The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) was established in 1976. It serves as staff for the Commonwealth's Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The AOC consists of the Director's Office and ten departments, many of which consist of one or more divisions. According to the state constitution, the AOC performs various duties under the supervision of its administrative director including:

• Acts as fiscal agent of the Court of Justice. Its staff prepares the budget draft biannually and administers the judicial budget. The Kentucky unified court system is funded by state appropriations. Generally, the Court of Justice budget represents just over two percent (2%) of the total state general funds appropriated for each biennium. The Court of Justice budget is used to pay all expenses of the state court system including salaries of elected officials and non-elected personnel, travel expenses, facilities and office supplies and equipment. All revenues collected by the Court of Justice are deposited into the state treasury for general fund disbursement. Certain fees, however, are earmarked for distribution to specific funds.
• Maintains data processing systems for the purpose of publishing statistical reports, evaluating special projects and operating case management systems.
• Disperses and maintains supplies and equipment for the entire court system, administers local court facilities programs and provides support for regional administration of trial courts, boards and commissions.
• Administers the personnel policies and payroll of the Court of Justice.
• Oversees the state pretrial and juvenile services programs.
• Supervises the State Law Library.
• Provides educational programs for judges, court clerks, and support staff.
• Prepares, publishes and prints manuals, forms, stationery, and other materials.