Union County Public Records /Union County Divorce Records

Union County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Union County in 2026

UnionTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Union County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Record categories available through official channels include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Union County divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains an online portal through which members of the public may search court case information. Basic case information is available at no charge, while copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Tennessee Courts case information portal allows searches across multiple jurisdictions within the state. This consolidated database provides docket entries, case status, and party information for cases filed in Tennessee circuit courts, including Union County.

3. State Vital Records

The Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce records for statistical and verification purposes. Divorce certificates issued by the state provide confirmation of the dissolution but contain less detail than full court case files. Fees apply to certified copies obtained through this office.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Union County Circuit Court:

Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
Circuit Court Clerk

Search case files at the clerk's office
View documents at public access terminals
Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
Receive staff assistance for locating case records
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Records Department:

The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted in writing.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Union County Circuit Court Clerk, 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807
Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to staff availability and record retrieval requirements.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (865) 992-3061
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Tennessee may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment modifications.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Union County
Names of minor children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under Tennessee law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. The case is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final hearing
Electronic docket updates occur on a rolling basis

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Archived records may require special retrieval requests
Digitization of older records is ongoing but not complete
Allow additional processing time for retrieval of archived files

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of search
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order

Next Steps:

Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (865) 992-3061
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records for a divorce certificate
Engage a professional records search service
Consult a licensed Tennessee attorney

What Are Union County Divorce Records?

Union County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Circuit Court of Union County, Tennessee. These records constitute part of the permanent court file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to the public access provisions of Tennessee law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree of divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of the dissolution and establishes the following:

Date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
Financial disclosure statements
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan details and modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
Social Security benefit eligibility determinations

Personal Purposes

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court

The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in Union County. The clerk's office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name. As stated on the official county website, "The Circuit Court Clerk ensures the efficient operation of state courts by maintaining dockets and records, handling administrative matters and serving as" the official keeper of court files.

State Vital Records Office

The Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for statistical purposes. These certificates confirm the fact of dissolution but do not contain the full detail found in court case files. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-126, the clerk of court is required to report divorce decrees to the state registrar.

Are Union County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Union County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal data.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties to the proceeding
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled events
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Social Security numbers, which are redacted pursuant to court rules
Bank account and credit card numbers, which are redacted
Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted

Children's Information

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools attended by minor children
Medical and psychological information concerning children
Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and medical records submitted as exhibits
Substance abuse treatment information
Personal addresses in cases involving domestic violence
Personal telephone numbers in protective order cases

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-131 and are not part of the public record.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The Tennessee Public Records Act establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and the burden rests on the party seeking to limit access to demonstrate that a restriction is warranted.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public

May access most case information and docket summaries
May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees
May be required to present identification at the clerk's office

Parties to the Case

Retain full access to their own case file
May obtain all documents, including those subject to limited public access
No restrictions apply to a party's access to their own records

Attorneys

May access case files on behalf of clients
May petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing

Researchers and Media

May access public portions of case files
Must obtain court permission to access sealed records
First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings

Restrictions on Use:

Records may not be used for stalking, harassment, or identity theft
Use of records in violation of a protective order is prohibited
Commercial exploitation of court records may be restricted under applicable state law

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Union County?

The Circuit Court Clerk's office in Union County charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Tennessee law. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-21-401, clerks of court are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of official records.

Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain paper copies	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee)
Certification seal	Included in certification fee
Electronic copies (if available)	Varies; contact clerk's office
Search fee	No separate search fee at present

Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees with the clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
Accepted payment methods at the Union County Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Union County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted at the time of their visit.
The Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through that office. At present, the fee for a certified divorce certificate from the state vital records office is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, such as for indigent parties to the original proceeding. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request to the clerk's office with supporting documentation.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket information online through the Tennessee Courts portal
Confirming case existence and status by telephone
Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the clerk's office, where available, without obtaining copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Union County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Union County Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Case number assigned by the clerk
Name of the court and division
Petitioner and respondent names
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date the petition was filed
Filing fees paid
Case type designation
Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Identifying information for both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce, including irreconcilable differences under Tennessee law
Information concerning minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property
Requests for spousal support and child support
Relief requested from the court

Response/Answer:

