Knox County Divorce Records

What Are Knox County Divorce Records?

Knox County divorce records are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within Knox County, Tennessee. These records are maintained by the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and contain information about the divorce proceedings, including the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce, and other relevant details. Divorce records are part of the public record system and serve as official documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated.

Are Knox County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Knox County are considered public records under Tennessee law. This means that most divorce documents can be accessed by any member of the public. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed by court order to protect privacy, particularly in cases involving children, domestic violence, or financial details. The Knox County Records Management Division handles public records requests according to the Tennessee Public Records Act.

Knox County Records Management Division, 601 Main Street, Suite 360, Knoxville, TN 37902

How To Find a Divorce Record In Knox County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Knox County in 2025, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person
2. Provide the names of both parties involved in the divorce
3. Specify the approximate date of the divorce if known
4. Pay the required search and copy fees
5. Submit a written request using the Public Records Request Form if you cannot visit in person

The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains divorce records for cases filed in Knox County and can provide certified copies upon request.

Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 400 Main Street, Suite 416, Knoxville, TN 37902

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Knox County Online?

Knox County offers limited online access to divorce records. To look up divorce records online:

1. Visit the Knox County Records Management website
2. Use the Public Records Portal to search for available records
3. Note that not all divorce record details are available online due to privacy considerations
4. For comprehensive records, you may need to submit a formal request or visit in person

While basic case information may be searchable online, complete divorce files typically require an in-person visit or formal request.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Knox County?

You can access basic divorce record information for free in Knox County by:

1. Visiting the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person to view public records
2. Using public access terminals at the courthouse to search for case information
3. Checking the online Public Records Portal for basic case information

While viewing records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees. The standard fee structure includes charges for searches and per-page copying costs.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Knox County

Knox County divorce records typically include:

• Names of both spouses
• Date and location of the marriage
• Date the divorce was filed and finalized
• Grounds for divorce
• Property division agreements
• Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
• Child support determinations (if applicable)
• Alimony arrangements (if applicable)
• Court orders related to the divorce
• Final divorce decree

The comprehensiveness of records may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether certain information has been sealed by the court.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Knox County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Knox County:

1. Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
2. Complete the Public Records Request Form specifying the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce
3. Pay the required certification fee (typically $5-15 per document plus search fees)
4. Provide identification when picking up the certified copy

A certified copy of the divorce decree serves as legal proof of divorce and can be used for name changes, remarriage, and other legal purposes.

Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Knox County?

While most divorce records in Knox County are public, there are provisions for confidentiality:

1. Parties can request that certain sensitive information be sealed by court order
2. Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders limiting information access
3. Financial information and details about minor children may be redacted
4. In rare cases, entire divorce proceedings can be sealed if the court determines there is a compelling reason

To request confidentiality, parties must file a motion with the court explaining why certain information should be protected from public view.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Knox County?

The timeline for a divorce in Knox County varies:

• Uncontested divorces without children: Minimum 60 days from filing
• Uncontested divorces with children: Minimum 90 days from filing
• Contested divorces: 6 months to over a year depending on complexity

Factors affecting the timeline include:

• Whether the divorce is contested
• Complexity of asset division
• Child custody disputes
• Court scheduling and backlog
• Willingness of parties to negotiate

How Long Does Knox County Keep Divorce Records?

Knox County maintains divorce records permanently. As legal documents of significant importance, divorce records are preserved indefinitely and never destroyed. Older records may be archived but remain accessible through the Knox County Records Management Division. This permanent retention ensures that proof of divorce is always available for legal purposes regardless of when the divorce occurred.

How To Get a Divorce In Knox County

To initiate a divorce in Knox County:

1. Determine if you meet Tennessee residency requirements (6 months)
2. Obtain and complete the appropriate divorce petition forms from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
3. File the petition with the Circuit Court Clerk and pay the filing fee (approximately $300-400)
4. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse according to legal requirements
5. Wait the mandatory waiting period (60 days without children, 90 days with children)
6. Attend all required court hearings
7. Finalize the divorce through a settlement agreement or court trial

If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can apply for a fee waiver by completing an Affidavit of Indigency.

Knox County Fourth Circuit Court, 400 Main Street, Suite 416, Knoxville, TN 37902

How To Get Divorce Papers In Knox County

Divorce papers for Knox County can be obtained through several methods:

1. Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person to receive the appropriate forms
2. Download basic forms from the Tennessee State Courts website
3. Consult with an attorney who can prepare customized documents
4. Visit the Knox County Law Library for access to form books and resources
5. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee for assistance if you qualify financially

The specific forms needed depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and whether children are involved.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee, 607 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37902

Lookup Divorce Records in Knox County

For more information about divorce records in Knox County, please visit these official resources:

• Divorce Records - Knox County Tennessee Government - Official information on accessing divorce records in Knox County
• Birth, Death Marriage & Divorce Records - Knox County, Tennessee - Comprehensive overview of obtaining various vital records
• Knox County Public Records Policy - Details on the public records policy and request procedures
• Knox County Public Records Request Form A (PDF) - Official form for requesting public records

These resources provide official guidance on locating, requesting, and understanding divorce records in Knox County, Tennessee.