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How To Find Court Records In Tennessee

Tennessee court records serve as official documentation of the state's judicial proceedings and decisions. Whether you need to check a case's current status, research past rulings, or stay informed about legal developments, these records provide important findings for Tennessee's courts' operations.

With CourtCaseFinder, searching Tennessee court records becomes simple and efficient. The specialized platform helps you locate court records from counties and cities across the state without the hassle of visiting multiple courthouses.

When records are available, you'll find comprehensive case details, hearing dates, and outcomes, all organized to give you the information you need quickly and clearly. By using CourtCaseFinder, you gain efficient access to this wealth of information while saving time and effort.

How To Access Tennessee Public Court Records

Though CourtCaseFinder remains your most streamlined way to locate Tennessee court records from across the state, you can also access official government channels either online, in person, or by mail. While these methods may require a bit more effort, these sources could feature the most current data.

Online Access

You can view appellate-level records such as motions, orders, judgments, and opinions through Tennessee's Public Case History tool. This tool lets you search by case number, case style, party name, or the organization involved. Records filed after August 26, 2013 (and many earlier ones) are available in PDF format.

Some counties have their online subscription-based search tool for circuits and other lower courts. On the other hand, Davidson County residents can use the CaseLink Public Inquiry System, which provides 24/7 online access to filings in circuit and other lower courts.

If you're seeking older court records, such as dockets or divorce files dating back several decades, you can access them through the Tennessee State Library & Archives.

In-Person Requests

For many courts, you can visit the applicable clerk's office in person to request access to case files, dockets, or other official documents. It's best to check online sources for court forms to confirm whether the form you need is available.

If not, visit the county's official website to download the required request form, since Tennessee does not provide a single statewide form for court record requests.

For instance, Blount County issues its own form for record requests. If you're searching for older court cases through the state archives and cannot locate them online, complete the prescribed request form and submit it to the Secretary of State's Office.

Mail Requests

You can submit a written request by mail to the clerk's office. Typical requirements include specifying the case number, the parties, the court, and the type of records requested. Applicable fees may apply for copying and certifying documents.

Tennessee Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Tennessee's court records are generally accessible to the public under the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA). Still, some court records are legally sealed or otherwise unavailable for public inspection.

When accessible, Tennessee court records may include:

  • Case details (case type, court, case number, filing dates)
  • Names of parties involved
  • Filed documents (complaints, motions, pleadings)
  • Hearing schedules and court orders
  • Judgments or verdict summaries
  • Case disposition or outcome
  • Appellate-level orders, opinions, and procedural history (often via Public Case History)

Certain types of court records or information are not accessible to the public or may be legally sealed, including:

  • Juvenile records (to protect young individuals)
  • Sensitive personal or medical information, including details about public employees or individuals, unless officially part of a case file
  • Records exempt under specific statutes
  • Information classified as confidential under Tennessee Code Annotated 10-7-504
  • Records sealed by court order or governed by protective orders
  • Unpublished drafts of judicial orders or opinions
  • Other sensitive materials (e.g., medical or personal information of public employees)

You may use the searchable Public Records Exception Database to check if the information being requested is part of the more than 500 statutory exemptions.

Who Oversees the Courts in Tennessee?

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) manages and supports all state and county courts in Tennessee. It serves as the administrative backbone of the judicial system. The AOC operates under the leadership of its Administrative Director.

The AOC is headed by Michelle Long, who has served as the Administrative Director since February 1, 2022. Above her, Chief Justice Holly Kirby of the Supreme Court provides judicial oversight and appoints the AOC director.

According to official sources, the AOC is responsible for a wide range of administrative duties that ensure the orderly, effective operation of Tennessee's judicial system:

  • Preparing the annual budget for the court system
  • Supplying computers, equipment, training, and technical support to judges and court personnel
  • Assisting with case assignments and supporting judicial committees
  • Overseeing payroll processing, orientation for new judges and staff, and the state's official criminal court reporters system
  • Collecting and compiling court data, and managing funds for court-appointed attorneys representing indigent clients

Through these responsibilities, the AOC maintains seamless functioning across courts from appellate to trial levels.

What Types of Courts Exist in Tennessee?

Tennessee's judicial system is structured across multiple levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and case responsibilities. The table below outlines the main court types, the scope of their authority, and the kinds of cases they typically handle.

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types Handled

Supreme Court

The highest court in the state; it primarily reviews decisions from the intermediate appellate courts.

Appeals in civil and criminal cases from the Court of Appeals or the Criminal Appeals; direct appeals in workers' compensation cases

Court of Appeals

An intermediate appellate court for civil cases.

Appeals in non-criminal (civil) cases from trial courts

Court of Criminal Appeals

An intermediate appellate court for criminal cases.

Appeals in felony and misdemeanor cases; post-conviction petitions

Circuit Courts

General jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases; hears appeals from juvenile, municipal, and general sessions courts.

Civil, criminal, and appellate matters from lower courts

Chancery Courts

Courts of equity can share jurisdiction with circuit courts in many civil matters.

