Dissolution of Marriage Records – Shelby County

Dissolution of Marriage records in Shelby County give you direct access to the legal details of a couple’s separation, including the divorce filing date, case number, and final judgment. When you search Shelby County dissolution of marriage records you can also pull Shelby County divorce records, find a specific Shelby County divorce decree, or locate a certified copy of a final divorce judgment. The online portal lets users filter by spouse name, filing date, or case status, making the Shelby County divorce record lookup quick and reliable. Whether you need the divorce case outcome, property division details, or child‑support orders, the system provides clear, searchable fields that match the exact information you’re looking for without unnecessary steps.

Dissolution of Marriage records are essential for anyone needing proof of marital status, legal research, or family history verification. By using the Shelby County divorce records search you can retrieve the divorce petition, response, and any amended divorce decree that may have been filed later. The platform also supports searches by case number, court, or filing date, ensuring that users can locate the specific Shelby County divorce case records they need. Certified copies, fee details, and processing times are all outlined, helping you request the exact document—whether a divorce decree copy or a final judgment—without confusion.

How to Search Dissolution of Marriage

The Shelby County Chancery Court keeps all dissolution of marriage filings in one searchable online system. You can look up a case by entering the spouse’s last name, the case number, the divorce filing date, or the court where the petition was filed. The records show the divorce petition, the response, the final judgment, and any later amended divorce decree that changes the original terms. Each search pulls live data from the court clerk’s office, so the details match what the court has on file. You can search divorce archives by name, by case number, by filing date, or by court to find the exact file you need.

Official Search Portal: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/222/Chancery-Court

• Go to the Official Search Portal at https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/222/Chancery-Court.
• Click on the court records or case search link on the main page.
• Pick the search type you want: spouse name, case number, filing date, or court.
• Type the correct details in the search box. Use full legal names when possible.
• Press the search button to pull the case list from the court clerk’s database.
• Click on the case you need to see the full record, the divorce filing date, and the final judgment details.

Search by Spouse Name

Looking up a case by spouse name works well when you do not have the case number handy. Type the last name of either spouse into the name search field on the portal. The system will show all cases tied to that name across Shelby County court records. You can narrow the list by adding a first name or a date range to filter out other people with the same last name. This method helps when you only know one party to the marriage and want to pull up divorce records by spouse name.

Search by Case Number

A case number search gives you the fastest result if you already have the number from a lawyer or another court paper. Each dissolution of marriage filing in Shelby County gets a unique case number when the petition is filed with the clerk’s office. Type that number into the case number field and submit the form. The system will pull that exact case file and show the divorce judgment, the divorce case status, and the divorce case outcome without sorting through other results. This method works well for divorce record verification.

Search by Filing Date

You can also search by the date the divorce petition was filed with the court. Pick a start date and an end date to limit your results to a set time period. This method helps when you remember the year a divorce took place but do not know the exact case number. The results will list every case filed in that date range, so you can scroll through to find the right spouse names and case number. This is useful for divorce records by filing date.

Search by Court

All Shelby County dissolution of marriage cases go through the Shelby County Chancery Court at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 308, Memphis, TN 38103. If you want to limit your search to one court, pick the Chancery Court option from the court list on the portal. This filter removes cases filed in other Tennessee counties so you only see Shelby County divorce case records. It is useful when you want to confirm that the divorce was finalized locally and not in another court district.

Details Needed for a Search

To get the best results from the Shelby County divorce records search, have these facts ready before you start. The more details you have, the fewer false matches you will see in the results. If you only have one piece of data, the system can still search, but you may need to sort through more results to find the right case.

• Full legal name of either spouse as listed on the marriage license
• Case number, if you have it from a lawyer or court notice
• Approximate filing date or year of divorce
• Court name (Shelby County Chancery Court)
• Type of case (dissolution of marriage or divorce)

Details Found in Dissolution of Marriage Records

Shelby County dissolution of marriage records show the full history of a divorce case from filing to final judgment. You can see who filed the divorce petition, when the court received it, and how the case ended. The records also list the case number, the court where the case was heard, and any later filings that changed the original divorce decree. Each field in the record is pulled directly from the court clerk’s files for the case file.

