Cheatham County Court Records Search
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Cheatham County is situated in north-central Tennessee, with its county seat in Ashland City. The county’s court system operates within the 23rd Judicial District, which also encompasses Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, and Stewart Counties. Court records generated in Cheatham County span criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, domestic relations proceedings, juvenile matters, and probate cases. These records are maintained by the clerks of the individual courts where filings originate, and most are available for public inspection under Tennessee law.
Residents and members of the public can locate Cheatham County court records through several channels. The Cheatham County Circuit Court Clerk’s website serves as a starting point for records held in the Circuit and General Sessions Courts. The Chancery Court Clerk and Master’s office manages divorce, probate, and equity case files separately. Tennessee’s statewide judicial portal at TennesseeCourts.us provides appellate case history tools, court rules, and contact information for all county-level courts. Those seeking records should also be prepared to visit court offices in person, submit written requests, or use the county’s online case-search tool, depending on the type of record and the court that holds it.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Cheatham County?
Cheatham County offers both electronic and in-person options for locating court case information.
Online Case Search
The Online Court Records System is a web-based database covering cases filed in the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court. The system accepts searches by:
- Party name (first and last)
- Case year
- Case number
- Court type (Circuit Court, General Sessions) combined with case type (Criminal, Civil)
Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status, is available without charge. Viewing scanned images of pleadings, orders, and judgments requires the user to create an account and pay applicable fees. The search engine supports typo tolerance and phrase searches enclosed in quotation marks, and returns a maximum of 2,500 results per query.
In-Person Searches
Records can be inspected at the clerk’s office for the relevant court during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A walk-in visitor may review docket sheets and case files at no charge. Copies carry a fee of $0.50 per page, and a certification with seal costs $5.00, based on the Circuit Court’s published fee schedule.
Mail and Written Requests
Written requests can be directed to the appropriate court clerk by mail or fax. Each request should include the full names of the parties involved, the case number (if known), and the type of document sought. The clerks require payment by check or money order. The mailing addresses for the primary courts are listed below.
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 100 Public Square, Room 225, Ashland City, TN 37015 | (615) 792-3272 |
| General Sessions Court | 100 Public Square, Room 223, Ashland City, TN 37015 | (615) 792-4866 |
| Chancery Court | 100 Public Square, Suite 106, Ashland City, TN 37015 | (615) 792-4620 |
| Juvenile Court | 100 Public Square, Suite 115, Ashland City, TN 37015 | (615) 792-7566 |
The Circuit Court Clerk also accepts fax correspondence at (615) 792-3203.
Are Court Records Public in Cheatham County?
Tennessee law establishes a strong presumption of openness for court records. The Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at T.C.A. § 10-7-503, grants the public the right to inspect, view, and copy records maintained by government agencies, including the courts. The Tennessee Supreme Court reinforced this principle through Rule 34, which specifically addresses public access to court records and sets out the categories of documents that qualify as public versus confidential.
Under Rule 34, court records fall into three classifications: Case Records (documents in a particular court file), Administrative Records (records related to court administration), and Judicial Records (all other court records). The public may inspect case files, request copies, and review docket information unless a specific exception applies.
Records excluded from public inspection include:
- Documents sealed by court order or protected by a protective order
- Unpublished drafts of judicial opinions and orders
- Internal conference records, notes, and memoranda prepared by or for a judge
- Internal case-management information
- Records whose disclosure would interfere with the judicial function or threaten the safety of court personnel
Categories of records restricted by statute or court rule:
- Juvenile court proceedings (T.C.A. § 37-1-153 and § 37-1-154)
- Adoption records, which are confidential under T.C.A. § 36-1-125
- Child custody, child visitation, and domestic violence records in certain circumstances
- Mental health proceedings
- Paternity records when sealed
Sensitive personal identifiers that appear in otherwise public court records, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, and tax return data, may be redacted before documents are released. The redaction obligation protects individual privacy while preserving the public nature of the underlying case record. Any person who believes a record has been improperly withheld may petition the court for relief under the Public Records Act.
