Washington County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026
WashingtonTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. The following record categories are available through official channels:
- Divorce decrees and final judgments
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
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 Washington County divorce records.
Multiple Search Methods
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search divorce and family law cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
2. Tennessee Court System Portal
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides a statewide court portal through which members of the public may search cases across multiple jurisdictions, including Washington County Circuit Court. The consolidated database includes docket entries, case status, and hearing dates.
3. Tennessee Vital Records
The Tennessee Department of Health's vital records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Tennessee. These certificates provide limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
100 West Main Street, Suite 101
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-1631
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
Records Department:
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains a separate records section for historical and archived cases. Cases predating electronic filing may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older records are accepted at the clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Washington County Circuit Court Clerk, 100 West Main Street, Suite 101, Jonesborough, TN 37659
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal 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 5–10 business days, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (423) 753-1631
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed documents upon demonstrating good cause to the court. The Tennessee Bar Association's lawyer referral service connects individuals with qualified family law practitioners.
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 Washington County
- Names of minor children
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-104, a divorce complaint must be filed in the county where either spouse resides 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 current Tennessee law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Tennessee for a minimum of six months prior to filing. The divorce 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 business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for cases filed in recent years
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Digitization of older records is ongoing but not complete
- Additional retrieval time should be anticipated for records more than 10–15 years old
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- 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 by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (423) 753-1631
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check Tennessee vital records for a divorce certificate
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Tennessee family law attorney
What Are Washington County Divorce Records?
Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to Tennessee's public records laws.
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 agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk indexes records by party name, maintains complete case files, and provides certified copies upon request.
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
100 West Main Street, Suite 101
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-1631
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
State Vital Records Office
The Tennessee Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Tennessee. These certificates contain limited information and are distinct from the full court case file.
Tennessee Department of Health — Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, procedural requirements, and the court's authority to divide marital property and award support. Public access to court records is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, which establishes a presumption of openness for all government records, including court filings.
Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Washington County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents; however, certain categories of information are restricted or sealed to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- 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 (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some cases)
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (sometimes redacted)
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims
- Confidential mediation communications
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 law and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full case file access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Restrictions on Use:
Prohibited uses of divorce record information include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background checks conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain entities, including child protective services investigators and court-appointed evaluators, are entitled by statute to access restricted information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?
The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk 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.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus $0.50 per page) |
| Certification seal | Included in certification fee |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public divorce records at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies: Certified copies of the final decree are the most requested document and carry the fees listed above.
- Payment methods: The Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks made payable to the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk. Credit and debit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office.
- Fee waivers: Indigent parties to the original case may petition the court for a fee waiver pursuant to applicable Tennessee court rules. Third-party requestors are not entitled to fee waivers.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case number, party names, filing date, and case status, is available at no charge through the online case search portal and at public access terminals in the clerk's office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County
A complete Washington County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following categories reflect the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account records
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Deposition transcripts, if taken
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet and support order
- Custody evaluations prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Guardian ad litem reports and recommendations
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County
Proof of divorce in Washington County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing date using the online case search portal or by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk at (423) 753-1631.
- Submit a request. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by phone for basic case confirmation. In-person and mail requests are accepted for certified copies.
- Provide required information. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay applicable fees. The current fee for a certified copy is $5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or personal check.
- Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are processed same-day when records are available. Mail requests are processed within 5–10 business days.
Tennessee Vital Records Divorce Certificate:
Members of the public may also obtain a divorce certificate from the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office. This certificate confirms that a divorce was granted but contains less detail than the full court record. It is suitable for purposes requiring only confirmation of marital status.
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
100 West Main Street, Suite 101
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-1631
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
Tennessee Department of Health — Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?
A divorce proceeding in Washington County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by court order. Under Tennessee law, the presumption of public access established by the Tennessee Public Records Act applies to court records; however, a party may petition the Circuit Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon demonstrating good cause.
The following circumstances may support a confidentiality order:
- Domestic violence: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or stalking may be partially sealed to protect the safety of the victim, including the victim's address and contact information.
- Children's information: Courts routinely restrict public access to information identifying minor children, including their residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records.
- Mental health and medical records: Records containing mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment information, or medical records submitted as exhibits may be sealed.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement agreements that the parties designate as confidential may be filed under seal with court approval.
- Mediation communications: Under Tennessee law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- High-profile cases: Courts may seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
A motion to seal must be filed with the Circuit Court, and the opposing party is entitled to notice and an opportunity to respond. The court applies a balancing test under the standards established by Tennessee court rules and the Tennessee Public Records Act.
How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?
Washington County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Tennessee State Library and Archives records retention schedules applicable to court records. At present, final judgments and decrees of divorce are considered permanent records and are retained indefinitely.
The following retention periods apply to different categories of divorce records:
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage: Permanent retention; never destroyed.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed; many are retained permanently.
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file; permanent if they modify a permanent order.
- Archived paper records: Older records may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm; retrieval may require additional time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules.
The Tennessee State Library and Archives publishes records retention schedules for county government offices, including courts, which are available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Members of the public seeking records from closed or archived cases should contact the Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.