Spouse Names

The record lists the full legal names of both spouses exactly as they appear on the marriage license and the divorce petition. The names are matched to the case file to avoid confusion with other people who share a common name. If a spouse changed their name after the divorce, that new name may also appear in the file as a note for later reference. This makes it easier to verify the correct case when you search divorce records by spouse name.

Case Number

Every dissolution of marriage case in Shelby County gets a unique case number when the divorce petition is filed. This number stays with the case for life, even if the case goes through appeals or later amendments to the divorce decree. The case number is the fastest way to pull up the full record in the online search portal. It is also printed on every later filing tied to that case, including the final judgment and any amended divorce judgment.

Filing Date

The divorce filing date is the day the petition was officially received by the Shelby County Chancery Court clerk’s office. This date starts the legal clock for the case. The filing date also tells you when the required waiting period began for Tennessee divorces. You can search by this date alone if you do not have other details, and the system will show all cases filed in that range.

Court and Case Type

All Shelby County dissolution of marriage cases are heard in the Shelby County Chancery Court, which is the family court for divorce matters in the county. The case type is listed as “Dissolution of Marriage” or “Divorce” in the court system. Knowing the court name and case type helps you filter out other family law cases like child support or custody changes when you use the online search portal.

Case Status

The divorce case status field tells you where the case stands right now. A case can be marked as pending, finalized, or dismissed depending on what has happened in court. The status changes as the case moves through each step from the divorce petition to the final divorce decree. You can check the status by looking at the case header on the search portal page after you pull up the record.

Final Judgment Date

The final judgment date is the day the court signed the final divorce decree. This date marks the legal end of the marriage for both spouses. All terms in the decree take effect on this date unless a judge orders a different effective date in the order. You will need this date when you request a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the court clerk for use with other agencies.

Types of Divorce Records

The Shelby County court system holds several kinds of divorce records, each one showing a different stage of the case. Some records cover the whole case file, while others focus on a single document like a decree or petition. Knowing the type of record you need saves time when you request copies or search online through the public court records portal. The main types are listed below with what each one shows.

Divorce Case Files

A divorce case file is the complete set of all papers filed in a single case from start to finish. The file includes the divorce petition, the divorce response, motions, court orders, and the final divorce decree. You can request a copy of the whole file from the court clerk for a set fee. Case files are kept by the clerk’s office for years before they move to archive storage for historical divorce records.

Divorce Decrees

A divorce decree is the signed court order that ends the marriage and lists the terms approved by the judge. The decree covers property division, custody, child support, and spousal support orders in one document. In Shelby County, the decree is signed by the chancellor of the Chancery Court and stamped with the court seal. A certified divorce decree acts as legal proof that the marriage ended on a specific date for use with other agencies.

Final Judgments

A final divorce judgment is the court’s last ruling in a divorce case. It carries the same legal weight as a divorce decree but is filed as a separate document in some cases. The final judgment includes the judge’s signature, the date it was entered, and the court seal stamped on the first page. You can ask for a certified copy if you need to show the judgment to another court or government agency.

Divorce Petitions

A divorce petition is the first paper filed to start a dissolution of marriage case in Shelby County. The petition lists the grounds for divorce, the names of both spouses, and the relief the filing spouse is asking the court to grant. The other spouse then has 30 days to file a divorce response. The petition is public record unless a judge orders it sealed as a restricted divorce record.

Amended Divorce Records

An amended divorce record is a later filing that changes a part of the original divorce decree or judgment. Common amendments include changes to child support, custody schedules, or property division between the spouses. Each amendment gets a new entry in the case file and a new filing date. You can see the list of amendments by opening the case on the search portal and reviewing the case history.

Historical Divorce Records

Historical divorce records cover cases filed many years ago that are no longer in the active online database. These older records are stored in the court archive or with the Tennessee State Library and Archives for public access. You can still request copies, but the process may take longer than for recent cases handled by the court clerk’s office. Some older records may only be available on microfilm at the archive office.

Divorce Case Outcomes

Every dissolution of marriage case in Shelby County ends with one of a few possible outcomes. The outcome tells you whether the divorce was granted, denied, or dropped by the parties. You can check the outcome by looking at the case status on the search portal after you find the case. Each outcome type is listed below with what it means for your search and your next steps.