Equity cases, contract disputes, injunctions, name changes, divorces, adoptions, estate issues, and workers' compensation

Criminal Courts

Established to manage heavy criminal caseloads; operate where available.

Criminal trials (felonies and misdemeanors) and misdemeanor appeals from lower courts

Probate Courts

Present in selected counties (e.g., Shelby, Davidson); otherwise handled by chancery courts.

Probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships.

General Sessions Courts

Limited jurisdiction in both civil and criminal matters; acts as juvenile courts in most counties.

Civil cases up to $25,000, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, preliminary felony hearings, and juvenile matters.

Juvenile and Family Courts

Specialized juvenile jurisdiction in some counties; handled by general sessions courts.

Cases involving minors, such as delinquency, dependency, abuse, neglect, unruly behavior, child custody, and support, overlap with circuit/chancery.

Municipal Courts

City courts handling ordinance violations; jurisdiction varies by municipality.

Municipal ordinance violations and low-level criminal cases (fines, short sentences).

Recovery Courts

Specialty courts focused on treatment and rehabilitation

Cases involving drug or alcohol dependence and mental health issues

What Federal Courts Are In Tennessee?

While state courts in Tennessee handle the vast majority of civil, criminal, family, and local matters, federal courts also operate in the state and hear cases that fall under federal jurisdiction.

Unlike state courts, which interpret and apply Tennessee laws, federal courts handle cases involving federal statutes, constitutional issues, and disputes that cross state or national boundaries. Federal jurisdiction typically includes cases related to federal crimes, bankruptcy, immigration, civil rights, and multi-state civil disputes.

The table below summarizes the federal courts operating in the state, their jurisdictions, and contact information.

Federal Court Jurisdiction Contact Information

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

It covers the eastern counties of Tennessee, including Bradley, Hawkins, and Coffee, and handles federal civil and criminal cases.

Chattanooga

Phone: (423) 752-5200

Greeneville

Phone: (423) 639-3105

Knoxville

Phone: (865) 545-4228

Winchester

Phone: (423) 752-5200

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Covers the western counties of Tennessee and hears federal civil and criminal cases.

Memphis

Phone: (901) 495-1200

Jackson

Phone: (731) 421-9200

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Covers federal civil and criminal cases arising within its 32-county region, including Davidson, Montgomery, Rutherford, Williamson, and Sumner Counties.

Nashville

Phone: (615) 736-5498

Columbia and Northeastern

Phone: (615) 736-5498

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

Handles all federal bankruptcy cases within East Tennessee.

Chattanooga

Phone: (423) 752-5163

Greeneville

Phone: (423) 787-0113

Knoxville

Phone: (865) 545-4279

Unstaffed Division:

Winchester

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Covers all federal bankruptcy cases arising in West Tennessee.

Memphis

Phone: (901) 328-3500

Jackson

Phone: (731) 421-9300

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Responsible for federal bankruptcy filings in Middle Tennessee.

Nashville

Phone: (615) 736-5584

Unstaffed Divisions:

Columbia, Cookeville

In addition, Tennessee falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, Ohio. This appellate court reviews cases appealed from the federal district courts in Tennessee, as well as those from Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Tennessee Courts?

The Tennessee courts handle a wide variety of cases each year, with filings across civil, domestic relations, probate, and other categories. Based on available data in the annual report on court cases (pages 15 to 22), the combined filings amount to over 254,000 cases annually.

The table below provides an overview of these case volumes by type.

Case Type Approx. Annual Volume

Criminal

~149,000

Civil

~33,000

Domestic, including juvenile

~50,000

Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Related

~1,000

Probate Cases

~21,000

How Do I File a Case in Tennessee Courts?

Tennessee court cases require proper documentation, applicable fees, and submission to the designated court. Procedures vary by case type and jurisdiction. Here's a guideline you can follow:

Identify the Proper Court

Use the table mentioned above, which shows Tennessee's different court types, to determine which court and county should handle your dispute. If you're still unsure, use the Tennessee Courts Self-Help Center or contact the local clerk before you draft paperwork.

Decide How You Will File

Many Tennessee trial courts accept e-filings through county-specific portals through the Appellate E-Filing system. Participation varies by court, so always check your court's link from the state's e-filing page.

If you prefer in-person filing, every trial court still accepts paper filings at the clerk's office. Most courts also accept filings by mail. Use the clerk directory to confirm local practices and mailing addresses. Some courts permit fax filing with a required cover sheet under local rules.

Prepare The Correct Forms and Pleadings

Tennessee provides court-approved forms for common matters (e.g., General Sessions civil summons, detainer/eviction, divorce packets, orders of protection, parenting plans). Download the right forms, then draft your complaint/petition and proposed summons.

Check for case-specific requirements. Certain filings require extra documents, such as a Parenting Plan in divorces with minor children, or a Certificate of Good Faith for health-care liability cases.

