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1. Do I need to make an appointment to get a marriage license?

No. You can apply anytime during office hours, which are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday (except holiday weekends when we will close at 4:30 p.m.) from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.

2. Do I need to make an appointment to have a marriage ceremony performed?

Our office does not perform the ceremony. If you want the County Judge to perform your ceremony you should make an appointment with their office. Please call 270-826-3971.

3. Who may solemnize a marriage?

Ministers or priests in regular communion with any religious society may solemnize a marriage, such as judges, county judges, magistrates.

4. Do ministers need to be bonded?

No, they do not. The law that required that was repealed in 1994.

5. If we are getting married in another state, where do we get the license?

The license must be purchased in the state where the ceremony will be performed. A license issued in Kentucky must be used in Kentucky.

6. If we were married out of the country, do we need to register in your office?

No, the country you were married in should send you its official certificate. The county Clerk's office only records licenses that it issues.

7. How do I change my last name after I get married?

You will take the certified copy we mail you to the Social Security Office such as the one at:
Building 3
2000 N Elm Street
Henderson, KY 42420

8. Do I have to change my name?

No, but you still need to inform the Social Security Office of your marital status. Call our local office at 800-772-1213.

9. Where do I obtain copies of divorce records?

You obtain these at the Henderson Circuit Clerk's Office in the Judicial Center, located at:
 5 N Main Street
Henderson, KY 42420

10. Do I need to bring proof of my divorce?

No, you need to bring a valid government-issued ID.

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1. Do I have to go to court?

If the individual signs an Agreement prior to his or her initial court date, they will not be required to attend court. The individual’s court date will be continued to allow the individual time to complete the program. If the individual is compliant with all requirements of the Henderson CATS Program, he or she is not required to appear in court on the date listed in Section 6 of the Agreement.

If at any time the individual becomes non-compliant, they may contact our office at 270-827-5753 to determine whether they must appear in court on the court date listed in Section 6 of the CATS Agreement.

2. What if I miss my court date?

If you miss a court date that you were required to attend, the Judge may issue a Failure to Appear and/or a Bench Warrant for your arrest. Failure to appear in court is punishable by jail time and/or a fine. A bench warrant will inform law enforcement officers to arrest you, if located, and to transport you to Henderson County Detention Center.

3. I have a failure to appear for missing court, what should I do?

Please contact our office at 270-827-6008. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to assist you in resolving this issue. However, there are situations in which we may not be able to assist you. Please be advised that if the Judge issues a failure to appear, it initiates action by the Transportation Cabinet to suspend your driver’s license if you do not resolve the issue in a timely fashion.

4. I have a Bench Warrant for my arrest because I missed court, what should I do?

If the Judge issued a bench warrant, you will be required to turn yourself into the Henderson County Detention Center. It may be wise to find out your bond amount so that you may take that amount with you and immediately bond out. If not, you may be required to remain in the Henderson County Detention Center until the next available court date or later.

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1. I missed one or more deadlines, what should I do?

You may contact our office at 270-827-5753 to determine whether you need to appear in court on the date listed in Section 6 of the CATS Agreement.

2. What if I don’t have the program fee by the deadline?

You may request an extension from the County Attorney’s Office. However, whether an extension is granted is in their discretion. You may email the County Attorney’s Office to request an extension to pay the program fee by the deadline.

3. What if I didn’t complete my volunteer service?

You need to appear in court on the court date listed in Section 6 of the Agreement that you signed.

4. What happens if I get another citation within six (6) months?

Since this is program is designed to promote safety and receiving a subsequent ticket is contrary to safe driving, you will:

1. Be expelled from the CATS Program
2. Forfeit your fee
3. Required to appear in court on the date listed in Section 6 of the CATS Agreement and handle both tickets without the CATS Program as an option

5. What happens if I have no further citations for the Six (6) Month Period?

Assuming you are compliant with all other requirements (i.e. fee, course and volunteer hours), the CATS Program will recommend to the Judge that the charge(s) be dismissed, no points go on your license, and nothing is reflected on your MVR so your insurance rate will not go up.

