Coffee County Court Records Search
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Coffee County is located in middle Tennessee with its county seat in the city of Manchester. The county’s judicial system operates within the Fourteenth Judicial District and includes the Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, Chancery Court, and Juvenile Court, all housed in the Coffee County Justice Center. Two municipal courts — one in Manchester and one in Tullahoma — also handle local ordinance and traffic matters. Together, these courts generate a wide array of legal records, including docket entries, court orders, summonses, transcripts, judgments, and sentencing documents. These records serve attorneys, self-represented litigants, employers, researchers, and anyone who needs documentation of legal proceedings that have taken place in the county.
Searching for court records in Tennessee can be accomplished through a combination of in-person visits to clerk offices, online case lookup databases, and written requests. The Coffee County government website provides direct access to public court records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Additionally, TennesseeCourts.us may assist users in identifying court case data across the state. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts also operates a Public Case History system for appellate-level cases, while county-specific trial court records are available through the local online portal and at the clerk’s office in Manchester.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Coffee County?
Coffee County offers several pathways for locating court case information, whether you need to check on a pending matter, review a closed case, or obtain certified copies of court documents.
Online Case Search
The most direct way to search Coffee County court records electronically is through the county’s Online Court Records System, which covers both the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court. This portal allows searches by:
- Party name
- Case year
- Case number
- Court type (General Sessions or Circuit Court)
- Case type (Criminal or Civil)
Search criteria can be combined to narrow results. The system returns up to 2,500 records per search and displays case details including parties, charges, filing dates, and docket entries.
Separate record portals are also available for each court division:
In-Person Requests
All three clerk offices are located in or near the Coffee County Justice Center in Manchester and accept walk-in inquiries during business hours:
Circuit Court Clerk (also serves General Sessions and Juvenile Courts)
Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Box 16, Manchester, TN 37355
Phone: (931) 723-5110
Fax: (931) 723-5116
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Chancery Court – Clerk and Master
Address: 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Box 8, Manchester, TN 37355 (1st Floor, Justice Center)
Phone: (931) 723-5132
Fax: (931) 723-8206
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Visitors to the Justice Center should be aware that a security checkpoint is required upon entry. Parking is available in the gravel lot on Madison Street across from the Justice Center, or behind City Hall for those attending court at the Courthouse on the square.
Requests by Mail
Written requests for record searches or copies can be mailed to:
Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 629
Manchester, TN 37349
Include the full party name, case number if known, the type of record requested, and a check or money order for applicable fees. The office accepts cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and debit/credit cards but does not accept personal checks. Fines and court costs can also be paid online with a case number.
Electronic Filing
Attorneys and authorized parties may file documents electronically in Coffee County’s Circuit and Chancery Courts through the Tybera e-filing system. E-filing became mandatory for all Chancery Court cases as of August 8, 2022. The county provides e-filing rules and helpful tips for those using the system.
Are Court Records Public in Coffee County?
Tennessee maintains a strong presumption of public access to court records. The Tennessee Public Records Act (Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 et seq.) guarantees the right to inspect public records held by government agencies, including the courts. This right is reinforced by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, which specifically addresses public access to court records.
What Is Open for Inspection
Under Rule 34, the public may inspect case records, administrative records, and judicial records maintained by the courts unless a specific exception applies. This includes filings in civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, divorce proceedings, and probate matters. The right extends to both paper files at the clerk’s office and records available through electronic databases.
Records That Are Confidential or Restricted
Rule 34 and Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504 identify several categories of records that are not open to public inspection:
- Adoption records
- Criminal records involving minors
- Probation and parole records
- Mental health court records
- Records sealed by court order or subject to a protective order
- Unpublished drafts of judicial orders and opinions
- Internal case management data (except appellate panel composition)
- Sensitive personal information such as medical records, business tax returns, abuse victim identifiers, and abortion records
- Conference notes, memoranda, and reports prepared by judges or judicial staff as part of deliberative processes
- Information regarding threats to judicial safety and court security assessments
Copy Fees
The Coffee County General Sessions Court charges the following for copies and related services, as reflected in its filing fee schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copies | $7.00 |
| Exemplification of records | $25.00 |
| Record searches having commercial value | $25.00 |
Chancery Court copy fees may differ; contact the Clerk and Master at (931) 723-5132 for current rates.