Pending Cases

A pending divorce case is one that is still open and has not reached a final judgment from the court. The court is waiting for filings, hearings, or the end of the required waiting period under Tennessee law. You can still see the case on the search portal while it is pending, and the divorce case status will show as active. The final outcome will not show up until the judge signs a final order ending the case.

Finalized Cases

A finalized divorce case is one where the judge signed a final divorce decree and the marriage is legally over. The final decree will list the terms approved by the court, including custody, support, and property division. You can request a certified copy of the decree once the case is finalized through the court clerk’s office. The finalization date is the same as the final judgment date in most Shelby County cases.

Dismissed Cases

A dismissed divorce case is one where the court ended the case without granting a divorce. This can happen if the filing spouse did not follow through or if both spouses asked for the case to be dropped by the court. A dismissed case means the marriage is still legally intact unless a new case is filed later. The dismissal order will show the reason the case was dropped and the date of the dismissal.

Final Judgments

A final divorce judgment is the court’s last ruling that grants or denies the divorce petition. Once the final judgment is signed, the case moves to a closed status unless a post-judgment motion is filed by either spouse. The final judgment acts as legal proof that the marriage ended on the date listed in the order. You can request a certified copy through the court clerk for use with other agencies.

Post-Judgment Filings

Post-judgment filings are papers filed after the final divorce judgment has been entered by the court. These can include motions to change custody, child support, or spousal support based on new facts. Post-judgment filings are listed under the same case number as the original divorce and appear in the case history. You can see them by opening the case file on the search portal or by asking the court clerk.

Shelby County Dissolution of Marriage Records Access

The level of access you have to a dissolution of marriage record depends on the type of record and whether the case is sealed by the court. Most divorce records are public, but some details are kept private to protect the people involved in the case. The search portal shows public case details like names, dates, and case numbers for online access. Sensitive details like financial accounts or children’s names may be redacted from public copies of the record.

Public Case Details

Public case details include the names of both spouses, the case number, the divorce filing date, and the divorce case status. These details are open to anyone who searches the portal or visits the court clerk’s office in person. You do not need to show ID to view public details on the search portal. Public details are useful for legal research, genealogy work, and background checks by authorized requesters.

Online Record Access

Online record access lets you search and view public divorce records from any computer or phone with internet service. The Shelby County Chancery Court search portal is open 24 hours a day for public access. You can search by spouse name, case number, or filing date without creating an account on the system. Online access covers most records filed in recent years and shows public court records for those cases.

Court Clerk Records

The court clerk’s office holds the original paper files for every divorce case filed in Shelby County. The clerk’s office is located at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 308, Memphis, TN 38103. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM for in-person service. You can visit the clerk in person to search older records or request certified copies of documents not available online.

Restricted Details

Restricted details are parts of the record that are not shown to the public on the search portal or in paper copies. These can include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s full names tied to the case. Restricted details are blocked in online search results and redacted from paper copies by the clerk’s office. You can ask the judge to restrict access to other parts of the record for safety reasons.

Sealed Divorce Records

Sealed divorce records are cases where the judge ordered the entire file closed to the public for good cause. Sealing happens in cases involving domestic violence, safety risks, or sensitive financial data tied to the parties. You cannot view a sealed record without a court order from the judge. Only the parties named in the case and their lawyers can ask the court to unseal the file for review.

Records Available by Request

Records available by request include certified copies of decrees, judgments, and other case documents held by the clerk. You can request these copies online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office during business hours. Each request must include the case number, the names of both spouses, and the type of document you need for the divorce record request, which can also be verified through official divorce decree information for complete records. The clerk’s office will tell you the divorce record fees and divorce record processing time when you submit your request.

Obtaining Divorce Records

You can get copies of Shelby County divorce records in three ways: online through the portal, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office. Each method has its own steps, fees, and processing times set by the court. Pick the method that fits your needs and timeline for the divorce record application. All requests must include enough details to help the clerk locate the correct case file in the system.

