Tipton County Court Records Search

Tipton County, located in Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District alongside Fayette, Lauderdale, Hardeman, and McNairy counties, maintains a multi-court system that produces and preserves a wide range of legal records. The Circuit Court Clerk, the Chancery Court Clerk and Master, and the County Clerk each hold custody of distinct categories of court documents, from criminal case files and civil judgments to divorce decrees and probate inventories. Understanding which office maintains a particular record—and how to reach it—is the first step toward a successful search. This guide walks through each major record category, the offices responsible for them, applicable fees, and the practical steps needed to obtain copies.

Individuals seeking Tipton County court records can begin by consulting official clerk offices, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by state and county agencies. Tennessee court information, including case calendars and clerk contact details, may also be located through TennesseeCourts.us. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides statewide resources such as court rules, forms, and links to individual court clerk pages. For Tipton County specifically, the county government’s courts landing page lists phone numbers for every division and links to the web-based record inquiry system.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Tipton County?

Tipton County offers both in-person and electronic options for locating court case information. The method that works best depends on the type of case, the level of detail needed, and whether certified copies are required.

Online Case Search

The county provides a Court Records System covering General Sessions and Circuit Court filings. Users can query the database by:

Party name
Case number
Case year
Case type (criminal or civil)
Court type (Circuit or General Sessions)

Search results display filings, the assigned judge, fee assessments, case status, hearing dates, attorneys of record, and filed documents.

In-Person Requests

Physical case files are available for review at the Tipton County Justice Center during regular business hours. The two primary custodial offices are:

Office	Address	Phone
Circuit Court Clerk (Circuit, General Sessions, Juvenile)	1801 South College Street, Suite 102, Covington, TN 38019	(901) 475-3320
Chancery Court Clerk and Master	1801 South College Street, Suite 110, Covington, TN 38019	(901) 476-0209

Walk-in visitors may inspect public case files and request copies from the appropriate clerk. The Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts now accept payment by debit card, credit card through the online payment portal, and phone.

Mail Requests

Written requests should specify the case number (if known), party names, and the documents needed, and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests for Circuit or General Sessions records go to Suite 102 at the Justice Center; Chancery and probate matters go to Suite 110.

Are Court Records Public in Tipton County?

Tennessee law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. Rule 34 of the Tennessee Supreme Court confirms that the public has the right to inspect records maintained by the state’s courts, and it directs court clerks to search for and reproduce copies upon request once applicable fees are paid.

The right of access is not unlimited. Rule 34, Section 2© identifies several categories of court records that are confidential and closed to public inspection:

Documents excepted from disclosure under the Tennessee Public Records Act, T.C.A. § 10-7-504
Records sealed by court order or subject to a protective order
Unpublished drafts of judicial opinions and orders
Internal judicial memoranda, notes, and deliberative materials prepared by or for a judge
Internal case management data (except appellate panel composition)
Recusal information maintained by individual judges, unless filed in the case record
Information concerning threats to judicial personnel and court security audits

Additionally, T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a) restricts access to records that could compromise ongoing law enforcement investigations or jeopardize a party’s right to fair judicial proceedings. Juvenile case records are generally not open to the public unless the minor was tried as an adult, per Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134. Adoption files are sealed and require a court order for release.

When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide valid identification and a clear description of the documents sought. The clerk’s office may redact confidential information—such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth of minors—before releasing copies.

Tipton County Criminal Court Records

Criminal matters in Tipton County are handled by the Circuit Court (felonies) and the General Sessions Court (misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings). The Circuit Court Clerk, Mike Forbess, serves as custodian for records in both courts, as well as the Juvenile Court.

Where to Search

Online — Use the county’s Court Records System to look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or year. Both Circuit Court felony cases and General Sessions misdemeanor cases are searchable.
In person — Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at the Tipton County Justice Center, 1801 South College Street, Suite 102, Covington, TN 38019. Phone: (901) 475-3320
By mail — Send a written request with the defendant’s full name, approximate date of arrest or case filing, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above.

Statewide Criminal Background Checks

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides two types of criminal history searches:

Name-based check (general public): Available to any person without fingerprints. Cost is $29 per request, payable by money order, personal or business check, cashier’s check, or credit card. Requests may be submitted online through the TBI portal or by mail using the Tennessee Criminal History Information Request form. Mail submissions go to: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – TORIS Unit, 901 Road Side Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216.
Fingerprint-based check (qualified entities): Processed through a TBI-approved contractor. The fee is $37 for applicants, $33.15 for volunteer organizations, and $23.90 for international adoptions.

For questions about either check, contact Tennessee Open Records Information Services at (615) 744-4057.

Sheriff’s Office

The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports and booking records. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 1801 South College Street, Suite 106, Covington, TN 38019, and can be reached at (901) 475-3300. The corrections division operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tips regarding criminal investigations may be emailed to sheriff@tiptonco.com or phoned to (901) 475-3007.

Juvenile criminal records are not publicly disclosable except when a minor was tried as an adult under Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134.

Tipton County Civil Court Records

Civil cases in Tipton County are divided between two courts based on jurisdictional limits and case type. The Circuit Court hears cases involving larger monetary claims and equity matters, while the General Sessions Court handles civil disputes within its monetary jurisdiction, including small claims.

General Sessions Court

General Sessions civil jurisdiction is established by state statute and private acts specific to each county. The court handles civil lawsuits up to its monetary cap, eviction proceedings, and other statutory actions. The Honorable M.O. Eckel III presides over General Sessions matters in Tipton County.

General Sessions Court
Address: 1801 South College Street, Suite 102, Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 475-3310

Local rules governing civil and criminal procedure in General Sessions are available through the court’s published local rules of practice.

Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction and handles civil matters exceeding General Sessions limits, tort claims, and cases in equity.

Circuit Court
Address: 1801 South College Street, Suite 102, Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 475-3320

How to Obtain Civil Records

Online: Search the Court Records System by party name, case number, or case year. Results include filing information, fees assessed, case status, hearing dates, and filed documents.
In person: Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office during business hours to inspect files or order copies.
By mail: Submit a written request identifying the case number or party names, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, to the Circuit Court Clerk at Suite 102.

Copy fees are assessed per the clerk’s schedule. Certified copies of civil documents typically cost $1 per page. Staff at the clerk’s office and the Law Library cannot provide legal advice.

Municipal Courts

Several municipalities within Tipton County operate city courts that hear code enforcement and traffic matters:

Court	Address	Phone
Atoka Municipal Court	68 Atoka-McLaughlin Drive, Atoka, TN 38004	(901) 837-5302
Brighton City Court	139 North Main Street, Brighton, TN 38011	(901) 476-8661
Covington City Court	200 West Washington Avenue, Covington, TN 38019	(901) 476-9613
Mason City Court	12157 Main Street, Mason, TN 38049	(901) 294-3525
Munford City Court	1397 Munford Avenue, Munford, TN 38058	(901) 837-0171

Records from these courts are maintained by the individual municipalities.

Tipton County Family Court Records

Family-related legal matters in Tipton County are heard primarily by the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court, depending on the nature of the case. The Juvenile Court handles matters involving minors, including dependency, neglect, delinquency, and temporary custody petitions.

Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings are filed in either the Circuit Court or the Chancery Court. The Chancery Court, under the Clerk and Master Gina D. Smith, typically handles divorces that involve division of property and equitable relief. The Circuit Court handles divorce actions that do not involve contested property disputes.

Copies of divorce decrees and certificates from 1966 to the present are available from the court where the case was filed. Older divorce records (1823–1966) are maintained by the County Clerk’s office. Fees for certified copies are $5 per document; standard copies cost $0.50 per page.

The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records issues divorce certificates at $15 per copy. Applicants must submit the Application for Certified Copy of Tennessee Certificate of Divorce or Annulment along with a valid government-issued photo ID and a notarized form. Mail orders go to:

Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower (Rosa Parks Boulevard side)
710 James Robertson Parkway, 1st Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

Divorce decrees themselves are not publicly available; access is limited to the parties, their attorneys, and individuals authorized by court order.

Marriage Licenses and Certificates

Marriage licenses are issued exclusively at the Tipton County Clerk’s Covington location. Hours for marriage license services are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

License fee: $97.50 (reduced to $37.50 with a completed premarital preparation course and Certificate of Completion form)
Requirements: Both applicants must appear in person, bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, certified birth certificate, or passport), and sign the permanent record book
No blood test or waiting period required
License valid for 30 days from date of issue

The Marriage License Application Form may be downloaded in advance. The County Clerk’s office is located at 220 Highway 51 North, Suite 2, Covington, TN 38019. Phone: (901) 476-0207

Certified copies of marriage certificates can be ordered through the online Marriage Record Lookup tool. The County Clerk maintains marriage records dating from 1840 to the present.

Juvenile Court

The Tipton County Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings involving minors alleged to be delinquent, unruly, dependent, or neglected. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit, Chancery, and Probate Courts in certain areas. Judge M.O. Eckel III presides over juvenile matters.

Clerk’s Office (filing, payments, docket information): (901) 475-3315
Juvenile Court Office (petitions for delinquency, unruly behavior, or temporary custody): (901) 475-3322
Youth Services Officers: Xavier Richardson and Casey Duncan

Local rules specific to juvenile proceedings are published in the court’s Juvenile Court Rules. Juvenile records are confidential and not available to the general public.

Birth and Death Records

Although not court records, birth and death certificates are often needed alongside family court matters. The Tipton County Clerk, in partnership with the Tennessee Office of Vital Records, can assist with ordering certified copies. The state fee is $15 per certificate. Applicants must complete the appropriate application form—birth certificate or death certificate—and submit it in person or by mail to the state Vital Records office in Nashville.

Tipton County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Tipton County—including the administration of decedents’ estates, validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and establishment of guardianships and conservatorships—are handled by the Chancery Court. The Clerk and Master, Gina D. Smith, maintains probate files and processes filings and requests.

Where Probate Records Are Held

Wills and estate records dated 1982 to present are maintained by the Chancery Court Clerk and Master at:

Tipton County Chancery Court
1801 South College Street, Suite 110
Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 476-0209
Probate records and wills from 1823 to 1982 are available through the County Clerk’s office at 220 Highway 51 North, Suite 2, Covington, TN 38019.

Types of Probate Records

Probate case files in Tipton County typically include:

Last wills and testaments
Letters testamentary and letters of administration
Estate inventories and accountings
Petitions for appointment of guardians or conservators
Orders approving final distribution of estate assets

How to Request Probate Records

Identify the time period. Records before 1982 are held by the County Clerk; records from 1982 onward are with the Chancery Court Clerk and Master.
Provide identifying details. Include the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death, and case number if known.
Submit your request. Visit the appropriate office in person, call ahead to confirm availability, or mail a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Pay applicable fees. Certified copies are available at the clerk’s standard per-page rate.

The Chancery Court Chancellors overseeing Tipton County probate matters are William C. “Bill” Cole and Kasey Culbreath. Individuals who need assistance locating older estate records may also contact the County Clerk’s office at (901) 476-0207.

Probate records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Guardianship and conservatorship files may contain confidential medical or financial evaluations that are restricted from public inspection under state law.