6. I got a seatbelt ticket after signing up, does this expel me from the program?

No. A seat belt ticket will not expel you from our program. If you receive a subsequent ticket within the six (6) month timeframe, you may contact our office to determine whether that subsequent citation received in Kentucky will result in your expulsion from the CATS Program.

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1. How do I sign up?

You can sign up by:

1. Apply online by filling out the online Application / Entry Questionnaire (email address is required)
2. Visit the Henderson County Attorney’s Office at:
   20 N Main Street
   Suite 201
   Henderson, Kentucky 42420
3. Appear in Henderson District Court on your original court date and speak to the prosecutor about enrolling in the CATS Program

2. How much is the program?

The cost of the program depends on whether you wish to enroll in the Live Course or the Online Course. The pricing for each Program is:

• Live Course - $125 (effective for violations on or after May 1, 2015). For violations prior to May 1, 2015, the fee is $100.
• Online Course - $150

3. What is the difference between the Live Course and the Online Course?

The Live course requires you to attend a one (1) hour traffic safety course including the driving simulator and impaired vision goggles. The program fee for the Live program is $125 (for violations on or after May 1, 2015). The Online program allows you to complete the traffic safety course online without the need of returning to Henderson, Kentucky. The program fee for the Online program is $150. All other requirements necessary to successfully complete our program are the same for the Live and Online program.

Sign up today.

4. Is the program fee in addition to the prepayable amount on my citation?

If you successfully complete the CATS Program, you will not be required to pay any other amounts (including fine or court costs) unless you have additional charges on your citation (i.e. no seat belt, failure to appear, etc.).

5. What I have pre-paid the ticket, can I get a refund and enter this Program?

Once the ticket has been pre-paid, you have pled guilty and the case is now closed. If you would still like to enroll, you may ask the court to reopen your case and withdraw your guilty plea; however, the court will not refund your pre-paid amount.

6. What if I decide, after I have signed up for the Program, that I just want to pay my ticket?

Please contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the Henderson County Judicial Center at 270-826-3906 to pre-pay your ticket. Please be advised that if you have already submitted the program fee for the CATS Program, that fee will not be returned to you and that fee will be forfeited.

7. What if I am under eighteen (18) years old?

For individuals under eighteen (18) who have never received a ticket, there is a one-time youth offender program that may be the most beneficial option for you. Please appear in court on the date listed in your citation to speak with the prosecutors about this program. Please be advised that your parent or legal custodian must be present with you.

8. What if I live out of town?

An online course is available in lieu of the live traffic safety course and driving simulator lessons for a total cost of $150.

The online course is approximately 30 minutes long and includes several quizzes. The participant must pass the final test in order to successfully complete the program.

This program prevents the traffic offender from traveling back to Henderson, Kentucky for the traffic safety course.

9. What if I work nights?

We offer a daytime class once every few months at 10 a.m. for those individuals who work second or third shift. Please visit the "Forms/Resources" page to view our most recent class schedule. Alternatively, an online program is offered in which you can access and complete the traffic safety course at your convenience.

10. When did this program start?

This program started January 1, 2012.

11. Do you do improper equipment for speeding or other eligible traffic citations?

No. Our office has determined that amending charges to improper equipment does not improve driving safety nor does it improve the safety of our streets. In fact, amending to improper equipment was more expensive than the CATS Program as it required you to pay court costs and possibly a fine.

12. I got a ticket in Webster County (or any other surrounding county), do they offer this program?

It varies by county. Each county may or may not have a traffic safety program and the requirements for each county’s program, if available, may vary significantly. We recommend calling your particular county attorney.

13. I don’t think I deserve this ticket. What should I do?

We cannot give you legal advice on what option you should choose. Please contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights and options. If you want to contest this ticket, you may talk to the Judge and/or the prosecutor about having a trial on this matter.

14. Do I have to enroll?

This is a completely voluntary program. You are not required to enroll and may choose any other option, including a trial, state traffic school, or to simply plead guilty. View a list of options and the benefits of each option.

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1. Do I need to schedule my traffic safety class?