Online Requests

Online requests go through the Shelby County Chancery Court search portal for public records. You can search for the case and click the request certified copy link on the case page. You will need to enter your contact details, pay the copy fee with a credit or debit card, and submit the form to the clerk. The clerk’s office will mail the certified copy to your address or notify you when it is ready for pickup at the office.

Mail Requests

Mail requests work well if you live outside the Memphis area and cannot visit the clerk’s office. Send a written request to the clerk’s office at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 308, Memphis, TN 38103. Your letter should include the case number, the full names of both spouses, the type of document you need, and your return address for shipping. Include a check or money order for the divorce record fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.

In-Person Requests

In-person requests give you the fastest service from the clerk’s office during business hours. Visit the clerk’s office at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 308, Memphis, TN 38103 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Bring a photo ID, the case number, and the names of both spouses tied to the record. The clerk will pull the file and make certified copies while you wait or within the same business day for most requests.

Certified Copies

Certified copies are official copies of a court document that carry the court seal and the clerk’s signature. You need a certified divorce decree or certified divorce record to prove a divorce to another court, government agency, or employer. Each certified copy costs a set fee based on the document type and number of pages. The clerk’s office can tell you the exact fee when you submit your divorce record request through any method.

Identification Requirements

You must show a valid photo ID when you request certified copies in person or pick them up at the counter. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID with your photo and signature. If you send someone else to pick up your copies, that person must show their own ID plus a signed letter from you giving them permission to act on your behalf with the clerk.

Copy Fees

Copy fees for divorce records are set by Tennessee state law and Shelby County court rules for court clerk divorce records. Standard copies cost less than certified copies of the same document. You can pay copy fees with cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on the request method you pick. The clerk’s office will tell you the exact fee total before processing your divorce record application for certified copies.

Processing Times

Processing times depend on the request method and the clerk’s current workload at the office. Online and in-person requests are often ready the same day or within 1 to 3 business days. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days plus mail delivery time to reach you. Older records stored in archives may take longer because the clerk has to retrieve them from off-site storage before making copies.

Details Protected in Divorce Records

Some details in divorce records are kept private to protect the people involved in the case from harm. Tennessee law lists what must be redacted from public copies of the record. The clerk’s office blocks these details in online search results and in paper copies of the file. You may need a court order to view protected details in sealed or restricted divorce records held by the court.

Personal Identifying Details

Personal identifying details include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers tied to the parties. These details are redacted from public copies of divorce records by the clerk’s office. The clerk keeps the full details in the sealed portion of the case file for court use only. Only the parties named in the case and their lawyers can see the full details without a court order from the judge.

Financial Details

Financial details include bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and income tax returns filed as part of the divorce. These details may be part of a divorce case but are not shown in public copies of the record. The judge can order that financial details be sealed if disclosing them would cause harm to the parties. You can ask for a sealed financial record only with a court order from the judge.

Child-Related Details

Child-related details include the full names, dates of birth, and school names of minor children tied to the case. These details are kept private to protect the children from public exposure. Public copies show only that minor children are part of the case, not their personal data on the record. The full details are kept in the sealed portion of the file by the clerk’s office for safety.

Sealed Case Documents

Sealed case documents are papers the judge ordered closed to the public for good cause in the divorce case. A judge can seal any document in a divorce case based on a motion from either party. Common reasons include safety risks, sensitive business data, or the privacy of minor children in the family. Sealed documents are not shown in online search results and are not given out by the clerk’s office without a court order.

Confidential Court Filings

Confidential court filings are papers filed under seal that contain details the court does not release to the public. These can include medical records, therapy notes, or private business records tied to the divorce case. Confidential filings are kept in a separate part of the case file by the clerk. Only the judge, the parties, and their lawyers can view these filings during the case or after it ends.

Divorce Decree and Final Judgment

The divorce decree and final judgment are the most important documents in a dissolution of marriage case. The decree is the court’s final order that ends the marriage for both spouses. The judgment is the ruling that supports the decree and lists the terms approved by the judge. Together, they list the terms the judge approved and the date the marriage legally ended in Shelby County.

