenile | Circuit Court Clerk, 270-384-2626 | Case information from the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are closed |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Adair County
Traffic citations and criminal fines in Adair County are paid through the court, and parking tickets are handled by the issuing agency.
- In person: Pay with cash, check, or money order at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY 42728.
- Online: Pay with ePay. No payment link is listed here, so call the clerk at 270-384-2626 to confirm how to pay online.
- Questions about payment: Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Adair County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Adair County court records?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 or visit the office at 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia. Statewide court information is at kycourts.gov.
Are Adair County court records public?
Most court records are public under Kentucky court rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case in Adair County?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 with the defendant's full name and approximate dates to ask how to locate the case.
How do I find a court date in Adair County?
Check your ticket, citation, or notice first, then call the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Adair County?
Pay in person with cash, check, or money order at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, or online with ePay. Call 270-384-2626 to confirm how to pay before your court date.
How many cases are filed in Adair County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so ask the Circuit Court Clerk at 270-384-2626 for case volume figures.
What is the most common type of case in Adair County?
County case counts by type are not available here, so this page cannot say which case type is most common.
Is crime in Kentucky rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 4.3% to 9,959 in 2025 from 10,410 in 2024, and property crimes fell 8.1% to 59,098 from 64,280, as reported to the FBI. These are Kentucky statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Adair County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101, Columbia, KY, 42728 |
| Phone Number: | 270-384-2626 |
| Fax: | 270-384-4299 |
| Website: | https://kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Pages/Adair.aspx |
Useful Links
- Kentucky Court of Justice - Home - Kentucky Court of Justice: Provides resources and information about the Kentucky court system, including locations and public records access.
- Adair County - Kentucky Court of Justice: Information about court locations, contact details, and services specific to Adair County, Kentucky.
- Court Records - Kentucky Court of Justice: Access to public court records, dockets, and case information throughout Kentucky, including Adair County.
- Online Services - Kentucky Court of Justice: Offers online services such as e-filing, case search, and payment of fines or fees in Kentucky.
- Adair County Fiscal Court - Adair County, Kentucky: Covers county government services available in Adair County including local governance and services.
- Trial Court Services - Kentucky Court of Justice: Comprehensive guide to the trial court services offered by the Kentucky Court of Justice.
- Kentucky Bar Association - Home: Information and resources for legal professionals and the public in Kentucky, including legal aid and attorney referrals.
- About Court Records and Filing - Missouri Courts: Offers insightful information regarding court records and filing procedures, relevant to general understanding of similar systems like Kentucky.
- Supreme Court of Kentucky - Kentucky Court of Justice: Provides information on the highest court in Kentucky and its roles, decisions, and proceedings.
- Public - Court Papers - NJ Courts: A valuable guide for understanding court paperwork processes, helpful for similar state systems like Kentucky.
- Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts - Home: Central resource for Kentucky court administration, policies, guidelines, and data management services.
- Adair County Schools: Educational resources and information from the local school district which can sometimes tie into legal matters involving minors.
- Government Documents - Palm Beach County Library System: Source for understanding how to use government documents, applicable in accessing court records.
- Legislative Record - Kentucky Legislature: Offers legislative records that might impact local court rules and judicial procedures in Kentucky.
- Records and Research - Alaska Court System: Provides techniques for accessing and understanding court records, comparable research practices for other state systems.
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce: Although location-specific, valuable for business-related court proceedings and information exchange.
- Court Reporting Schools and Careers in Kentucky: Overview of educational paths and career opportunities in court reporting within Kentucky.
- Getting Your Case Information - Harris County District Clerk: Guide that parallels accessing case information in courts outside Kentucky's jurisdiction.
- Court Records - Federal Judicial Center: Historical perspective and use of federal court records, useful for understanding the broader context of judicial records.
- Legal Research Guides online guide - Library of Congress: Extensive guide on conducting legal research efficiently, relevant for accessing state and federal court records.
Table of Contents
- Adair County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Adair County Court Records
- Adair County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Adair County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Adair County?
- How Does Adair County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
- Adair County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Adair County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Adair County?
- Are Adair County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Adair County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Adair County
- Adair County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links