Anderson County Court Records Search

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    Anderson County sits in eastern Tennessee, with its county seat in Clinton and a second population center in Oak Ridge. The county’s court system encompasses a Circuit Court, a Chancery Court, two divisions of General Sessions Court, a Juvenile Court, and several municipal courts. Together, these courts handle a wide range of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters, producing records that attorneys, litigants, employers, researchers, and the general public may need to access. Court records in Anderson County include case files, dockets, judgments, motions, audio and video recordings, exhibits, and other materials maintained by the clerks of each court.

    For those seeking Tennessee court records, several avenues are available. Records can be searched through local clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and online tools operated by county and state agencies. TennesseeCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case information and connect to relevant judicial resources. The Tennessee judiciary also maintains a statewide Public Case History search tool that covers appellate court proceedings, and the Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk operates a local online case search portal covering circuit, criminal, general sessions, and juvenile court records.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Anderson County?

    Anderson County court cases can be searched online, in person at the relevant courthouse, or through written requests sent by mail. The most practical method depends on the type of case, which court handled it, and how much detail you need.

    Online Search

    The Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an online case search portal that covers cases filed in the Circuit and Criminal Court, General Sessions Court (both divisions), and Juvenile Court. Users can search by case number, party name or alias, citation number, filing date, date of birth, or CSE number. The portal provides basic case data including case status, parties, charges, and scheduled hearings. Court docket information for all court divisions is also available through the county government website.

    In-Person Search

    Visitors may inspect case files at the clerk’s office of the court that handled a particular matter. The Circuit Court Clerk’s office manages records for the Circuit and Criminal Court, General Sessions Court, and Juvenile Court. The Clerk and Master’s office manages records for Chancery Court, Probate Court, and Child Support Court. The key court offices are:

    Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk
    Address: 100 North Main Street, Suite 301, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 463-6821
    Fax: (865) 264-6345
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Anderson County Clerk and Master
    Address: 100 North Main Street, Suite 308, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 457-6205
    Fax: (865) 264-6345
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    Anderson County General Sessions Court – Division I (Clinton)
    Address: 100 North Main Street, Suite 309, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 264-6412
    Fax: (865) 463-8034
    Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    Anderson County General Sessions Court – Division II (Oak Ridge)
    Address: 101 Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
    Phone: (865) 482-0081
    Fax: (865) 483-3004

    Anderson County Juvenile Court
    Address: 101 South Main Street, Suite 200, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
    Juvenile Clerk’s Office: (865) 264-6351
    Fax: (865) 463-8946

    Anderson County Chancery Court
    Address: 100 North Main Street, Room 302, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 457-6209

    Mail Requests

    Written requests for copies of court records may be sent to the clerk’s office of the court with jurisdiction over the case. Include the full case number (if known), party names, approximate date of filing, and payment for applicable copy fees. Contact the relevant clerk’s office to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before mailing a request.

    Historical Records

    The Anderson County Archives and Records department maintains court records dating back to 1811. The Archives office is located at 100 North Main Street, Room 101, Clinton, TN 37716, and can be reached at (865) 457-6242. Copy fees are $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page for non-certified copies, and $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page for certified copies.

    Are Court Records Public in Anderson County?

    Tennessee law establishes a broad right of public access to government records. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A)), the public is permitted to inspect and copy records maintained by government entities, including courts. This right extends to Anderson County court records unless a specific law restricts their disclosure.

    Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34 governs public access to court records specifically. Under this rule, court records—encompassing case records, administrative records, and judicial records—are presumed open to the public unless they fall within a defined confidential category.

    Records That Are Generally Public

    Most case records in Anderson County’s courts are open for inspection. These include civil complaints, criminal charging documents and dispositions, docket entries, judgments, orders, motions (once filed in the case record), and property-related filings.