Coffee County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Coffee County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court and the General Sessions Court. Tennessee does not have a separate criminal court in every judicial district; in the Fourteenth Judicial District, the Circuit Court functions as the court of general jurisdiction for both civil and criminal matters. Two Circuit Court judges serve Coffee County: Judge William A. Lockhart (Part I) and Judge Robert T. Carter (Part II).
Jurisdictional Division
| Court | Criminal Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court | Felony trials, criminal appeals from General Sessions and Municipal Courts |
| General Sessions Court | Preliminary hearings in felony cases; misdemeanor trials when the defendant waives jury trial and grand jury investigation |
| Manchester Municipal Court | City ordinance violations within Manchester |
| Tullahoma Municipal Court | City ordinance violations within Tullahoma |
General Sessions Criminal Court is held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week at the Justice Center in Manchester. Part I (Judge Greg Perry) convenes on Tuesday, and Part II (Judge Gerald Ewell, Jr.) on Monday and Thursday, with trials and preliminary hearings conducted in the afternoons. Traffic Court is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be searched through the county’s online court records system by selecting “Criminal” as the case type and choosing either General Sessions or Circuit Court. In-person inquiries are handled at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
Traffic Citation Costs
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains a ticket cost sheet detailing fines and fees for various traffic offenses. Payments can be made at the clerk’s office, by mail to P.O. Box 629, Manchester, TN 37349, or online with a case number.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
For a comprehensive criminal history that extends beyond individual case lookups, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers name-based background checks for $29 per request. These can be submitted online through TORIS or by mailing a completed paper request form. Fingerprint-based checks are available through IdentoGo at $50 per individual request. Qualified organizations pay reduced rates: $37.15 for an applicant check, $33.15 for a volunteer check, and $23.90 for international adoption purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest and booking data are maintained by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office rather than the courts. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 76 County Jail Lane, Manchester, TN 37355, and can be reached at (931) 728-3591. For matters within the city of Manchester, the Manchester Police Department at 200 West Fort Street handles local arrest information at (931) 728-2099.
Coffee County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Coffee County is divided among the Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, and Chancery Court based on the nature of the claim, the amount in controversy, and the type of relief sought.
Jurisdictional Overview
The Circuit Court exercises general civil jurisdiction and hears contract disputes, civil tort claims, condemnation proceedings, workers’ compensation cases, and appeals from General Sessions and Juvenile Courts. The General Sessions Civil Court handles matters within specific monetary limits, including landlord-tenant disputes and small claims. The Chancery Court is a court of equity with concurrent jurisdiction over civil cases (except those for unliquidated damages) and all divorce actions.
General Sessions Civil Court convenes every Wednesday and on the third Friday of each month at the Justice Center.
Civil Filing Fees (General Sessions)
The General Sessions Court’s filing fee schedule, updated January 1, 2026, includes:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Summons / Detainer Summons / Summons to Recover Personal Property | $153.50 |
| Divorce with minor children | $341.50 |
| Divorce without minor children | $266.50 |
| Order of Protection | $203.50 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | $299.50 |
| Subpoena | $25.00 |
| Continuance | $25.00 |
| Post-judgment (garnishment, execution, levy, etc.) | $25.00 |
| Reopening a closed case | $25.00 |
Service Fees
| Service Provider | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sheriff’s Department service | $52.00 |
| Secretary of State service | $20.00 |
| Commissioner of Insurance service | $15.00 |
Available Forms
The General Sessions Court provides several downloadable forms for civil matters through the county website:
- Civil Summons
- Detainer Summons
- Summons to Recover Personal Property
- Writ of Possession
- Writ of Immediate Possession of Personal Property
- Motion for Installment Payments
- Motion to Quash
- Garnishment/Levy Request Form
The Chancery Court also provides forms including an Appeal Bond for Costs, Chancery Court Summons, and a Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency. The Clerk and Master’s office does not provide legal advice but will explain general court processes and procedures upon request.
If you have a disability and need assistance accessing the court or its records, contact the ADA Coordinator, Jenny Anthony, at (931) 723-5110 or by email at jennya@coffeecountytn.org.
Coffee County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Coffee County are handled across several courts depending on the type of proceeding. Divorce actions may be filed in the Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, or Chancery Court, as all three have concurrent jurisdiction over dissolutions of marriage in the Fourteenth Judicial District. Child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other domestic relations cases are also heard by these courts, while matters involving minors’ welfare fall under the Juvenile Court.
Divorce Proceedings
The Chancery Court’s divorce page provides essential forms for parties seeking dissolution of marriage. Available forms include:
- Agreed Divorce Forms (through Justice for All Tennessee)
- Child Support Worksheet
- Permanent Parenting Plan Order
- Affidavit for Divorce – No Children
- Affidavit for Divorce – With Children
- Information for Certificate of Divorce or Annulment
- Approved Education Providers (for required parenting education courses)
Filing fees for a divorce with minor children total $341.50 through General Sessions, while a divorce without children costs $266.50. An order of protection carries a filing fee of $203.50. Individuals filing without an attorney should be aware that forms purchased from office supply stores or the internet may not comply with Tennessee law.
Juvenile Court
The Coffee County Juvenile Court shares jurisdiction with the General Sessions Court and handles cases involving delinquent, unruly, dependent, or neglected minors. It also addresses truancy, termination of parental rights, child support, and other domestic relations matters. Two judges serve the Juvenile Court: Judge Greg Perry (Part I) and Judge Gerald Ewell (Part II). Dependent and neglect cases are heard on Mondays and Thursdays. Unruly and delinquent matters begin at 9:00 a.m. on the second, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month. Child support cases are heard monthly. Juvenile records are confidential under Tennessee law and are not available for public inspection.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Coffee County are issued by the County Clerk’s office, headed by Teresa H. McFadden. The office is located at 1327 McArthur Street, Manchester, TN 37355, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (931) 723-5106. Marriage license applications and specialty certificate options are available through the Coffee County Clerk online portal.
Vital Records — Marriage, Divorce, Birth, and Death Certificates
Certified copies of vital event certificates are issued by the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Each certified copy costs $15, regardless of the record type. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at Tennessee Vital Records, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 (open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), or at any local health department statewide.
- By mail using the applicable application form:
Mail requests must include the completed and signed application, a copy of valid identification, and a check or money order for $15 per copy payable to Tennessee Vital Records.
Coffee County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Coffee County are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chancery Court, which has administered decedent estates since 1980. Before that year, the County Clerk held probate jurisdiction. Today, all petitions to probate a will or administer an estate must be filed with the Clerk and Master at the Chancery Court.
Filing Requirements
The Chancery Court does not provide petition and order forms for general probate matters — those must typically be prepared by an attorney. However, the court does offer a number of downloadable forms for specific probate tasks:
- Claim Against Estate
- Consent to Serve and Waiver of Bond
- Notice to Creditors
- Probate Status Report
- Agent Appointment by Nonresident Fiduciary
- Small Estate Petition Without Will
- Small Estate Petition With Will
- Order Allowing Small Estate With Will
- Small Estate Consent and Waiver Form
- Petitioner Oath for a Small Estate
A release from TennCare is required in all probated estates, regardless of the decedent’s age at the time of death.
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records can be reviewed in person at the Chancery Court Clerk and Master’s office on the first floor of the Justice Center at 300 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN 37355. Call (931) 723-5132 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) to confirm availability of specific files or to inquire about copy fees.
Property Records
While not strictly probate records, property-related filings often become relevant during estate administration. The Coffee County Register of Deeds maintains deed, lien, and property transfer records. The Register can be reached at (931) 723-5130. The Coffee County Property Assessor at 1341 McArthur Street, Suite 3, Manchester, TN 37355, Phone: (931) 723-5126, provides property valuation and ownership data during regular office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Some property records are also available online through the Tennessee Property Assessment Data portal maintained by the state Comptroller of the Treasury.