Knox County Divorce Records
What Are Knox County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Knox County, Tennessee are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office as part of the county's vital records system. Divorce records typically contain the final decree of divorce and related court filings that document the legal termination of a marriage.
The Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office processes and maintains these records pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101 et seq., which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records serve multiple purposes:
- They provide legal proof that a marriage has been dissolved
- They document the terms of property division, child custody arrangements, and support obligations
- They establish the legal date when parties may remarry
- They serve as reference documents for name changes and other legal matters
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-2952
Knox County Government
Are Knox County Divorce Records Public?
Knox County divorce records are considered public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act, T.C.A. § 10-7-503, which provides that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. This statute establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless otherwise provided by state law.
Members of the public may access divorce records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Online access through designated court record systems
- Written requests submitted to the clerk's office
Certain exceptions to public access may apply in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which protects specific categories of information from disclosure. In divorce cases, the court may seal certain records or portions thereof if they contain:
- Social Security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers
- Information related to victims of domestic violence
- Details concerning minor children
- Information deemed confidential by court order for good cause shown
The Tennessee Supreme Court has established procedures for redacting sensitive information from court filings through Supreme Court Rule 34, which helps balance public access with privacy concerns.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Knox County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Knox County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of divorce records for proceedings conducted within the county.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 for record search, $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification if needed)
For written requests:
- Submit a notarized letter to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office specifying the names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and your relationship to the case
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-2952
Knox County Government
Requestors should note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests and staffing levels. Standard processing typically takes 3-5 business days.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Knox County Online?
Knox County provides digital access to certain court records through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts' online systems. The Public Case History tool allows users to search for case information, including divorce proceedings.
To access divorce records online:
- Visit the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website
- Navigate to the Public Case History search function
- Select "Knox County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter the case number if known, or search by party name
- Review the case summary information available online
Users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Not all documents within a case file may be available online
- Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted
- The online system provides basic case information but may not include complete divorce decrees
For comprehensive divorce records, including certified copies of divorce decrees, individuals may need to contact the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the online system pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 34, which governs public access to court records.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Knox County?
Members of the public may access basic divorce record information in Knox County without payment through several methods, though fees typically apply for obtaining copies of documents.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of public divorce records at the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Basic case information through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts' Public Case History online search tool
- Limited information available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website
Individuals who are parties to the divorce case may be entitled to one free copy of their divorce decree at the time of judgment, pursuant to local court rules. For subsequent copies or third-party requests, standard fees apply.
Legal aid organizations may assist low-income individuals with obtaining necessary divorce records at reduced or no cost:
Legal Aid of East Tennessee
607 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-637-0484
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Knox County
Knox County divorce records typically contain multiple documents that collectively constitute the official record of a divorce proceeding. These records are maintained in accordance with T.C.A. § 36-4-101 et seq. and local court rules.
Standard components of a divorce record include:
- Complaint/Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Answer and/or Counter-Complaint - The respondent's formal reply to the divorce petition
- Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) - Document detailing the division of property, debts, and other financial matters
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved) - Outlines custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support obligations
- Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment terminating the marriage and incorporating the terms of settlement
- Certificate of Divorce - Statistical record filed with the Tennessee Department of Health
Additional documents that may be included:
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Financial declarations and asset disclosures
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
- Name change orders
- Child support worksheets and income verification
The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether the parties reached settlement agreements or required judicial determination of disputed issues.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Knox County?
Official proof of divorce in Knox County is typically established through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce. This document serves as legal evidence that a marriage has been dissolved and may be required for various purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and immigration matters.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Submit a request to the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative
- Provide the full names of both parties to the divorce, the approximate date of divorce, and case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document in addition to copy fees)
For expedited service, individuals may visit the clerk's office in person:
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-2952
Knox County Government
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 8-21-401, the clerk may charge statutory fees for certified copies. These certified documents bear the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk, rendering them acceptable for legal purposes both within Tennessee and in other jurisdictions.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Knox County?
While divorce proceedings in Knox County are generally matters of public record pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of specific aspects of divorce cases.
