Shelby County Court Records

Shelby County court records are the official papers and files created by trial-level courts, including the Circuit, Chancery, General Sessions, and Probate Courts. These records cover many case parts, such as initial filings, hearing schedules, judges' rulings, and other legal actions. Court clerks manage and preserve these documents to ensure accuracy and access.

Unlike other government records in Tennessee, the Tennessee Public Records Act does not control court records. Instead, they follow Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, which sets the rules for how records are defined, who can view them, and which ones must remain private. For example, sealed cases, judges' personal notes, or draft opinions are not open to the public.

Are Shelby County Court Records Public?

Yes, most Shelby County court records are open to the public, so anyone can see what happened in a case. Most of the time, one can look at civil cases, criminal cases, traffic cases, and other routine court filings. However, some records are off-limits to keep people safe or private. For example, cases involving children in juvenile court, records sealed by a judge, judges' private notes or drafts (Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34), and certain records tied to ongoing criminal investigations are not open to the public.

What Information is Available in Shelby County Court Records?

A Shelby County court record usually includes the following:

• Case Details: Basic information such as the case number, the date it was filed, the type of case, and the judge's name.
• People Involved: The names of the people or organizations in the case and their lawyers.
• Charges or Claims: In criminal cases, this means the charges against the defendant. It shows the complaint or dispute in civil cases, like a contract problem or injury claim.
• Court Actions: A record of what the court has done, including hearing dates, motions filed, rulings, and the final judgment or sentence.
• Documents and Evidence: Important papers filed in the case, such as sworn statements, exhibits, and lists of witnesses.
• Court Docket: A timeline that shows each step in the case, from the first filing to the last decision.
• Money Information: Details about money connected to the case, such as bail, fines, court fees, or payments ordered by the court, like restitution or damages.
• Special Records: Some cases have extra documents. For example, family cases may include divorce decrees or custody orders, while probate cases may contain wills, estate files, or guardianship papers.

Shelby County Court Records Search

Shelby County court records can be accessed online, in person, by mail, or by phone.

For online access, different official portals serve different case types:

• General Sessions Criminal Justice System Portal - for criminal cases.
• Civil Division's Online Services - for civil cases.
• CourtConnect - for Circuit Court matters.

Through the county's online systems, users can search case details, follow court actions, and view filings from anywhere with an internet connection.

When accessing records in person, the court clerks provide public computer terminals for case searches, and staff are available to assist with locating and copying files. A requester must visit the correct clerk's office depending on the case type, General Sessions for civil or criminal matters, or Circuit Court for others. Some divisions also maintain satellite offices to give the public additional service locations.

Records may also be requested by mail or by phone. In most cases, the requester must submit a records request form with contact information and case details. Mailed requests usually need a self-addressed stamped envelope so the documents can be returned. Copy fees are generally about $0.50 per page, while certified copies cost about $5 each. Payment is accepted in person by cash, credit card, or money order, and online payments are usually accepted by card.

Fees for Court Records in Shelby County

Court record fees in Shelby County vary by court but generally cost $0.50 per page for regular copies and an additional $5.00 for certified copies, with Chancery Court and the Criminal Court Clerk following this structure, Probate Court charging $0.50 per page, and General Sessions Court adding fixed fees for certain filings such as petitions ($75), seizure warrants ($85.75), and expungements ($100-$450). Circuit Court also charges for copies, though amounts may vary by request. Online access is limited to case search portals and request forms, with no subscription service for unlimited access. Vital records, including birth and death certificates, are $15 per certified copy, with each additional copy also costing $15 at the Shelby County Health Department. Online orders placed through the third-party website used by the Shelby County Health Department include extra processing costs and a $21 delivery fee. At the state level, the Tennessee Department of Health applies the same $15 per copy fee for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, with optional charges such as $5 for supporting documents, $30 to open sealed files, and $15 for verified "no record found" letters.

Shelby County Courthouse Locations

Shelby County has several courthouses in downtown Memphis, each handling different types of cases. Below is where each courthouse is located, its phone numbers, and the types of cases it handles.

Criminal Records Access in Shelby County

Shelby County courts do not handle official state-level criminal history background checks. Instead, they are managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which serves as the state's central agency for criminal history information (the TBI collects and maintains arrest and conviction data reported by law enforcement agencies across Tennessee). Anyone needing a complete statewide background check, for jobs, licenses, or other official purposes, must request it directly from the TBI, either online or through its approved vendors, and pay the required fee.

Local criminal case records are available through Shelby County's courts. These records include cases from the General Sessions Criminal Court and the Criminal Court Clerk's Office and cover misdemeanor charges, felony hearings, and other criminal cases filed in Shelby County.

Inquirers may access these records in two main ways. One is through the county's online portals, where they can search by name, case number, or date; the online system shows details like charges, court dates, and a case's status. The other is by visiting the courthouse in person. The clerk's office has public computers for searches, and anyone who needs full files or certified copies can ask for them there, usually for a small fee.

Shelby County Probate Records

In Shelby County, probate records show how the court takes care of important legal matters like wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records explain what happens to someone's property after they pass away, how trusts are handled, or how the court chooses a guardian for a child or appoints a conservator for an adult who can't care for themselves because of age, illness, or disability. The files often include things like the will, property lists, financial reports, and court orders, making them valuable information about family and property matters.

Many of the newer probate records in Shelby County can be looked up online through the Probate Court's website, while older ones usually have to be found in person at the courthouse. Not every record is open for public view, though. Some cases are kept private, especially those that involve children, personal medical information, or mental health issues, to protect the people involved. While many probate cases can be searched online or requested at the clerk's office, some remain restricted by law for privacy reasons.

Shelby County Family Court Records

Shelby County family court records cover divorce, child custody, adoption, and child support cases. Divorce and custody records can be searched online through the Circuit Court Case Search Portal. Some family-related matters that fall under General Sessions jurisdiction can be checked using the General Sessions Case Inquiries page. Guardianships, name changes, and similar family issues are available through the Probate Court Records Search page. For a per-page fee plus certification costs, the clerk's office must obtain certified copies of family court documents, such as divorce decrees or custody orders. Adoption records remain sealed and may only be accessed with a court order.

Federal Court Records in Shelby County

The U.S. District Court handles federal court cases from Shelby County for the Western District of Tennessee in Memphis. This court takes on cases under federal law, including federal crimes, civil rights lawsuits, bankruptcy, and other legal matters that involve national laws.

The Clerk's Office keeps the records from these cases at the courthouse. People can ask for copies in person or by mail. Another way to look up these records is through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), an online system that lets people see federal court documents nationwide. PACER requires an account and charges a small fee for each page viewed or downloaded.