No. The CATS Program posts it scheduled classes and provides that list to you. You may attend any scheduled class on or before the deadline listed in Section 3 of the Agreement. Please see the Forms/Resources page for a list of our upcoming CATS traffic safety courses.

Please be early to your traffic safety course. If you are so late for class that the instructor or supervisor will not allow you to enter the classroom, you will need to attend a subsequent course. You may contact our office at 270-827-6008 to request an extension to attend a traffic safety course. Please be advised if you have not attended a traffic safety course prior to the deadline or received an extension from our office, you must appear in court on the court date listed in Section 5 of the CATS Agreement.

2. Can I request an extension to attend a class after the deadline listed in my CATS Agreement?

Possibly. You may request an extension to attend a class after your deadline. However, it is in the complete discretion of the CATS Program whether to allow an extension of any deadline in the CATS Agreement. Call 270-827-5753 for more information.

3. What if I’m unable to make it to the live course?

An online course is available in lieu of the live traffic safety course and driving simulator lessons for an additional fee (the total cost for the online program is $150). The online course is approximately 30 minutes long and includes several quizzes. The participant must pass the final test in order to successfully complete the program.

4. What is the online course?

The online course includes a video that lasts approximately 30 minutes and several quizzes. The participant must correctly answer fourteen (14) or more questions out of twenty (20) in order to successfully pass the course.

5. What is the driving simulator?

Our driving simulator includes state-of-the-art software and uses exercises in a virtual environment to make individuals better drivers. Using the simulator, they can learn from their mistakes, realize their dangerous driving habits and even have horrific accidents all in a virtual, simulated environment.

With our simulator software, an individual can drive a wide range of vehicles (i.e. compact car, midsize sedan, SUV, delivery truck, etc.) in a variety of environments (i.e. rainy, foggy, night, day, dusk). Additionally, the software can be customized for crash avoidance, risky situations, scored driving, and the basics of driving. To point out the dangers of texting and driving, one or more individuals will get a chance to get in the simulator and attempt to text and drive.

We can combine the technology of our simulator with impaired goggles (i.e. beer goggles or drug goggles) to show the effects certain levels of impairment would have on an individual’s driving ability.

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1. I live out of town, can I volunteer my two hours in my home town?

Yes, the only requirement is that you must volunteer at a non-profit organization or religious organization and you cannot be receiving any compensation or fulfilling another volunteer requirement.

2. Can I do my volunteer service where I work?

Generally, no, but you may contact the County Attorney’s Office at 270-827-5753 about any situation that you feel may require an exception.

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1. Who decides how much child support I receive?

The Kentucky Legislature has established a mathematical formula for setting support called the Uniform Child Support Guidelines. Both parties’ income, medical insurance costs, day care expenses and child support being paid for older children are all factored into the formula to arrive at the amount of support to be paid.

2. Can the amount be changed in the future?

If there is a change in circumstances (i.e. change in one or both parties’ income, an older child being emancipated) that results in a change in the amount of child support of at least 15%, then the amount can be modified. Call 270-827-5753 for more information.

3. If I have more than one child and the oldest becomes emancipated, does the amount of child support automatically go down?

No. If your court order is a per child order, then support will automatically go down; otherwise the parent paying the support must file a motion with the court to have the amount of support reduced and it will be recalculated according to the uniform child support guidelines. The request for modification must, by Federal Regulations, be submitted in writing.

Call 270-827-5753 for more information.

4. The parent who is supposed to be paying child support isn’t paying. What can I do?

The child support office in the county where the support was first ordered can help you enforce the order against the parent who is not paying. Several options are available including holding the paying parent in contempt of court and bringing criminal charges. Some other examples include:

• Denial of a Passport
• Denial or Suspension of a Driver’S or Professional License
• Income Withholding
• Intercept of Lottery Winnings
• Intercept of State or Federal Taxes

Information you have about the paying parent’s address and place of employment can be very helpful. Call 270-827-5753 for more information.

5. Where do I send my payment?

Be sure to include your name and social security number; mail to either address listed.

