Marion County Public Records /Marion County Divorce Records

Marion County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Marion County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Marion County may access publicly available information through MarionTNRecords.us and official government sources. Divorce records in Marion County, Tennessee, are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and may include final decrees, case filings, settlement agreements, and related court documents. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the date of filing, case status, and applicable privacy protections.

Records available through official channels may include:

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage
Petitions for divorce and responses
Parenting plans and child custody orders
Property division agreements
Spousal support orders
Post-judgment modification orders

Members of the public may search for divorce records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available for locating Marion County divorce records.

Multiple Search Methods:

Online Searches:

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the Tennessee Court Case Search portal, which allows members of the public to search civil and family court cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The Tennessee Courts statewide portal provides access to case information across multiple jurisdictions, including Marion County Circuit Court. Users may search consolidated databases for divorce proceedings filed throughout the state.

3. State Vital Records

Tennessee does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Tennessee Department of Health maintains a Divorce Index for statistical purposes. Certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained directly from the Circuit Court Clerk where the case was filed.

In-Person Searches:

Clerk of Court — Marion County Circuit Court:

Marion County Circuit Court Clerk
Courthouse Square, 1 Courthouse Square
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2515
Tennessee Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical form and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older cases should be submitted directly to the clerk's office.

By Mail:

Written Request:

Mail to: Marion County Circuit Court Clerk, 1 Courthouse Square, Jasper, TN 37347
Include the following information:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (423) 942-2515
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information

Through Attorneys:

Licensed attorneys may access divorce case files on behalf of clients, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions. The Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment enforcement.

Information Needed for Search:

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Marion County
Names of minor children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County:

Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under Tennessee law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-104. The divorce is filed in the county of the filing spouse's residence.

Time Considerations:

Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed.
Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper form, may not be digitized, and may require additional retrieval time upon request.

What If You Cannot Find a Record:

Verify the correct county of filing
Attempt alternate name spellings, including maiden names
Search under both spouses' names
Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
Contact the clerk's office at (423) 942-2515 for assistance
Check the Tennessee Department of Health Divorce Index for statistical confirmation
Retain a licensed attorney for complex search situations

What Are Marion County Divorce Records?

Marion County divorce records are official court documents generated during divorce proceedings filed in the Marion County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as the primary custodian. Divorce records serve as the legal documentation of the dissolution of a marriage and encompass all pleadings, orders, and judgments entered during the case.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and timesharing schedules
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree:

The final decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support arrangements, if any
Child custody and timesharing provisions, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Supporting Documents:

Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
Financial disclosure documents
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan attachments
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court:

The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by party name and case number, provides certified copies, and maintains both active and archived files.

State Vital Records Office:

The Tennessee Department of Health maintains a Divorce Index for statistical and verification purposes. This index does not constitute a certified copy of the divorce decree; certified copies must be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, procedural requirements, and the legal framework for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings.

Are Marion County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Marion County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.

Public Access Policy:

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and chronology

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Specific account balances (may have limited access)

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children
Names of schools children attend
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Medical records submitted as exhibits
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal specific documents or entire case files upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving domestic violence, abuse allegations, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders.

Privacy Protections:

Tennessee court rules require that parties redact Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information about minor children from publicly filed documents. Federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), provides additional protections for medical information submitted in court proceedings.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a showing of legitimate need.
Researchers and media: May access public portions of divorce records. Access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use such records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of divorce status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain government agencies, including child protective services and law enforcement, may have statutory authority to access restricted records without a court order.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Marion County?

The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401, which governs court clerk fee schedules in Tennessee.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document
Certification fee	$2.00 per certification
Electronic copy (if available)	Varies by office
Search fee	No separate search fee currently assessed

Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect divorce records at the clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours.
Certified copies: A certified copy of the final divorce decree, suitable for legal purposes such as remarriage or name change, is available for a standard certification fee.
Plain copies: Uncertified photocopies of filed documents are available at the per-page rate.
Payment methods: The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk currently accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks made payable to the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting mail requests.
Fee waivers: Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to copies of their own case documents at reduced or no cost, subject to court approval.
Online access: Basic case information available through the Tennessee Court Case Search portal is provided at no charge. Fees apply for obtaining copies of actual documents.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Marion County