    Records That Are Confidential Under Rule 34

    The following categories are treated as confidential and are not available for public inspection:

    • Documents sealed by court order or protected by a protective order
    • Unpublished drafts of judicial orders and opinions
    • Copies of motions, briefs, and similar documents furnished to a judge for individual use and not intentionally filed as part of the case record
    • Written or electronic conference records, notes, memoranda, and reports prepared by judges or judicial staff as part of deliberative processes
    • Internal case management information (except appellate panel composition data)
    • Information about recusal of judges, unless intentionally filed in the case record
    • Security threat information relating to judges, judicial staff, or court employees
    • Any record whose disclosure would frustrate or interfere with the judicial function

    Additional Restrictions

    Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-504, certain records are expressly exempt from public inspection. Juvenile court records in Anderson County are strictly confidential and not accessible to the general public. Adoption records, mental health evaluations, and sealed records are also restricted. Requests to inspect records that have been sealed or restricted require a court order.

    Anderson County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Anderson County are handled at multiple court levels. The Circuit and Criminal Court has jurisdiction over felonies and certain misdemeanors, including cases presented by the Grand Jury or the State’s Attorney and appeals from General Sessions Court. The General Sessions Court handles misdemeanor cases and conducts preliminary hearings in felony matters.

    Searching Criminal Records

    Criminal case information can be accessed through the Circuit Court Clerk’s online case search portal, which covers both Circuit/Criminal Court and General Sessions Court cases. In-person access is available at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 100 North Main Street, Suite 301, Clinton, TN 37716. Phone: (865) 463-6821

    Statewide Criminal Background Checks

    The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides name-based criminal history searches to the general public. TBI background checks cover Tennessee adult criminal history and cost $29 per search. Fingerprints are not required for public requests. The process can be completed online through the Tennessee Open Records Information Services (TORIS) portal, or by mail using the TBI’s printed request form. Mail-in requests require payment by check, money order, or card.

    For FBI-level (nationwide) background checks, fingerprints are required and the fee is $50. These are processed through TBI’s contractor, IdentoGO. For additional information, the TBI can be reached at (615) 744-4000.

    Anderson County Sheriff’s Department

    The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department provides arrest records, police reports, and background check services. The Records Unit charges $5 per copy for criminal records. Requests can be made in person or by contacting the department:

    Anderson County Sheriff’s Department
    Address: 101 South Main Street, Suite 400, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 457-2414
    Crime Hotline: (865) 463-6880
    Drug Hotline: (865) 463-7175

    Anderson County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Anderson County is divided among several courts based on the type of case and the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters, including cases involving claims exceeding $25,000, appeals from General Sessions Court, and actions involving titles to property. The General Sessions Court handles civil claims up to $25,000, detainer warrants (with unlimited original jurisdiction), and actions to recover personal property. The Chancery Court, through the Clerk and Master’s office, handles civil matters including contract disputes, land disputes, worker’s compensation claims, and injunctions.

    Searching Civil Records

    Civil case information from the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court can be searched through the Circuit Court Clerk’s online case search portal. Records for Chancery Court civil cases are maintained by the Clerk and Master’s office at 100 North Main Street, Suite 308, Clinton, TN 37716. Phone: (865) 457-6205

    In-person requests for civil case records should be directed to the clerk of the court that handled the case. Phone inquiries about Circuit Court or General Sessions civil records can be made to the Circuit Court Clerk at (865) 463-6821. Fax requests can be sent to (865) 264-6345.

    Filing Fees

    Civil filing fees in Anderson County’s courts are established by T.C.A. § 8-21-401. As of January 1, 2026, clerk fees have changed pursuant to amendments to this statute. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office or the Clerk and Master for current fee schedules applicable to your case type. Service fees for the Sheriff increased effective July 1, 2024, to $52 for subpoenas, civil summons, alias summons, show cause orders, and detainers, and $42 for garnishments.

    Copy Fees

    The Circuit Court Clerk’s office and the Clerk and Master each charge copy fees for documents produced from their records. The Anderson County Archives provides historical civil records dating to 1811 at $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page (non-certified), or $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page (certified).

    Property Records

    Property records, including deeds, mortgages, and conveyances, are filed with the Anderson County Register of Deeds at 100 North Main Street, Room 205, Clinton, TN 37716. Phone: (865) 457-6235 Property appraisal information is maintained by the Assessor of Property and can be searched online through the county’s property search application.