Final Divorce Decree

The final divorce decree is the signed court order that ends the marriage and lists the terms of the divorce. The decree shows the full names of both spouses, the case number, and the date the judge signed it. The decree also lists the terms approved by the court, such as custody, support, and property division between the parties. You need a certified copy of the final decree to prove the divorce to other agencies.

Judgment Date

The judgment date is the day the judge signed the final divorce decree ending the marriage. This date marks the legal end of the marriage under Tennessee law. The judgment date is printed on the first page of the final decree next to the judge’s signature. You can also find it by searching the case on the search portal and looking at the case history for the final order.

Terms Recorded in the Judgment

The terms recorded in the judgment include the property division, custody orders, child support, and spousal support for the parties. The judgment may also include orders about debt division, retirement accounts, and tax filings between the spouses. Each term is listed in detail in the final divorce decree that closes the case. The judgment is binding on both spouses once it is signed by the judge and entered by the clerk.

Amended Judgments

An amended divorce judgment is a later order that changes one or more terms of the original judgment entered in the case. Common amendments include changes to child support, custody, or spousal support based on new facts. Each amended judgment gets its own filing date and is added to the original case file by the clerk. You can see the list of amended judgments by opening the case on the search portal.

Certified Judgment Copies

Certified judgment copies are official copies of the judgment that carry the court seal and the clerk’s signature. You need certified copies to enforce the judgment in another state or to show it to a government agency for legal purposes. Each certified copy costs a fee set by the court for the document. You can request certified copies online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office during business hours.

Divorce Records and Related Court Matters

Divorce records often connect to other court matters like property division, child custody, and support orders filed in the same case. These related records may be filed under the same case number or under a new case number by the parties. Knowing how the records connect helps you find all the documents you need from the court clerk’s office for your legal matter. The list below covers the most common related records.

Property Division Records

Property division records list how the court split the marital property between the spouses during the divorce. These records include details about the home, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement funds, and debts tied to the marriage. The property division terms are listed in the final divorce decree entered by the court. You can see the full record by opening the case file on the search portal and reviewing the decree.

Child Custody Orders

Child custody orders set out where the children will live and how major decisions will be made by the parents. The orders cover physical custody, legal custody, and visitation schedules for the children. Custody orders are part of the divorce decree and stay in effect until a judge changes them through a new order. You can request a copy of the custody order from the court clerk during business hours.

Child Support Orders

Child support orders set the amount of money one parent pays the other for the children’s care after the divorce. The order lists the payment amount, the schedule, and the date payments start under Tennessee guidelines. Child support orders are part of the divorce decree and can be changed later if circumstances change for either party. The Tennessee Department of Human Services handles payment processing for these orders.

Spousal Support Orders

Spousal support orders set the amount of money one spouse pays the other after the divorce ends the marriage. The order lists the payment amount, the length of time payments will be made, and the conditions for ending payments early. Spousal support orders are part of the divorce decree entered by the court. You can see the full terms by requesting a copy of the decree from the court clerk’s office.

Post-Divorce Modifications

Post-divorce modifications are later filings that change the terms of the original divorce decree entered in the case. Common modifications include changes to custody, child support, or spousal support based on new facts. Each modification gets a new filing date and is added to the original case file by the clerk. You can see the list of modifications by opening the case on the search portal and reviewing the case history.

Divorce Record Accuracy and Limitations

Divorce records are kept up to date by the court clerk’s office, but errors can happen during data entry or filing. Spelling mistakes, wrong case numbers, or delayed updates can affect your search for the right case. Knowing the limits of the records helps you spot errors and fix them through the clerk’s office. The clerk can correct errors if you bring proof of the correct details for the record.

Confirming the Correct Case

Before you request a certified copy, confirm you have the correct case from the search results. Check the spouse names, the divorce filing date, and the case number against any papers you have. Open the case on the search portal and read the case header and case history carefully. If any detail looks wrong, search again using a different name or date range to find the right file.

Matching Spouse Names

Matching spouse names is key when two people share a common last name in Shelby County. The search portal may show results for other people with the same name in the public court records. Check the first name, middle name, and date of birth to confirm you have the right person for the case. If you are not sure, narrow your search by adding a date range to filter out other cases.