A complete Marion County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case Caption:

Case number assigned by the clerk
Court name and division (Marion County Circuit Court)
Petitioner and respondent names
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date of initial filing
Filing fees paid
Case type designation (divorce/dissolution)
Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Petitioner's identifying information
Respondent's identifying information
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown or fault-based grounds under Tennessee law)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property
Requests for spousal support and child support
Relief requested from the court

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties' income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Marital assets, including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
Marital liabilities, including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt

Discovery Documents:

Discovery materials filed with the court may include tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, retirement account statements, interrogatory answers, and responses to requests for production of documents. Business financial statements may be included when a party owns a business interest subject to valuation.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
Debt inventory with creditor information and balances
Real property appraisals
Business valuations prepared by qualified experts
Personal property appraisals for significant items

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
Physical custody and primary residential parent designation
Regular timesharing schedule
Holiday and vacation timesharing schedule
Transportation arrangements
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet using Tennessee Child Support Guidelines
Income information for both parents
Number of overnight parenting days
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Amount of support ordered and payment schedule

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Home study findings
Parenting assessments and recommendations
Child interview summaries (may be sealed)

Support Documents:

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony awarded (transitional, rehabilitative, or long-term)
Monthly amount and duration
Conditions for modification or termination
Payment schedule and method

Settlement Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Real property distribution and transfer instructions
Personal property and asset division
Debt allocation between parties
Spousal support terms
Child-related provisions
Attorney fee allocation
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and support arrangements
Temporary use and possession of marital residence
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued

Final Judgment of Dissolution:

Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
Date of dissolution of marriage
Property division awards to each party
Debt allocation orders
Spousal support orders
Child custody and timesharing provisions
Child support orders
Name restoration order, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): When retirement accounts are divided, a separate QDRO is entered directing the plan administrator to divide benefits in accordance with the divorce decree.

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement actions
Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Liens filed against property for unpaid support

What's Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Financial account numbers (redacted)
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence evidence and related filings (may be sealed)
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements

How Information Is Organized:

Divorce case files are organized chronologically, with each document assigned a filing date and document number. The case docket reflects the complete filing sequence and serves as an index to all documents in the file. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system; older cases may exist in paper form or as scanned digital images.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Marion County?

Proof of divorce in Marion County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, and other legal matters.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

In person: Visit the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 1 Courthouse Square, Jasper, TN 37347, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Pay the applicable certification fee.
By mail: Submit a written request to the clerk's office including the names of both parties, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requestor's contact information, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online: Basic case verification is available through the Tennessee Court Case Search portal. Certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.

Marion County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Courthouse Square
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2515
Tennessee Courts

For individuals who require verification of divorce status without a certified copy, the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records maintains a Divorce Index that may confirm whether a divorce was recorded in the state's statistical database.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Marion County?

Divorce proceedings in Marion County are presumptively public under the Tennessee Public Records Act; however, specific documents or entire case files may be sealed by court order under defined circumstances.

Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained an order of protection or when domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings, the court may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect the safety of victims.
Cases involving minor children: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed to protect the privacy and welfare of minor children.
Confidential settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal settlement agreements containing sensitive financial or personal information, though courts apply a balancing test before granting such requests.
Mediation records: Under Tennessee law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
Sealed by court order: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed upon a showing of good cause. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed divorce records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The applicable legal framework is found in the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure and the Tennessee Public Records Act.

How Long Does Marion County Keep Divorce Records?

Marion County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Tennessee State Library and Archives records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for court records.

Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final divorce decrees are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
Complete case files: Active and recently closed divorce case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment.
Archived cases: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to archival storage. Paper records may be microfilmed or digitized for long-term preservation.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Supporting documents within the case file are retained for the same period as the case file itself.
Post-judgment modification records: Modification proceedings generate separate case files or supplemental filings that are retained as part of the original case record.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the court's case management system are maintained in digital format and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives provides guidance on court record retention through the Tennessee Records Management Program. Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those maintained in the clerk's active files should contact the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk directly to inquire about archival retrieval procedures.