Blount County Public Records /Blount County Divorce Records

Blount County Divorce Records

What Are Blount County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Blount County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically originate in either the Chancery Court or Circuit Court of Blount County, depending on where the divorce petition was filed.

Divorce records serve multiple purposes for citizens and governmental entities:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change proceedings
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

The Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Vital Records maintains the state's central repository of divorce certificates, while the detailed case files remain with the court where the divorce was granted. In Blount County, divorce proceedings are primarily handled by the Chancery Court, with some cases being processed through the Circuit Court.

Are Blount County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Blount County maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act § 10-7-503, which establishes the presumption that government records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. However, this public access is subject to several important limitations and exceptions.

The following components of divorce records have different levels of accessibility:

Court proceedings and basic case information: Generally public and accessible through the Blount County court system
Financial affidavits and sensitive personal information: May be sealed or redacted from public view
Records involving minor children: Often subject to privacy protections
Cases involving domestic violence: May have protective orders restricting access
Certified divorce certificates: Limited access restricted to parties named in the divorce and their authorized representatives

The courts may seal certain divorce records or portions thereof when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, particularly in cases involving:

Domestic violence allegations
Child custody disputes
Sensitive financial information
Medical or mental health information

Pursuant to Tennessee law, certain information within divorce records may be automatically redacted, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information regarding minor children.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Blount County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Blount County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record sought and the intended use of the information.

For divorce records filed with the Chancery Court:

Blount County Chancery Court
345 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5500
Blount County Chancery Court

For divorce records filed with the Circuit Court:

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
926 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5700
Blount County Circuit Court

To obtain divorce records, requestors should:

Determine which court handled the divorce proceedings (Chancery or Circuit)
Prepare the following information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Submit a records request in person, by mail, or through the county's online system
Pay applicable fees for record search and copies
- Search fees typically range from $5-$15
- Copy fees are generally $1-$2 per page
- Certified copies may incur additional charges

For certified divorce certificates (not the full case file), requests must be submitted to:

Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Blount County Online?

Blount County provides digital access to certain divorce records through its online court records system. The Online Court Records Search portal allows users to search for cases filed from August 1, 2019 to the present. This system provides a convenient method for accessing basic case information without visiting the courthouse in person.

To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Visit the Blount County Online Court Records Search portal
Select the appropriate court (Circuit or Chancery) from the available options
Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Case number
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Party names
- Case status
For cases found in the system, users may view basic docket information and case status

It is important to note that the online system has several limitations:

Records prior to August 1, 2019 are not available through this system
Complete case files and documents are not viewable online
Sealed or confidential records are excluded from online access
Detailed financial information and exhibits are not accessible

For comprehensive divorce records or older cases, requestors must contact the appropriate court clerk's office directly or utilize the Public Records Request process through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Blount County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, Blount County residents may access certain divorce record information at no cost through several methods:

In-person inspection: Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), citizens have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. Requestors may visit:

Blount County Justice Center
926 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Public access terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching court records. While viewing is free, printing documents incurs standard copy fees.
Online case information: Basic case information can be viewed at no cost through the Online Court Records Search portal for cases filed after August 1, 2019.
Public libraries: The Blount County Public Library offers free internet access where patrons can utilize the county's online court records system:

Blount County Public Library
508 N Cusick Street
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 982-0981

It is important to note that while inspection of records may be free, the following services typically involve fees:

Printed copies of documents
Certified copies of divorce decrees
Research assistance from court staff
Expedited processing of requests

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Blount County

Divorce records in Blount County comprise several distinct documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. The contents of these records vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.

A complete divorce case file typically contains:

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
Response/Answer: The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition
Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA): Details the division of assets, debts, and other financial arrangements
Parenting Plan: Outlines custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support (if children are involved)
Financial affidavits: Sworn statements detailing each party's income, assets, and liabilities
Final Decree of Divorce: The court's final judgment that legally terminates the marriage
Certificate of Divorce: Official document recording the divorce in vital records

Additional documents that may be included:

Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
Motions and responses filed by either party
Transcripts of hearings or depositions
Exhibits and evidence presented to the court
Child support worksheets and calculations
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

The divorce certificate maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health contains more limited information, including:

Names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Case number
Court that granted the divorce
Date the divorce was finalized

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-106, certain sensitive information must be filed on separate forms that are not accessible to the general public, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain information regarding minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Blount County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Blount County have several options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce:

Contact the court where the divorce was granted:

Blount County Chancery Court
345 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5500

or

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
926 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5700
Circuit Court Clerk
Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
Pay the required fee for a certified copy (typically $5-$15)

For a certified Certificate of Divorce (often required for name changes, remarriage, or international purposes):

Submit a request to the Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Vital Records:

Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records
Complete the required application form
Provide identification proving eligibility to receive the record
Pay the required fee (currently $15 per copy)

Acceptable forms of proof of divorce for various purposes include:

Certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce (most comprehensive)
Certificate of Divorce from the Tennessee Department of Health
Exemplified copy (triple-sealed) for use in other states or countries

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-205, only certain individuals are eligible to obtain certified copies of divorce certificates, including the parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, and those with a court order.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Blount County?