Respondent's position on the allegations
Admissions or denials of specific claims
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Income from all sources for both parties
Monthly living expenses
Marital and separate assets, including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
Liabilities, including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Standard of living during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Tax returns for recent years
Pay stubs and employer verification
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Credit card and loan statements
Business financial statements, if applicable
Written interrogatories and answers under oath
Requests for production of documents and responses

Property-Related Documents

Inventory of marital assets with estimated values
Inventory of marital debts
Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Personal property appraisals
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody and decision-making authority
Physical custody and primary residence designation
Regular, holiday, and summer timesharing schedules
Transportation and exchange arrangements
Communication provisions between parents and children
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet
Income information for both parties
Number of overnight stays with each parent
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Amount of support ordered and payment schedule
Income deduction order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Home study findings
Parenting assessments and recommendations

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony awarded, which in Tennessee may include transitional, rehabilitative, in solido, or periodic alimony
Amount and duration of support
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Division of real and personal property
Allocation of marital debts
Spousal support terms
Child-related provisions, if applicable
Tax treatment of transfers and support
Allocation of attorney fees
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and parenting time
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital property
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued

Final Judgment of Dissolution:

Court's final order terminating the marriage
Date of dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Property division awards to each party
Debt allocation
Spousal support orders
Child custody and parenting time provisions
Child support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits, if applicable
Instructions to the plan administrator
Designation of alternate payee

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable)

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and orders
Income deduction orders
Enforcement actions and liens

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers, which are redacted from all public filings
Bank account and financial account numbers, which are redacted
Addresses and schools of minor children
Domestic violence details, which may be sealed by court order
Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment records
Trade secrets contained in business valuations
Mediation communications, which are confidential under Tennessee law
Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Union County

Proof of divorce in Union County is obtained through the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office, depending on the level of detail required.

Step 1 — Determine the Type of Proof Needed:

A certified copy of the final decree of divorce is the most comprehensive proof and is issued by the Circuit Court Clerk.
A divorce certificate issued by the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records confirms the fact of dissolution and is sufficient for many administrative purposes, including name changes and remarriage.

Step 2 — Obtain a Certified Copy from the Circuit Court Clerk:

Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
Circuit Court Clerk

Visit the clerk's office in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of divorce
Pay the applicable certification and copy fees
Alternatively, submit a written request by mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope

Step 3 — Obtain a Divorce Certificate from State Vital Records:

Tennessee Department of Health — Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records

Submit an application online, by mail, or in person
Provide identifying information for both parties and the approximate date of divorce
Pay the applicable fee of $15.00 for the first certified copy

Step 4 — Use the Tennessee Courts Online Portal:

Members of the public may verify the existence of a divorce case and obtain basic case information through the Tennessee Courts case information system at no charge. This method does not produce a certified document but may be used for preliminary verification.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Union County?

Divorce proceedings in Union County are public court records as a default matter, but Tennessee law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or treated as confidential under specific circumstances.

A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
Cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse allegations, or threats to personal safety may be subject to sealing orders to protect the safety of victims. Addresses and contact information for domestic violence victims are protected under Tennessee law.
Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and similar identifying information are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
Mental health records, psychological evaluations, and substance abuse treatment records submitted as exhibits are subject to restricted access.
Mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-131.
Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order to protect the best interests of minor children.
A party seeking confidential treatment of specific documents must file a written motion with the court and demonstrate a legal basis for the restriction.

How Long Does Union County Keep Divorce Records?

Union County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Tennessee court records retention schedules established by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage and complete case files are classified as permanent records and are retained indefinitely by the Circuit Court Clerk.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts establishes records retention schedules applicable to all Tennessee trial courts, including the Union County Circuit Court.
Active case files are maintained in the clerk's office and are accessible during regular business hours.
Older case files may be transferred to archival storage, which may require additional retrieval time for in-person or mail requests.
Cases predating electronic filing systems are maintained in paper format and may not be fully digitized.
Post-judgment documents, including modification orders and enforcement actions, are added to the original case file and retained as part of the permanent record.
Divorce certificates maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office are retained permanently as part of the state's vital statistics records.
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.

Lookup Divorce Records in Union County

Circuit Court Clerk — Union County Tennessee