Verifying Case Numbers

Verifying case numbers prevents you from pulling up the wrong file from the court clerk’s database. Each case has a unique number that starts with the year of filing for the divorce. Look at the first page of any earlier document you have to find the case number tied to your case. If the case number does not match the names and date, you may have the wrong case on the portal.

Recently Filed Cases

Recently filed cases may not show up right away in the online portal managed by the clerk. The clerk’s office needs time to enter the new case into the system after the divorce petition is filed. New cases can take 1 to 5 business days to appear online for public access. If you cannot find a recent case, call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3900 to confirm the case has been entered.

Delayed Record Updates

Delayed record updates can affect what you see in the online portal for a divorce case. The clerk’s office updates the system as new filings come in, but high volume can slow the process. A case that was finalized yesterday may still show as pending until the system refreshes overnight. Check back in a few days or call the clerk’s office for the latest status on the case.

Missing Documents

Missing documents can happen if a paper file is lost or if a document was never filed with the court clerk. If a document you need is missing from the case file, the clerk’s office can tell you what to do next to fix the issue. You may need to file a motion to recreate the missing document or ask the judge for a replacement order in the case. The clerk will guide you on the right steps for your situation.

Restricted Records

Restricted records are cases or documents the judge ordered closed to the public for safety or privacy. You will not see restricted records in the online search results on the portal. The clerk’s office will also not give you restricted records without a court order from the judge. If you need a restricted record for your case, you must file a motion asking the judge to unseal the record for review.

Divorce Record Search Problems

Search problems happen when you do not have the right details or when the record is restricted by the court. Most problems can be fixed by changing your search method or calling the clerk’s office for help. The list below covers the most common problems users face when searching divorce records online or by mail. Each problem has a short fix you can try before contacting the clerk for direct help.

Record Not Found

A record not found result means the system did not match any case to your search details in the database. Check the spelling of the names and try a different date range to widen the search. If you still cannot find the record, call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3900 to ask if the case was filed in Shelby County or another county. The clerk can tell you where the file is held.

Incorrect Name

An incorrect name search happens when you spell the name wrong or use a nickname instead of the legal name. The court records use legal names, not nicknames or shortened versions. Try the full legal name of the spouse as it appears on the marriage license for the case. If the spouse changed their name, search the name from the marriage license rather than the new name.

Incorrect Case Number

An incorrect case number search returns no results because the system cannot find a match in the court clerk’s database. Double-check the number against any documents you have from the case. Look for the case number on the divorce decree, a court notice, or a lawyer’s letter tied to the case. If the case number is wrong, search by name and date instead to find the right record.

Wrong Court

A wrong court search happens when the divorce was filed in another Tennessee county, not Shelby County. Shelby County only holds records for cases filed in Memphis or Shelby County at the Chancery Court. If the divorce took place in another county, you must contact that county’s court clerk for the records. The search portal lets you filter to only Shelby County cases for your search.

Judgment Not Available

A judgment not available message means the court has not yet entered the final judgment into the system for public view. This can happen with recent cases that were just finalized by the judge. Wait a few days and check again on the search portal for the updated record. If the judgment is still not there after two weeks, call the clerk’s office to ask when it will be entered into the system.

Restricted Record

A restricted record result means the judge ordered the case sealed and closed to public access. You cannot view a restricted record without a court order from the judge in the case. If you are a party to the case, you can ask the clerk how to view the record through proper channels, which can also be verified through official family court documents for complete records. If you are not a party, you must file a motion asking the judge to unseal the record for review.

Delayed Case Update

A delayed case update means the system has not yet refreshed with the latest filing in the divorce case. This is common with high-volume periods at the clerk’s office. Wait 24 to 48 hours and check again on the search portal for the updated record. If the update still has not happened, call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3900 to ask about the delay in the system refresh.

• Recheck the spelling of names and dates entered in the search
• Try a different search method (name, number, or date) on the portal
• Filter by Shelby County Chancery Court only to remove other counties
• Wait 24 to 48 hours for system updates to appear in the search results
• Call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3900 for direct help with the search

Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records are different from other types of records held by the court and other agencies. Knowing how they compare to marriage records, court records, and other documents helps you pick the right file for your needs. The list below explains how divorce records differ from related records you may also need for legal matters. Each comparison shows what type of record covers which type of data.