    Anderson County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Anderson County are primarily handled by the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce, adoptions, name changes, and related proceedings. The Circuit Court shares jurisdiction over certain family law matters, and the Juvenile Court handles cases involving persons under the age of 18, including custody and dependency matters.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce records are maintained by the clerk of the court that granted the divorce—typically the Clerk and Master (for Chancery Court divorces) or the Circuit Court Clerk. Case information may be searched through the Circuit Court Clerk’s case search portal using a party name, case number, or citation number. The Anderson County Archives also maintains divorce records filed from 1811 onward. Certified copies of Tennessee divorce certificates can be obtained from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records for $15 per copy by completing an Application for a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Divorce or Annulment.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Anderson County are issued by the Anderson County Clerk’s office. Marriage licenses can be applied for online and key requirements include:

    • Both parties must be present (unless one is incarcerated)
    • Valid driver’s license, photo ID, U.S. certified birth certificate, valid VISA, or valid passport required
    • Both applicants must be 18 or older (applicants aged 17 require parental consent or an emancipation order; no one under 17 may marry)
    • No blood tests or waiting period
    • License is valid for 30 days and may be used anywhere in Tennessee

    Tennessee law provides a reduced marriage license fee for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. Couples who do not complete the course pay a higher fee that includes a $62.50 statutory surcharge. Contact the County Clerk at (865) 457-6226 for the current fee amounts.

    Copies of marriage certificates cost $5.00 each and can be obtained in person or by mail from the County Clerk’s office at 100 North Main Street, Room 111, Clinton, TN 37716. Phone: (865) 457-6228 Marriage records can also be searched online through the County Clerk’s website. Certified marriage certificates are also available from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records for $15 per copy using the Application for a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Marriage.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death records in Tennessee are restricted to eligible applicants, including the record subject, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. Birth certificates from 1949 onward can be obtained from the Anderson County Clerk’s Oak Ridge office at 728 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (Phone: (865) 483-0541) for $20 per copy. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records in Nashville also issues birth and death certificates at $15 per copy. Applicants must submit a completed application (birth certificate application or death certificate application), valid identification, and applicable fees. Applications may be submitted in person at the Vital Records office in Nashville (710 James Robertson Parkway, 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37243) or by mail.

    Adoption and Guardianship

    Adoption cases are heard by the Chancery Court. Adoption records are confidential under Tennessee law and are not available for public inspection. Guardianship of both persons and property—for minors and adults—falls within the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court and, in some cases, the Circuit Court.

    Juvenile Court Records

    All cases involving persons under the age of 18 are handled by the Anderson County Juvenile Court, located at 101 South Main Street, Suite 200, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Juvenile court records are strictly confidential and not accessible to the general public. The Juvenile Clerk’s Office can be reached at (865) 264-6351.

    Anderson County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Anderson County are handled primarily by the Chancery Court, with the Clerk and Master’s office serving as the custodian of probate and estate records. The Circuit Court and General Sessions Court also share jurisdiction over certain probate cases.

    Types of Probate Records

    The Clerk and Master maintains records related to the administration of wills and estates, conservatorships, guardianship of property (both minors and adults), name changes, and land boundary disputes. Probate records typically include petitions for administration, wills, inventories of assets, accountings, orders appointing personal representatives or conservators, and final settlement documents.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case information can be accessed through the Circuit Court Clerk’s online case search portal using a case number, citation number, filing date, or CSE number. In-person inquiries can be directed to the Clerk and Master’s office:

    Anderson County Clerk and Master
    Address: 100 North Main Street, Suite 308, Clinton, TN 37716
    Phone: (865) 457-6205

    The Anderson County Archives also maintains historical probate records dating to 1811. Contact the Archives department at (865) 457-6242 for availability and copy fees.

    Municipal Courts

    In addition to the county courts described above, Anderson County includes several municipal courts that handle city ordinance violations and certain traffic matters. These include Clinton City Court (100 North Bowling Street, Clinton, TN 37716; Phone: (865) 259-1110), Oak Ridge City Court (200 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830; Phone: (865) 425-3536), Norris City Court (20 Chestnut Drive, Norris, TN 37828; Phone: (865) 494-7645), Oliver Springs City Court (717 Main Street, Oliver Springs, TN 37840; Phone: (865) 435-7722 ext. 3), and Rocky Top City Court (195 South Main Street, Rocky Top, TN 37769; Phone: (865) 426-2838). Records from municipal courts are maintained by the respective city court clerk and should be requested directly from those offices.