Jefferson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Jefferson County in 2026
JeffersonTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Jefferson County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through this resource. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the court's digitization status, and any applicable confidentiality orders.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Tennessee Court System's online portal, the Tennessee Department of Health's vital records division, and public access terminals located at the courthouse.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the Tennessee Court Case Management System, which allows members of the public to search for divorce case information by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Tennessee Courts online portal provides a consolidated database for searching court records across jurisdictions statewide. This system is the most reliable starting point for locating a Jefferson County divorce case filed in Circuit Court.
3. State Vital Records
Tennessee does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records system in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Tennessee Department of Health maintains a Divorce Index for cases finalized from 1945 through 1996. Requests for verification letters from this index carry a standard fee.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Jefferson County Circuit Court:
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
214 West Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-2934
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
Records Department:
Older or archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Staff at the Circuit Court Clerk's office can direct members of the public to archived records, which may require additional retrieval time.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk, 214 West Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk: (865) 397-2934
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Information from sealed or confidential records
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Tennessee may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents from sealed portions of a record upon a proper showing to the court. The Tennessee Bar Association's lawyer referral service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel for complex record retrieval matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of the marriage
- Previous addresses in Jefferson County
- Names of children, if any
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm that the case was filed in Jefferson County before submitting a request. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one or both spouses also resided there.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-105, one spouse must have been a resident of Tennessee for at least six months prior to filing for divorce, and the action is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems.
- Members of the public should allow standard processing time following the final hearing before searching online databases.
- Records are available within days to a few weeks after the final decree is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time.
- Cases from before 1985 may not be digitized and require an in-person or written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly at (865) 397-2934
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Tennessee Department of Health's Divorce Index for cases through 1996
- Retain a licensed Tennessee attorney for complex searches
What Are Jefferson County Divorce Records?
Jefferson County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Jefferson County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the following documents:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders entered during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
- The final judgment of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce:
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The exact date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support obligations, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Any court-ordered name restoration
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents filed in the case record may include:
- The original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting exhibits
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Parenting plan modifications entered after the original judgment
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Tennessee Department of Health maintains a separate Divorce Index for statistical and verification purposes, though that index does not contain the full case file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated Title 36, Chapter 4, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Public access to court records is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act and the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.
Are Jefferson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Certain financial statements may be subject to limited access orders
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed upon motion
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Sexual abuse allegations may be subject to confidentiality orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed portions of their own case file.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted copies |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records upon court order |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. News reporting, genealogical research, legal proceedings, and academic research constitute permitted uses under Tennessee law.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or confidential portions of a divorce record must file a motion with the Jefferson County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jefferson County?
The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Tennessee law. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies by request |
| Search fee | No separate search fee charged |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of the final decree of divorce are the most requested document and carry the standard certification fee noted above.
- Payment is accepted in the form of cash, money order, or check made payable to the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods when submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record copies; however, parties who are proceeding in forma pauperis in an active case may petition the court for relief from fees.
- The Tennessee Department of Health charges a separate fee for verification letters issued from the Divorce Index; current fee schedules are available through the Tennessee vital records office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Jefferson County
A complete Jefferson County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the date the petition was submitted through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, division, and parties
- Assigned case number and judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
- Jurisdictional basis for the filing
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Divorce sets out the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information about any minor children, and the relief requested. Tennessee recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce; irreconcilable differences is the most common no-fault ground cited. The respondent's Answer or Counter-Petition states the respondent's position and any independent claims for relief.
Financial Affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all outstanding liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, property inventories, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and business financial records where a party owns or operates a business.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all property subject to equitable distribution, including real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property of significant value. A corresponding debt inventory lists all marital liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations are filed as exhibits when the value of real property, a business, or other significant asset is in dispute.
Children-Related Documents:
When minor children are involved, the case file contains a Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule including holidays and school breaks, transportation arrangements, and provisions governing decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. A Child Support Worksheet documents the income of both parties, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses, and reflects the support amount ordered in accordance with the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. Custody evaluations and Guardian ad Litem reports, when ordered, are part of the case file but may be subject to restricted access.
Settlement Documents:
A Marital Settlement Agreement, when the parties resolve their case by agreement, is a comprehensive document addressing all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements, if the parties participated in court-ordered mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement or filed separately.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, incorporating or superseding all prior temporary orders, and establishing the permanent rights and obligations of both parties. Where retirement accounts are divided, a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order is prepared and filed to instruct the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents:
After the final judgment is entered, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance with court orders, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and any subsequent court orders resolving those matters.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective order information
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse treatment records
- Sealed settlement negotiations and mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Jefferson County
Proof of divorce in Jefferson County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that the marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Tennessee Court Case Management System or by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk at (865) 397-2934.
- Submit a request in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by following any electronic request procedures currently offered by the clerk's office.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of the request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
214 West Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-2934
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
For divorces finalized between 1945 and 1996, a verification letter from the Tennessee Divorce Index is available through the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records. This letter confirms that a divorce was recorded in the state index but does not substitute for a certified copy of the court's final judgment.
Tennessee Department of Health — Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jefferson County?
A divorce proceeding in Jefferson County may be partially or fully confidential under limited circumstances recognized by Tennessee law and court rule. The presumption under the Tennessee Public Records Act is that court records are open to public inspection; confidentiality requires an affirmative court order supported by a specific legal basis.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be treated as confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records to protect personal safety.
- Minor children's information: Courts may restrict access to documents identifying the residential addresses, schools, or medical information of minor children.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition are subject to statutory privacy protections.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court order.
- Mediation communications: Under Tennessee law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of good cause; the court balances the public interest in transparency against the demonstrated need for confidentiality.
The legal framework governing confidentiality in Tennessee family law proceedings is found in the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated Title 36.
How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Divorce Records?
Jefferson County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Tennessee State Library and Archives records retention schedules applicable to court records. Retention periods vary by document type and the nature of the proceeding.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention; these records are never destroyed and remain part of the court's permanent archive.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, depending on the classification of the record under the applicable retention schedule.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum period established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives; members of the public should confirm current retention schedules with the clerk's office.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period; some financial exhibits may be returned to the filing party or destroyed after a set period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying divorce proceeding.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
The Tennessee State Library and Archives publishes the official records retention schedules applicable to Tennessee court records. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.