File Your Papers and Pay Fees

Appellate filing fees vary by case and court. For most initiating pleadings, fees start at $150, while some rule-based proceedings may range from $200 to $500. Trial court filing fees are set by statute and local schedules and typically include a clerk's filing fee, state and county litigation taxes, and service costs. Your county's schedule may differ, so always verify with the local clerk.

If you can't afford fees, you may ask the court to postpone payment by filing the Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency. Tennessee law authorizes starting a civil action on this basis if approved.

Serve The Other Party

After filing, arrange service of the summons and complaint. Tennessee allows service by sheriff, private process server where permitted, or service by mail under the Rules of Civil Procedure for in-state defendants. Sheriff service fees are set by statute (commonly around $40 plus small add-ons).

Local fee schedules can change. Always confirm the current filing and service fees with your county clerk.

How Is the Tennessee Court System Unique?

Tennessee's court system stands out for its layered structure and statewide consistency, while still giving counties flexibility in administering justice. Tennessee courts are uniformly overseen by the state Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts. This centralized oversight promotes fairness across all 95 counties.

Another distinctive feature is Tennessee's strong commitment to problem-solving and specialty courts. The state operates a growing network of Drug Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, Mental Health Courts, and Recovery Courts, designed to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior rather than only imposing punishment.

Due to the high case loads on criminal cases, the state has separate criminal courts and the Court of Criminal Appeals. These courts are dedicated to handling serious criminal matters and reviewing lower court decisions.

Tennessee Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Tennessee Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

Divorce cases in Tennessee are filed in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court of the county where either spouse lives. Tennessee courts handle thousands of divorce and domestic relations cases annually, with over 22,000 divorce and annulment filings in 2024.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

Felony criminal charges in Tennessee are heard in the Criminal Court or the Circuit Court (where no separate Criminal Court exists). In 2024, Tennessee courts recorded over 80,000 felony filings statewide.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

Eviction cases, called detainer actions, are generally filed in the General Sessions Court. If appealed, they move to Circuit Court. To begin, a landlord files a detainer summons with the clerk, who sets a court date and serves the tenant.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $25,000, Which Court to Use?

Tennessee General Sessions Courts handle small claims and civil cases up to $25,000. To sue, you file a civil warrant or detainer summons with the clerk and pay filing fees. Cases are often scheduled quickly and require less formal procedure.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Yes, Tennessee allows individuals to represent themselves (pro se) in any court case. The courts provide a Self-Help Center with forms and guides to assist self-represented litigants. However, you are held to the same standards as licensed attorneys.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

Missing a court date can result in a default judgment in civil cases or a bench warrant in criminal cases. It may also affect bond status. Always notify the clerk or your attorney immediately if you cannot appear.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

You may file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the judgment. Appeals go to the Tennessee Court of Appeals (civil/family) or the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal). The appellate courts may review for legal error, not new evidence.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

Yes, under the Tennessee Public Records Act and the principle of open courts, most court proceedings are open to the public. Exceptions include juvenile cases and certain sealed matters where privacy outweighs public access.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

Timelines vary widely by case type and county. Many General Sessions cases (such as evictions or small claims) are resolved within weeks, while civil or criminal trials in Circuit or Chancery Courts may take months or even years.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

Complaints against judges are filed with the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct, which investigates allegations of misconduct. Complaints against court clerks or staff can be made through the local presiding judge or the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Yes, many Tennessee courts offer remote hearings via Zoom or Webex, particularly since 2020. Availability depends on the county and case type. Notices and login details are provided by the clerk or the judge's office.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Yes, while environmental disputes are generally handled in Chancery or Circuit Courts, Tennessee also operates a Business Court Docket, overseen by a designated judge, for complex corporate and commercial disputes.

Can I Access Court Records for Free?

Basic access to court dockets is available at no cost through online access provided by participating counties. However, certified copies and some document retrievals may involve fees set by local clerks.

How Can I Search Tennessee Court Records by Name?

Most search tools of participating courts allow searching by party name. For non-participating courts, contact the local clerk's office directly or request records in person. Availability varies by county.

How Far Back Do Online Tennessee Public Court Records Go?

Online records availability varies. Most online system tools typically provide access to more recent records, while older records (often pre-2000s) are maintained by local clerks or archives. Historical case files must often be requested in person.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

Not always. The Public Case History search provides access to court records on appellate courts (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals). On the other hand, many criminal records are handled locally by the county clerk or criminal court clerk. Access depends on the county and court levels.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

Some counties provide case notification services, such as email or text alerts. Otherwise, you may need to check directly with the local clerk's office or monitor for docket updates.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

Generally, yes, but with restrictions. While most divorce and custody records are public, details such as juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and confidential financial or medical information are sealed or redacted by law.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, courts may provide redacted copies of records to protect sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account data, or juvenile details. Requests should be made through the local clerk's office.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Yes, requests for bulk data access can be made through the Administrative Office of the Courts. Approval is subject to Tennessee Supreme Court rules on privacy, security, and data use.

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