Divorce Records vs. Marriage Records

Divorce records show the end of a marriage and are filed with the Chancery Court in Shelby County. Marriage records show the start of a marriage and are filed with the Shelby County Clerk’s Office in a different office. Divorce records cover the divorce petition, response, and final decree for the case. You need both records for some legal matters, like name changes after a divorce ends the marriage between the parties.

Divorce Records vs. Divorce Decrees

Divorce records cover the whole case file, including every paper filed in the divorce case from start to finish. A divorce decree is just one document in the case file issued by the judge. The decree is the signed order that ends the marriage between the spouses. You need the decree if you want legal proof the marriage ended on a specific date for use with other agencies or courts.

Divorce Records vs. Court Records

Court records cover every type of case the court handles, not just divorces filed by spouses. Divorce records are one type of court record held by the Chancery Court. Court records also include civil lawsuits, probate cases, and other family law matters like child support. The search portal lets you filter to only divorce cases if you want to narrow your results to dissolution of marriage only.

Divorce Records vs. Property Records

Property records show who owns real estate and other property in Shelby County. Divorce records may list property division between the spouses, but they do not change the title to the property on file. You must file a separate deed or transfer document with the Shelby County Register’s Office to update property titles after a divorce. The divorce decree is not a substitute for the deed transfer required by law.

Divorce Records vs. Child Support Records

Child support records show payment history and child support orders for minor children. Divorce records list the original child support order but may not show payment history over time. The Tennessee Department of Human Services handles child support payments and keeps its own records separate from the court. You may need both sets of records for some legal matters involving the children of the marriage.

Divorce Records vs. Separation Records

Separation records show that a couple lived apart before the divorce was filed in court. Tennessee does not require a legal separation before divorce, so most couples do not have separate separation records on file. Some couples file a separate separation agreement as part of the divorce case to settle issues before the final hearing. Separation records are filed under the same case number as the divorce.

Contact Details

You can reach the Shelby County Chancery Court clerk’s office in person, by phone, or by mail during business hours. The clerk’s office handles all requests for divorce records, certified copies, and case searches for the public. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the counter. The clerk’s office is closed on weekends and Shelby County holidays throughout the year.

Physical Address

Shelby County Chancery Court
140 Adams Avenue, Room 308
Memphis, TN 38103

Phone Number

Call (901) 222-3900 during office hours to speak with a clerk about your request. The clerk can help you find a case, check a status, or request certified copies of documents. Have your case number or the spouse names ready when you call so the clerk can pull the file faster. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM for public service.

Office Hours

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Shelby County holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

This list answers common questions about finding and obtaining dissolution of marriage records in Shelby County.

How can I search Shelby County dissolution records?

You can search the Shelby County Chancery Court online portal. Enter a spouse’s last name, case number, filing date, or the court where the petition was filed. The system returns the petition, response, final judgment, and any amended decree. Results update in real time from the clerk’s office. If you need help, call the clerk at (901) 222‑3900 during business hours.

What info appears in a divorce judgment copy?

A divorce judgment copy lists the case number, filing date, and the names of both parties. It shows the court’s final orders on child custody, support, property division, and any spousal support. The document also notes the judge’s signature and the date the judgment became effective. This record serves as the legal proof that the marriage has ended.

Can I get a certified copy of a final decree?

Yes. Submit a request to the Shelby County clerk’s office with the case number and a fee. The clerk will issue a certified copy that bears the official seal and signature. Certified copies are accepted by banks, government agencies, and other institutions that require proof of divorce. You may request the copy in person, by mail, or through the online portal if available.

How long does a divorce record request take?

Processing time depends on the request method. In‑person requests are often completed the same day. Mail requests usually take five to ten business days after the clerk receives payment and required information. Online requests, when offered, can be fulfilled within a few days. The clerk will notify you if additional information is needed.

Are Shelby County divorce files public online?

Many divorce files are accessible through the county’s online search system. Public records include the petition, response, judgment, and final decree unless a judge has sealed the file. Some sensitive details, such as financial statements, may be restricted. If a record is not visible online, you can request it directly from the clerk’s office.