Divorce records in Knox County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. KnoxCourt.us allows for quick access to publicly available information on divorce records. Additionally, the complete court files are maintained by the clerk of the court that issued the decision—usually the Circuit Court or Chancery Court of the county. The Knox County Clerk handles certain documents, while the Tennessee Office of Vital Records issues divorce certificates at the state level.
Knox Divorce Records Search
In Knox County, divorce records are maintained by two main offices. The Circuit and Chancery Court Clerk's Office keeps a full set of files—court decrees, settlement agreements, custody and support orders, and all procedural documents filed throughout the case. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records maintains a separate registry and issues official divorce certificates for divorces filed since July 1945.
The collection of court records includes:
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Marital Dissolution Agreements
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support and alimony orders
- Pleadings and responses from parties
To search for court cases, you can use the resources of the Circuit and Chancery Court of Knox County or submit a request through the county public records portal.
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Knox
In Tennessee, divorce cases are heard by two general jurisdiction courts—Circuit Court and Chancery Court. In Knox County, both courts have the authority to accept divorce filings, so the specific court depends on where the plaintiff filed the petition. Once a final decision is made, the clerk of the respective court retains the original case file. The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved standard divorce forms that are accepted in all state courts.
Where to go depends on what is needed:
- Complete court case (decree, agreements, orders) — Knox County Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk's Office.
- Divorce certificate for proof of divorce — Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
Knox County Circuit & Chancery Court Clerk
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
The state maintains indexed divorce records starting from July 1945. For divorces prior to this date, you need to contact the clerk's office of the county where the decision was made. Additional information about the state's court system can be found on the official website of the Tennessee judiciary.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Knox
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate (Vital Records, State of TN) | $15.00 | 3–6 weeks by mail |
| Copy of Court Decree (Court Clerk, Knox County) | $0.50 per page | Typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified Copy of Court Document | $5.00 – $6.00 per document plus copying costs | 1–5 business days |
| Vital Records Search (additional year search) | $5.00 per additional year | Included in overall processing time |