Mail your payment to:
Division of Child Support
P.O. Box 14059
Lexington, Kentucky 40512-4059
800-443-1576

or

Henderson County Attorney
P. O. Box 1316
Henderson, KY 42419-1316

6. She/he never lets me see the kids, so why do I have to pay child support?

The legal obligation to pay child support is completely separate from the issue of visitation rights. If you are court ordered to pay child support, you must do so regardless of when or if you see the children. If there is a court order giving you visitation and the custodial parent refuses to let you see the children, your recourse is to file a motion with the court asking that he/she be held in contempt of court.

Call 270-827-5753 for more information.

7. Has a payment recently been received for me?

Please call Child Support Voice Response System at 800-443-1576. The toll-free number 800-443-1576 provides automated access to child support payment and account information. This system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You must use your Individual Child Support ID Number provided by the child support agency to access and obtain information from the IVR. In the event your Individual Child Support ID Number is lost or forgotten, please contact your local child support office for assistance.

Payment information may be obtained from our office but due to confidentiality, you must either submit this request in writing or come by the office. Holidays generally delay payments two to three days. Generally, child support payments will be received by you within seven to ten days from the date a payment is made in our office.

8. How do I calculate my Child Support Obligation?

See how to do this mathematical calculation on our Calculate page.

9. How do I request that my child support payment be deposited into my bank account?

A direct deposit form may be obtained from our office at:

20 N Main Street
2nd Floor Office
Henderson, KY 42420

10. How do I obtain a copy of my payment history?

Due to confidentiality, only a custodial parent or non-custodial parent may request a copy of your pay history. This request must be made in writing or you can come by the office and obtain a copy.

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1. What kind of information do I need to establish a child support order?

It is helpful if you can provide information in many forms. Learn about what you need to do from our Establish Support page.

2. Who can request a review for modification of a support order and how is a review of a child support obligation requested?

Learn how to request this and how it is reviewed.

3. When does child support stop?

The obligation to pay child support stops in most cases when the child becomes emancipated. This occurs in most cases when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

4. What is the age of emancipation in Kentucky?

KRS 405.020(1) provides that.”The father shall be primarily liable for the nurture and education of his children who are under the age of eighteen (18) when the child is a full-time high school student, but not beyond completion of the school year during which the child reaches the age of nineteen (19) years.”

5. What if the non-custodial parent lives in another state?

The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) was enacted by the Federal Government in order to provide all child support services available to an individual when either the custodial parent or non-custodial parent lives in a different state. The same services provided when both parties live in the State of Kentucky can be provided when one of the parties lives out of state.

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1. What is guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal tool that grants a parent or other adult legal authority to make decisions for a legally disabled adult. An adult is considered to be legally disabled (a ward) if a court after a jury trial has ruled in a disability hearing that the person cannot take care of her personal needs or manage her finances. At the same time the court declares a person to be disabled, it appoints a guardian or a conservator to help with personal or financial needs in the areas the disabled person can’t manage along.

In deciding this at the disability hearing, the court will look to see if the person can take care of some things on her own. Can she take care of her own money, her nutrition and her physical health and safety? If the person needs help in some areas, but not others, the court may appoint a limited guardian or a conservator. There are also many alternatives to guardianship that might be a better way to help.

2. How is an Emergency Guardianship different than a regular Guardianship?

An Emergency Guardianship is an escalated version of a Guardianship and is only indicated in cases of a life or death situation. The forms for both Guardianship and Emergency Guardianship can be obtained at the County Attorneys office or by visiting the forms page of their website. The County Attorney assists individuals in filling out petitions and presents guardianship cases to the jury for no charge. To discuss Guardianship, call 270-827-5753 to make an appointment with the County Attorney.

3. How do I go about obtaining a guardianship or conservatorship?

Guardianship petitions can be picked up at our office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The location address is:
20 N Main Street
2nd Floor Offices
Henderson, KY 42420

The petition will need to be filed at the Henderson District Clerk’s Office, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The filing fee is $53. They accept cash, checks, or money orders. A member of our staff will be glad to assist you in filling out the papers if you need help (call 270-827-5753 for aid).

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1. What are your office hours?

Our main office on the second floor of the Henderson County Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for child support, delinquent tax collection and prosecution. Our Bad Check Office on the first floor of the Henderson County Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed for lunch from Noon until 1 p.m.