Cheatham County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Cheatham County are adjudicated in two courts. The Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions, post-conviction petitions, and appeals from lower courts. The General Sessions Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The Circuit Court Clerk, Holly Waller, maintains records for both courts.
Types of criminal records on file:
- Grand jury reports and indictments
- Criminal warrants and arrest information
- Motions, orders, and pleadings
- Sentencing records, probation conditions, and dispositions
- Post-conviction filings and appeals
Searching criminal court records online. The Online Court Records System covers criminal cases from both the Circuit Court and General Sessions. Users should select “Criminal” under Case Type and choose the appropriate court. Free search results display basic docket information; scanned case documents require a paid account.
General Sessions criminal docket. Criminal court in General Sessions is held every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Traffic citations issued by the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are placed on the criminal docket. Building and codes violations are heard every third Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Circuit Court criminal docket. Criminal docket call in the Circuit Court is typically set for the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Because Cheatham County is part of the 23rd Judicial District, four rotating Circuit Court judges preside on a monthly schedule.
Requesting criminal records from the Sheriff’s Office. The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office processes criminal-history and arrest-record requests. Applicants must complete the county’s Public Records Request Form and submit it in person, by mail, or by email. Requirements include:
- Complete the request form with the subject’s identifying information.
- Attach a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID.
- Include payment by check or money order (cash accepted for in-person requests only).
- Submit to the Sheriff’s Office at the address below.
Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office
264 South Main Street
Ashland City, TN 37015
Phone: (615) 792-4341
24-Hour Non-Emergency Dispatch: (615) 792-2098
Email: PRRC@cheathamcountytn.gov
Expungement records. The Circuit Court Clerk processes expungement petitions. The filing fee for an expungement is $100.00 per the court’s published civil fee schedule.
Cheatham County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Cheatham County are divided between two courts based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
The General Sessions Court handles civil warrants where the claim is under $25,000, detainer warrants (landlord-tenant disputes), writs of possession, executions by levy or garnishment, and orders of protection. Civil court in General Sessions is held each Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.
The Circuit Court handles civil lawsuits involving amounts exceeding $25,000, land condemnation, contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreign judgments, and minor settlements. The civil docket is generally called on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
The Circuit Court Civil Fee Schedule sets out the following rates:
| Filing Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Category I (contracts, torts, personal injury, property damage, malpractice, wrongful death, employment discrimination, civil rights) | $290.00 |
| Category II (appeals from lower courts, transfers from foreign counties, writs of mandamus, land condemnation) | $215.00 |
| Category III (restoration of citizenship, minor settlements, structured settlements, enforcement of foreign judgments, cross-filings, counter-complaints) | $165.00 |
| Post-judgment requests (garnishments, executions, levies, post-judgment interrogatories, motions) | $25.00 |
| Subpoenas | $6.00 |
| Copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certification and seal | $5.00 |
| Preparing record for appellate court | $300.00 |
Service fees are paid separately: County Sheriff service is $42.00, Secretary of State service is $20.00, and Department of Commerce & Insurance service is $15.00.
Accessing civil records. Civil case records from both courts are searchable through the Online Court Records System. In-person review at the clerk’s office is available during business hours. Written requests may be submitted by mail or fax to the Circuit Court Clerk at 100 Public Square, Room 225, Ashland City, TN 37015, or by fax at (615) 792-3203. The General Sessions Clerk can be reached at (615) 792-4866.
Property-related records. While real estate disputes are litigated in court, the underlying property records, including deeds, plats, and instruments constituting a lien, are maintained by the Cheatham County Register of Deeds. The Register’s office is at 354 Frey Street, Suite C, Ashland City, TN 37015, and can be reached at (615) 792-4317. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copy fees are $0.15 per page for standard documents, $5.00 per page for large-format plats, and $1.00 per page for certified copies. The Register’s office also maintains a Frequently Asked Questions page addressing common search and recording questions.