The court may order records sealed or redacted under the following circumstances:
- When disclosure would pose a risk to the safety of parties or children (e.g., cases involving domestic violence)
- To protect proprietary business information or trade secrets
- When the interests of minor children necessitate confidentiality
- For good cause shown pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34
Parties seeking confidentiality must:
- File a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access
- Obtain a court order specifically addressing the scope and duration of confidentiality
Even when records are not sealed entirely, Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34 requires the redaction of certain personal identifiers from court filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children (in certain contexts)
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in specific situations
Parties to divorce proceedings should consult with legal counsel regarding available protections for sensitive information, as the standard for sealing court records is high and requires specific judicial findings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Knox County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Knox County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court docket congestion. Tennessee law establishes certain minimum timeframes that affect all divorce cases.
Statutory waiting periods:
- For divorces without minor children: Minimum 60-day waiting period from filing date to final hearing (T.C.A. § 36-4-101)
- For divorces with minor children: Minimum 90-day waiting period from filing date to final hearing (T.C.A. § 36-4-101)
Typical timeframes for Knox County divorces:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 2-4 months from filing
- Contested divorces with negotiated settlement: 4-8 months from filing
- Fully contested divorces requiring trial: 8-18 months from filing
Factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:
- Discovery disputes and motions practice
- Valuation of complex assets or businesses
- Child custody evaluations
- Court scheduling constraints
- Temporary orders and hearings
- Mediation sessions
The Knox County Circuit Court encourages alternative dispute resolution through mediation to facilitate settlement and reduce time to resolution. Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31, mediation may be ordered in most contested divorce cases.
How Long Does Knox County Keep Divorce Records?
Knox County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Tennessee records retention schedules established by the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. These retention policies ensure the preservation of important legal and historical documents.
The retention system includes:
- Original case files maintained by the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office indefinitely
- Microfilm or digital archiving of older records for preservation
- Indexes of divorce proceedings maintained permanently for public reference
While the physical storage location of records may change over time, with older records potentially transferred to archival facilities, the legal obligation to maintain these records continues indefinitely. This permanent retention policy reflects the ongoing legal significance of divorce decrees, which establish important rights and obligations regarding property, support, and parental relationships.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 18-1-202, court clerks are required to safely keep all records of their respective courts. The Tennessee State Library and Archives provides guidance on proper preservation methods to ensure long-term access to these vital records.
How To Get a Divorce In Knox County
Individuals seeking divorce in Knox County must follow procedures established by Tennessee law and local court rules. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
For uncontested divorces (both parties in agreement):
- Prepare and file a Complaint for Divorce with the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $264.50, subject to change)
- File a Marital Dissolution Agreement detailing property division and financial arrangements
- File a Parenting Plan if minor children are involved
- Serve the non-filing spouse with divorce papers or have them sign a Waiver of Service
- Wait the statutory period (60 days without children, 90 days with children)
- Schedule and attend the final hearing
For contested divorces (disagreement on terms):
- File the Complaint for Divorce and pay filing fees
- Ensure proper service of process on the respondent spouse
- Participate in mandatory disclosure of financial information
- Attend temporary hearings if needed for support or custody
- Engage in discovery process (interrogatories, depositions, document requests)
- Participate in court-ordered mediation
- Prepare for and attend trial if settlement cannot be reached
- Obtain Final Decree of Divorce
Individuals may access court-approved divorce forms through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website. These standardized forms have been approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court as legally sufficient.
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-2952
Knox County Government
How To Get Divorce Papers In Knox County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Knox County may obtain the necessary forms through several authorized channels. The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved standardized divorce forms that are accepted in all Tennessee courts, including Knox County Circuit Court.
To obtain divorce papers:
- Download court-approved divorce forms from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website
- Visit the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person to request paper copies of forms
- Consult with the Knox County Law Library for reference materials and form packets
- Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee for assistance if income-eligible
The required forms vary based on individual circumstances:
- With or without minor children
- Contested or uncontested divorce
- Grounds for divorce (irreconcilable differences or fault-based)
Basic forms typically include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Certificate of Divorce (statistical form)
- Marital Dissolution Agreement (for agreed divorces)
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Individuals should note that while standardized forms are available, proper completion requires attention to detail and understanding of legal requirements. The court clerk's staff cannot provide legal advice regarding form completion or divorce strategy.
Knox County Law Library
Main Street, Suite L-174
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-8750
Lookup Divorce Records in Knox County
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts