Putnam County Court Records Search
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Putnam County is located in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, with its county seat in Cookeville. The county falls within the Thirteenth Judicial District and operates a multi-court system that includes Circuit Court, Criminal Court, Chancery Court, General Sessions Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court. All of these courts are housed within the Putnam County Justice Center on East Spring Street in Cookeville. Residents, attorneys, and researchers looking to access court records will interact primarily with two offices: the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, which serves the Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts, and the Clerk and Master’s Office, which serves the Chancery and Probate Courts.
For those beginning a search for court records in Tennessee, official court resources, clerk offices, and online databases all offer pathways to case information. The Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk’s website provides court dockets and case lookup tools for Circuit and General Sessions courts. The statewide TNCrtInfo portal also indexes case records from participating county courts, including Putnam County’s Circuit Court and General Sessions divisions. TennesseeCourts.us may further assist individuals in locating publicly available court case information and understanding the state’s judicial structure.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Putnam County?
Putnam County offers several methods for looking up court cases, depending on the type of case and the court that handled it.
Online Case Search — Circuit and General Sessions Courts
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains an online case lookup through TNCrtInfo. To search for Putnam County Circuit Court or General Sessions Court cases:
- Visit the Putnam County TNCrtInfo page.
- Select either “Circuit Court” or “General Sessions”.
- Use the search function to look up cases by party name, case number, or case year.
- Choose the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, etc.).
- Review the case details and docket entries in the results.
The Circuit Court Clerk’s dockets page also publishes current dockets for Circuit Civil, General Sessions Traffic, General Sessions Civil, General Sessions Criminal, and General Sessions Domestic calendars.
Chancery and Probate Court Records
For cases handled by the Chancery Court or Probate Court, contact the Clerk and Master’s Office directly. These records may not be available through the same online portal used for Circuit and General Sessions cases.
Appellate Court Records
Cases that have been appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or Court of Criminal Appeals can be searched through the Public Case History tool on the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may visit either clerk’s office during business hours to inspect court files, request copies, or obtain certified documents.
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court Clerk | 421 East Spring Street, Room 1C, Suite 49A, Cookeville, TN 38501 | (931) 528-1508 | (931) 526-2004 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Clerk and Master | 421 East Spring Street, Suite 1C38, Cookeville, TN 38501 | (931) 526-6321 | (931) 526-1914 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
Free shuttle service runs hourly between the Justice Center parking lots and the courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mail and Email Requests
Written requests for court records can be sent to the appropriate clerk’s office. Putnam County maintains a standardized Public Records Request form that can be submitted by mail or in person. The email address for the records clerk is recordsclerk@putnamcountytn.gov. Copy and certification fees set by the Tennessee General Assembly under state law may apply.
Online Payments
Court-related payments can be made online or by calling (866) 658-0845.
Municipal Courts
Several municipal courts also operate within Putnam County:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Algood City Court | 215 West Main Street, Algood, TN 38506 | (931) 537-9545 ext. 1550 |
| Baxter City Court | 200 Main Street, P.O. Box 335, Baxter, TN 38544 | (931) 858-4111 ext. 1 |
| Cookeville City Court | 1019 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501 | (931) 520-5254 |
| Monterey City Court | 711 East Commercial Avenue, Monterey, TN 38574 | (931) 839-2323 |
Are Court Records Public in Putnam County?
Court records in Putnam County are generally considered public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA). This means that docket entries, case filings, motions, orders, and judgments are ordinarily available for public inspection and copying. The TPRA applies to records created and maintained by government entities, including courts and their clerk offices.
That said, the TPRA contains hundreds of statutory exceptions that restrict access to certain types of records. In the court records context, the following categories are typically exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile court records (protected under Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134)
- Sealed court records
- Expunged criminal records
- Adoption proceedings
- Certain family law records involving custody disputes and domestic violence
- Medical and mental health records submitted in court proceedings
- Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
When a record has been sealed by court order, it is no longer available to the public. Individuals seeking access to sealed or restricted records must generally obtain a court order and demonstrate a valid legal justification. The Clerk and Master’s office and the Circuit Court Clerk’s office can advise on whether specific documents are subject to any restrictions before a formal request is submitted.
Putnam County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Putnam County are handled by two courts: the Criminal Court for felonies and the General Sessions Court for misdemeanor offenses. Both courts are supported by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, which maintains criminal case files, charging instruments, plea records, sentencing orders, and disposition records.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case dockets and records for cases processed through Circuit/Criminal Court and General Sessions Court can be searched through the Putnam County TNCrtInfo portal. The General Sessions Criminal Docket is also published on the Circuit Court Clerk’s website.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest and Incident Records
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports. The Records Division handles public requests for these documents.
To obtain records from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Visit the lobby at the Sheriff’s Office and fill out a Records Request Form
- For accident reports, provide the date and location of the crash
- Local background checks are also available through the Records Division
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Address: 421 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: (931) 528-8484 ext. 3224 or 3225
Fax: (931) 528-7353
Email: sheriff@putnamcountytnsheriff.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — Statewide Criminal History
For a formal Tennessee criminal history check, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) operates a public background check service through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Key details:
| Search Type | Fee | Fingerprints Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Only (General Public) | $29.00 | No |
| FBI Only (Nationwide) | $50.00 | Yes (via IdentoGO) |
| Qualified Organizations (TN & FBI) | $37.15 (applicant) / $33.15 (volunteer) | Yes |
The $29 name-based search can be completed through the TBI’s online request form (TORIS) or by submitting a paper form by mail. Results are delivered electronically to a valid email address. The fee is non-refundable. These results cover adult criminal history in Tennessee only — juvenile records are not included unless the individual was tried as an adult.