Cheatham County Family Court Records
Cheatham County does not operate a standalone family court. Family law matters are divided between the Chancery Court and the Juvenile Court based on the nature of the proceeding.
Chancery Court — Divorce, Paternity, and Support
The Cheatham County Chancery Court, under the direction of Clerk and Master Rhonda Vaughn, handles divorce, paternity, child support, alimony, name changes, adoptions, domestic relationship disputes, and workers’ compensation claims. The office is located at:
Cheatham County Chancery Court
100 Public Square, Suite 106
Ashland City, TN 37015
Phone: (615) 792-4620
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Divorce records and the Marital Dissolution Agreement are filed and maintained at the Chancery Court. The Final Decree of Divorce, signed by the presiding judge, is also part of the Chancery Court file. A Marital Dissolution Agreement form is publicly available for parties seeking an uncontested divorce.
Juvenile Court — Custody, Visitation, and Delinquency
The Cheatham County Juvenile Court presides over matters involving dependent and neglected children, custody disputes between unmarried parents, legitimation, visitation and parenting plans, delinquent or unruly youth, and juvenile traffic citations. Judge Phillip Maxey serves as Juvenile Court Judge. Court hearings are held every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the General Sessions courtroom; all parties should arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Petitions may be filed in person, by mail, or by email. The court requires that all filings be typed (handwritten filings are not accepted). Forms available from the Juvenile Court include:
- Emergency Temporary Custody Petition
- Temporary Custody Petition
- Civil Summons & Subpoena
- Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child
Juvenile court records are generally confidential under Tennessee law. Access is restricted to the parties involved, their attorneys, and authorized agencies. Child abuse concerns should be reported to the Child Protective Service Hotline at (800) 237-0004.
Child support. Juvenile child support cases are heard by Magistrate Allan Kerns through the Circuit Court. The child support office can be reached at (615) 792-3075. Payments are not accepted at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are maintained by the Tennessee Office of Vital Records and can be obtained through the Cheatham County Health Department at 162 County Services Drive, Ashland City, TN 37015, Phone: (615) 792-4318 Mail requests require a completed marriage certificate application or divorce certificate application, a photocopy of government-issued photo ID, and a $15.00 fee payable by check or money order to Tennessee Vital Records. Mail applications should be sent to: Tennessee Vital Records, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Cheatham County Clerk at a cost of $102.00, or $42.00 with a notarized certificate of premarital counseling completion.
Cheatham County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Cheatham County fall under the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. There is no separate probate court. The Clerk and Master’s office processes all probate filings, maintains estate case files, and issues court orders related to decedents’ estates.
Types of probate records maintained by the Chancery Court:
- Wills admitted to probate
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Conservatorship petitions and orders
- Guardianship petitions and orders
- Name change petitions
- Judicial hospitalization records (under mental health law)
- Corrections to birth certificates
How to request probate records. Interested parties may visit the Chancery Court Clerk and Master’s office during business hours to inspect or obtain copies of probate case files. Written requests can also be submitted by mail. Include the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death or filing, and the case number if available.
Cheatham County Chancery Court (Probate)
100 Public Square, Suite 106
Ashland City, TN 37015
Phone: (615) 792-4620
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Probate records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Conservatorship and guardianship files may contain confidential medical evaluations or financial disclosures that are subject to redaction before release. Adoption records processed through the Chancery Court are confidential under T.C.A. § 36-1-125 and require a court order or qualifying statutory exception to access.
Birth and death certificates, which occasionally intersect with probate proceedings (for example, when proving heirship), are available from the Cheatham County Health Department or by mail through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. The fee is $15.00 per certified certificate. Applicants must submit a completed birth certificate application or death certificate application, along with a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID and payment by check or money order payable to Tennessee Vital Records.