While divorce proceedings in Blount County are generally matters of public record, Tennessee law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential or have restricted access.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504, which outlines confidentiality of certain records, and through court rules, the following divorce-related information may be protected from public disclosure:

Sealed records: Either party may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file if disclosure would result in:
- Risk of harm to a party or child
- Unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Disclosure of sensitive financial or business information
- Exposure of information protected by other laws
Automatically protected information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names and identifying information of minor children
- Victims' information in cases involving domestic violence
- Medical and mental health records
Confidential hearings: In certain circumstances, the court may conduct proceedings in chambers or clear the courtroom of spectators

To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings or records:

File a motion with the court where the divorce is pending
Clearly state the legal basis for the request
Identify specific documents or information to be protected
Demonstrate how public disclosure would cause harm

The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to access against privacy interests and potential harm. Complete sealing of divorce files is rare and generally requires compelling circumstances such as:

Documented threats or history of domestic violence
Protection of minor children from harm
Safeguarding trade secrets or highly sensitive financial information
Protection of information that could lead to identity theft

Even when records are sealed, certain governmental agencies may still access the information for official purposes, including child support enforcement, law enforcement investigations, and court administration.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Blount County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Blount County varies significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Tennessee law, specific waiting periods apply to different types of divorce cases.

For uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues):

Minimum 60-day waiting period from filing if no minor children are involved, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101
Minimum 90-day waiting period from filing if minor children are involved
Total timeframe typically ranges from 2-4 months after filing

For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):

No statutory maximum timeframe
Typically takes 6-12 months to complete
Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes may take 1-2 years or longer

Factors that influence the timeframe include:

Court docket congestion in Blount County
Complexity of asset division
Child custody and support determinations
Need for expert witnesses or valuations
Discovery process duration
Settlement negotiations
Mediation outcomes
Trial scheduling

According to data from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, the average disposition time for domestic relations cases in Tennessee's eastern district, which includes Blount County, is approximately 7.2 months from filing to final disposition.

Expedited processes may be available in certain circumstances:

Cases involving domestic violence
Military deployments
Agreed divorces with complete settlement agreements
Emergencies involving children's welfare

How Long Does Blount County Keep Divorce Records?

Blount County maintains divorce records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives under the authority of Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-401. These schedules dictate how long various types of court records must be preserved.

For divorce records, the following retention periods apply:

Final Decrees of Divorce: Permanent retention
Case files and supporting documentation: Permanent retention for Circuit and Chancery Courts
Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
Exhibits and evidence: Variable retention based on type and significance
Audio/video recordings of proceedings: Typically retained for 10 years after case conclusion

The permanent retention of divorce records serves several important purposes:

Maintaining legal documentation of marital status
Preserving evidence of property divisions and financial obligations
Documenting child custody and support arrangements
Supporting historical and genealogical research
Providing necessary documentation for future legal proceedings

While the physical records are maintained by the court where the divorce was granted, the Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Vital Records maintains a centralized index of all divorces granted in the state. These vital records are also permanently retained.

For older records that may have been archived:

Records from 1980-present are typically maintained at the courthouse
Records from 1950-1979 may be stored in county archives
Records prior to 1950 may be available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives

Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records, but the process is not yet complete for all historical divorce records in Blount County.

How To Get a Divorce In Blount County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Blount County must follow specific procedures established under Tennessee law. The divorce process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For uncontested divorces (where both parties agree on all issues):

Determine eligibility: Either party must have been a resident of Tennessee for at least six months prior to filing
Prepare the required documents:
- Complaint/Petition for Divorce
- Marital Dissolution Agreement
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
- Statistical information forms
File the documents with the appropriate court:

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
926 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5700
Circuit Court Clerk

or

Blount County Chancery Court
345 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5500
Pay the filing fee (approximately $200-$400, with variation based on factors such as whether children are involved)
Wait the mandatory waiting period (60 days without children, 90 days with children)
Attend the final hearing
Receive the Final Decree of Divorce

For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):

File the Complaint for Divorce with the appropriate court
Serve the other party with the divorce papers
Respond to or file any temporary motions
Engage in the discovery process
Attend mediation (required in most cases involving children)
Prepare for and attend pre-trial conferences
Proceed to trial if settlement is not reached
Receive the Final Decree of Divorce

Legal grounds for divorce in Tennessee include both fault-based grounds (such as adultery, abandonment, or cruel treatment) and the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences. Most divorces in Blount County are filed under the no-fault provision.

Resources available to assist with the divorce process include:

Legal Aid of East Tennessee for qualifying low-income individuals
The Tennessee Supreme Court's Self-Help Center
Private attorneys specializing in family law

How To Get Divorce Papers In Blount County

Individuals initiating a divorce in Blount County have several options for obtaining the necessary divorce papers. The required documents vary based on the circumstances of the divorce, particularly whether children are involved and if the divorce is contested or uncontested.

To obtain divorce papers:

Court Clerk's Office: Visit in person to obtain official forms:

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
926 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk
Online Resources: Access standardized forms through:
- Tennessee State Courts - Official court-approved forms
- Legal Aid of East Tennessee - Forms with instructions for self-represented litigants
Law Libraries: Access forms and reference materials at:

University of Tennessee College of Law Library
1505 W Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-4381

The basic divorce packet typically includes:

Complaint/Petition for Divorce
Summons
Affidavit of Indigency (if seeking fee waiver)
Certificate of Divorce (statistical information)
Notice of Statutory Requirements
Temporary Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
Permanent Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
Child Support Worksheet (if children are involved)
Marital Dissolution Agreement (for property division)
Final Decree of Divorce

Fees associated with obtaining divorce papers:

Forms provided by the court clerk typically cost $1-$2 per page
Online forms from official sources are generally available at no cost
Complete divorce packets from private services range from $150-$300

Individuals with limited income may qualify for fee waivers by filing an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. This request must be approved by a judge before filing fees are waived.

For assistance with completing divorce papers, resources include:

Legal Aid of East Tennessee for qualifying low-income individuals
Pro se divorce clinics periodically offered at the courthouse
Private attorneys offering unbundled services or document preparation

Lookup Divorce Records in Blount County

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