TBI Headquarters
Address: 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
The TBI also maintains several public registries, including the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, the Drug Offender Registry, and the Animal Abuse Registry.
Putnam County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Putnam County is divided among the Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, and Chancery Court, depending on the nature and dollar amount of the dispute. The Circuit Court handles civil actions including tort claims, contract disputes, and personal injury cases. The General Sessions Court handles civil disputes involving smaller amounts. The Chancery Court, operating within the Thirteenth Judicial District under Chancellor Ronald Thurman, handles equity cases, contract and debt disputes, property disputes, partition actions, boundary line disputes, quiet title actions, declaratory judgments, trust matters, minor settlements, name changes, enforcement of foreign judgments, judicial review cases, and various special remedies.
Where Civil Records Are Maintained
- Circuit Court and General Sessions civil records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk (Jennifer Wilkerson).
- Chancery Court civil records are maintained by the Clerk and Master (Brandi Ashburn).
Online Search
Circuit Court and General Sessions civil cases can be searched through the Putnam County TNCrtInfo portal. Current court calendars are available on the Circuit Court Clerk’s dockets page, which includes separate listings for Circuit Civil and General Sessions Civil dockets.
For Chancery Court cases, individuals should contact the Clerk and Master’s office directly, as these records may not appear in the TNCrtInfo system. The Clerk and Master also publishes chamber, session, and docket call dates for the Chancery Court on the county website.
Requesting Copies
To request copies of civil court records:
- Identify which court handled the case.
- Contact the appropriate clerk’s office by phone, email (recordsclerk@putnamcountytn.gov), or in person.
- Provide identifying details such as the case number, party names, and filing date.
- Pay any applicable copy or certification fees as established by state law.
The Public Records Request form may be used for written requests.
Putnam County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Putnam County are primarily handled by two courts. The Chancery Court hears divorce (dissolution of marriage), annulment, paternity, legitimation, child support enforcement, termination of parental rights, and adoption cases. The General Sessions Court also hears domestic matters, as reflected in its dedicated General Sessions Domestic Docket. Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, neglect, and custody matters involving children.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees finalized in Putnam County are maintained by the Clerk and Master’s Office if the case was heard in Chancery Court. Under Tennessee Code, Title 68, Chapter 3, divorce records more than 50 years old are public documents. For records less than 50 years old, access is restricted to the individuals named in the record, their legal representatives, or those with a direct familial or legal relationship. Older divorce records may also be available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
To request a divorce record, contact the Clerk and Master:
Clerk and Master’s Office
Address: 421 East Spring Street, Suite 1C38, Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: (931) 526-6321
Email: recordsclerk@putnamcountytn.gov
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and records are maintained by the Putnam County Clerk’s Office. Similar to divorce records, marriage records older than 50 years are public documents under Tennessee law. Newer records are restricted to the named parties, immediate family, or individuals with a legal interest. The County Clerk’s office is located at:
Putnam County Clerk’s Office
Address: 121 South Dixie Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: (931) 526-7106
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide the names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, and any other relevant details.
Child Custody and Support
Custody and child support matters handled through Chancery Court are in the Clerk and Master’s records. Domestic matters heard in General Sessions Court appear on the General Sessions Domestic Docket and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk.
Juvenile and Adoption Records
Juvenile court records are confidential under Tennessee law. Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134, these records are not accessible to the general public unless the juvenile was tried as an adult. Adoption records, also processed through the Chancery Court, are similarly restricted.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates, while not court records, are frequently relevant to family law proceedings. The Putnam County Health Department issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred anywhere in Tennessee.
- Birth certificates: $15.00 per copy
- Death certificates: $15.00 per copy
Requesters must present a valid photo ID or two alternative forms of identification. Under Tennessee Code, Title 68, Chapter 3, birth records become public after 100 years and death records after 50 years. For more recent records, access is limited to the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal guardians, or those with a direct legal interest. Certified death certificates listing cause of death are restricted to spouses, children, parents, or next of kin.
Putnam County Health Department
Address: Cookeville, TN
Phone: Contact the Health Department for current hours and availability.
Putnam County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Putnam County — including the administration of estates, validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, distribution of assets, resolution of creditor claims, and conservatorship and guardianship proceedings — are handled by the Chancery Court. The Clerk and Master’s Office serves as the custodian of all probate case records.
Types of Cases in the Probate Docket
The Chancery Court’s probate jurisdiction covers a broad range of proceedings, including conservatorship and guardianship appointments, estate administration, will contests, trust disputes, minor settlements, and related matters. These cases are assigned file numbers by the Clerk and Master’s office, and all documents filed during the administration process are maintained as part of the official record.
How to Access Probate Records
- In person — Visit the Clerk and Master’s Office at 421 East Spring Street, Suite 1C38, Cookeville, TN 38501, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
- By phone — Call (931) 526-6321 to inquire about specific probate case files and determine what records are available.
- By mail or email — Submit a written request to the Clerk and Master’s Office. Use the county’s Public Records Request form or email recordsclerk@putnamcountytn.gov with the decedent’s name, approximate date of death, and case number if known.
Public Access to Probate Records
Most probate records — including filed wills, inventories, court orders, and accountings — are public records and can be inspected or copied upon request. However, certain records within guardianship and conservatorship cases may contain sensitive medical or financial information subject to redaction. The Clerk and Master’s office can clarify access limitations for specific files.
The Clerk and Master’s Office also collects all delinquent property taxes for Putnam County and conducts delinquent tax sales, which intersect with probate matters in some estate administration cases. For additional resources on Tennessee probate law and procedures, the Florida Bar consumer guide is not applicable, but the Justice for All Tennessee resource page provides helpful direction for self-represented individuals navigating the probate process in Putnam County.