2. Where are you located?

The Bad Check Program is located at the Henderson County Courthouse, bottom floor, at:
20 N Main Street
Henderson, KY 42420

All other offices are located on the second floor in the same building. Please be advised that this is called the “old” courthouse by some people and not the newer Henderson County Judicial Center, which is across Main Street.

3. Can you tell me the status of case or when the next court date is?

Call the Henderson County District Clerk’s Office for this information at 270-826-2405. Find more information on the Clerk’s Office. For docket information, please see the Administrative Office of the Courts’ website.

4. Is this the public defender’s office?

No. The phone number to the Public Defender’S Office is 270-826-1852. For more information, visit the Department of Public Advocacy's office website.

5. How do I get an Emergency Protective Order against someone?

There are Emergency Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Orders, which are filed at the office of the Henderson Circuit Clerk. If after hours or in case of emergency, call 911. Criminal violations of an Emergency Protective Order or Domestic Violence Order that was issued in Henderson County are prosecuted by this office. To report a violation, call 911.

For domestic violence shelters, counseling, and information, contact Owensboro Area Shelter and Information Services (O.A.SI.S) at 800-882-2873

6. Who do I contact if I suspect a child is being neglected or abused?

Call the Child Protection Hot Line: 800-752-6200 (Toll Free). The local Department of Community Based Services, Protection and Permanency Office (child and adult abuse, neglect and dependency, foster care, adoptions, etc.) is located at:
417 S Main Street
Henderson, KY 42420

They can be reached at 270-826-6203.

7. Can your office represent me on my civil case (divorce, custody, visitation, collection, small claim, neighbor dispute, etc.)?

No, although County Attorney Steve Gold meets with the public as a courtesy to provide general information about legal principles, this office cannot represent you in such matters as it is not an official function of the County Attorney authorized by Kentucky law and he will not provide specific legal advice to you on such matters.

To locate a private attorney who can represent you in such matters, the Kentucky Bar Association has a lawyer locator. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may qualify for the services of Kentucky Legal Aid which can be reached at 866-452-9243 or through the Aid website.

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1. I have questions about child support, how do I learn more?

Learn more about Child Support from our detailed page.

2. I am a victim of a crime; what do I do?

If you have not yet reported the incident to law enforcement, please do so immediately (Henderson City Police Department phone number is 270-831-1295). If it is an emergency, call 911. If you have reported the incident, find other resources on our useful resources page.

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1. What is considered a delinquent real estate tax bill?

A tax bill is considered “delinquent” when the due date has passed and by statute any appeal rights have expired. Henderson County real estate property tax notices are mailed out in late October or early November by the Sheriff’s Office and are payable to the Sheriff’s Office beginning November 1. They become delinquent on January 1, following their due date. The bills are maintained and collected in the Sheriff’s Office until the Sheriff turns over the uncollected tax bills to the County Clerk’s Office. The delinquent tax bills are then maintained at the Henderson County Clerk’s Office, where they accrue interest of 1% per month plus penalties until paid.

2. Where do I send my delinquent tax payment?

Delinquent taxes may be paid by visiting the Henderson County Clerk’s Office. If you are unable to go to their office, full payment can be mailed by personal check, cashier’s check, money order or certified check. For both, the address is:

Henderson County Clerk
20 N Main Street
2nd Floor Offices
Henderson, Kentucky, 42420

3. Can I pay my delinquent taxes with a debit or credit card?

Yes. You may pay your delinquent tax liability by credit card. Currently, the County Clerk’s Office accepts American Express, Discover and MasterCard. Visa can be used only as a debit. There is a small additional fee charged by the Clerk’s Office for all of these types of payments. Call 270-827-5753 for more details. 

4. Is a lien placed on my property when my taxes become delinquent?

Yes. There is a lien against your property until the bill is paid in full.

5. Who can lawfully purchase my delinquent tax bill?

Kentucky law allows any individual or company qualified under KRS Chapter 134 to purchase taxpayers’ delinquent tax bills at the tax sale held by the County Clerk. The purchase can neither be anticipated nor prevented by the Henderson County Clerk.

6. What happens when someone buys my delinquent tax bill?

The buyer receives a Certificate of Delinquency from the County Clerk and must abide by the requirements of KRS 134.490 (PDF), KRS 134.546 (PDF), and all other dictates of KRS Chapter 134. The buyer has fifty (50) days to give you notice he has purchased your tax bill. Payment must be sent directly to the buyer, along with the associated penalties and interest assessed by the buyer. Once you pay the buyer, the buyer sends a release to the County Clerk for recording. You may obtain a copy of the release from the County Clerk for a small fee, at:
20 N Main Street, Suite 206
Henderson County Courthouse
Henderson, KY 42420

7. How long do I have to pay the buyer?

The buyer may institute a foreclosure action in court against you for the unpaid debt one (1) year after the creation of the certificate of delinquency. However, some buyers may be in no hurry to collect the debt, given the high interest rates charged, and may simply hold the certificate as long as your equity in the property exceeds the tax debt.

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1. What do I do if I have written a bad check?

If you believe you have written a bad check, you may contact the Bad Check Program at 270-827-6008 to verify the status of a check. Our office will assist you with making payments arrangements and any other concerns.

2. I have questions about tax collection, how do I learn more?

Learn more on our Tax Collection page.

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1. What is a Victim Offender Conference (VOC)?

Evidence-based program that addresses juvenile crime through mediated dialogue. Conference is held between victims and juvenile offenders. In a victim-offender conference the victims of crime and the juvenile offender talk meaningfully in a safe environment about:

• What happened?
• How people have been affected?
• What could be done to make things better?

2. When does a VOC occur?

A victim-offender conference will only take place if:

• The offender accepts responsibility for the harm
• Both the victim and the offender agree to participate

3. What is the VOC committed to?

They are committed to the following:

• Confidentiality
• Helping each participant to decide their own solutions for addressing the harm done
• Maintaining VOC as a voluntary process
• Making sure safety and comfort of clients is a priority
• Providing quality and ongoing training and evaluation to facilitators in order to ensure quality service delivery
• Reviewing each case carefully with both victims and offenders to make sure a VOC will meet their needs

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1. How do I determine how much of my net profits are taxable in Henderson County?

The Henderson County Occupational Tax ordinance establishes in Section 4 how to apportion the share of net profits in Henderson County from profits in the city of Henderson or in areas outside Henderson County by using payroll and/or sales factors.

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1. Why do I need an inspection?

An out of state inspection is only required when a vehicle is brought into Kentucky from another state or purchased in another state, and whereas the owner is going to reside in Henderson County, and would like to obtain a Henderson County license plate. Your vehicle must comply with the provisions of KRS Chapter 189 pertaining to vehicle equipment.

Simply put, your vehicle must be in a safe condition for operation upon the highway and capable of transporting both persons and contents in a safe manner. All window glass must be in place and the vehicle must be equipped with operable front windshield wipers. Features that are checked for being in place and fully operable include, but not be limited to:

• Brake Lights
• Brakes
• Headlights
• Rear Lights
• Steering
• Turn Signals

2. What will be inspected?

A Henderson County Deputy Sheriff, or a Henderson County Deputy Clerk certified in vehicle inspections, will check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and compare it with the number on the Title or Certificate of Origin. This information, along with the vehicle’s mileage, is recorded on a Kentucky Application for Certificate of Title / Registration Form.

You must take this completed form to the County Clerk to obtain your Kentucky license plate. T

3. What is the cost?

The fee for an inspection is $5 cash or check only - sorry, no credit cards. For businesses that have 1 or more vehicles to be inspected, we can come to you but there will also be a trip fee charge of $10. Call 270-826-2713 for more information.

4. What do I need to bring?

You need:

• $5 (cash or check only)
• Vehicle Title
• Vehicle Licensing Form (PDF)
• Your Driver’s License

This all needs to be brought to:

20 N Main Street
Suite 112
Henderson, KY 42420

5. When can I get an inspection?

Sheriff's Department 

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. to 4:30 PM

20 N Main Street Suite 112
Henderson, KY 42420