Davidson County Civil Court Records are official documents created and stored by the county’s court system. These records include case filings, judgments, liens, divorce decrees, small claims, and other legal actions handled in civil courts. The Circuit Court Clerk, Richard R. Rooker, manages these records for eight Circuit Courts and eleven General Sessions Courts in Nashville, Tennessee. Each year, his office handles over 250,000 filings, maintaining both paper and electronic versions. These records are public under Tennessee’s Public Records Act. People can view or request copies online or in person. Certified copies cost $3 and usually take five to seven business days to process. The main courthouse is in the A. A. Birch Building at 408 2nd Ave. N., open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to Access Davidson County Civil Court Records
People can access Davidson County Civil Court Records through two main ways: online or in person. The official online portal allows users to search case dockets, view filing dates, party names, and case outcomes. For certified copies, requests must be made in person at 264 Cumberland St. or by mail to P.O. Box 196300, Nashville, TN 37219. Each certified copy costs $3. The office provides both paper and PDF formats. Processing takes five to seven business days. Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours. The information desk near the main entrance helps visitors with directions and forms.
Types of Records Available in Davidson County
Davidson County Civil Court Records include many types of legal documents. Common records are divorce decrees, lien filings, small-claims judgments, civil warrants, and landlord-tenant disputes. The courts also keep adoption summaries, which show finalization dates and adoptive parent names. Criminal indictments and probate filings are part of the broader court system but are managed separately. In 2022, the civil docket included 4,567 small-claims cases. All these records are searchable online or available by request. Older records, especially pre-1980 criminal files, may require direct contact with the Criminal Court Clerk.
General Sessions Court – Civil Case Dockets and Schedules
The General Sessions Court handles civil cases with claims up to $25,000. Civil dockets are held in Courtroom 1B every weekday at 9:00 a.m. Emergency Committal Dockets meet on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. Order of Protection hearings take place in Courtroom 4B each weekday at 8:30 a.m. The court is located in the A. A. Birch Building. It has a marble lobby, security checkpoint, and a 120-space public garage. Maps and directions are available on the court’s website. The information desk assists with case status and filing questions.
Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk – Role and Responsibilities
The Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk, Richard R. Rooker, is responsible for maintaining civil court records. His office oversees eight Circuit Courts and the civil archives of eleven General Sessions Courts. It processes over 250,000 filings each year. The office ensures all records follow Tennessee’s Public Records Act. It offers online access and in-person services. Certified copies cost $3 and are ready in five to seven days. The clerk’s team also manages docket entries, filing timestamps, and case outcomes. This supports transparency and public access to justice.
Historical Court Records at Nashville Archives
The Nashville Archives hold historical Davidson County court records. These include Planning Commission minutes from 1939–1962, Divorce Books from 1856–1878, and Grand Jury records from 1913–1917. There are also Guardian Books from 1825–1831 and an incomplete Dog Register from 1919. Researchers can view these loose records in person. Each session is limited to two hours. Appointments are recommended. These primary sources help with genealogy, legal research, and historical studies. The archives are a key resource for understanding local legal history.
Requesting Certified Copies and Fees
To get certified copies of Davidson County Civil Court Records, visit the clerk’s office at 264 Cumberland St. or mail a request to P.O. Box 196300. Each certified copy costs $3. The office provides paper or PDF versions. Processing takes five to seven business days. For older records, especially pre-1980 criminal files, contact the Criminal Court Clerk directly. A copying fee of $0.25 per page may apply. All fees are non-refundable. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order. Make checks payable to the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk.
Online Search Tools and Public Access
The Davidson County court system offers online tools to search civil records. Users can find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and outcomes. The portal includes records from Circuit and General Sessions Courts. It does not include sealed or confidential cases, such as juvenile or adoption files. Most records from 1980 onward are digitized. For older files, in-person visits or direct requests are needed. The website is user-friendly and updated regularly. It supports public transparency and easy access to legal information.
Divorce and Family Law Records
Divorce decrees are part of Davidson County Civil Court Records. These documents show final judgments, property divisions, and custody arrangements. They are available to the public unless sealed by court order. Requests can be made online or in person. Certified copies cost $3. Processing takes five to seven days. Adoption summaries are also available. They include finalization dates and adoptive parent names. Full adoption files are confidential. Only summaries are public. These records help individuals verify legal status or complete background checks.
Small Claims and Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Small-claims cases in Davidson County handle disputes up to $25,000. These include unpaid debts, property damage, and contract issues. Landlord-tenant disputes, such as evictions or security deposit claims, are also filed here. Records show case filings, hearings, and judgments. In 2022, there were 4,567 small-claims actions. All are searchable online. Certified copies cost $3. The General Sessions Court manages these cases. Hearings are in Courtroom 1B at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays. The court provides forms and guidance for self-represented litigants.
Civil Liens and Judgment Records
Civil liens are legal claims against property for unpaid debts. Davidson County records include mechanic’s liens, tax liens, and judgment liens. These are filed in the Civil Division. Records show the debtor, creditor, amount, and property details. Liens affect property sales and refinancing. Judgment records list court-ordered payments. Both are public and searchable online. Certified copies cost $3. The office processes requests in five to seven days. These records help buyers, lenders, and attorneys assess financial risks.
Public Records Act and Legal Compliance
Tennessee’s Public Records Act ensures access to Davidson County Civil Court Records. The law allows anyone to view or copy public documents. Exceptions include sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain adoptions. The Circuit Court Clerk must respond to requests promptly. Fees are limited to copying and labor costs. The office follows state guidelines for record retention and destruction. Electronic records are backed up for security. This system supports government transparency and citizen rights.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk’s office is at 264 Cumberland St., Nashville, TN 37219. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (615) 862-7000. The main courthouse is in the A. A. Birch Building at 408 2nd Ave. N. It has a public garage with 120 spaces. The information desk helps with directions and forms. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 196300, Nashville, TN 37219. For online access, visit the official website. Certified copies cost $3 and take five to seven days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davidson County Civil Court Records
Many people ask how to get court records, what they include, and how much they cost. Others want to know if records are online or how long processing takes. Some need help with old records or sealed cases. Below are common questions with clear answers based on current policies and procedures.
How do I request a certified copy of a civil court record?
To request a certified copy, visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 264 Cumberland St. in Nashville. You can also mail a request to P.O. Box 196300. Include the case number, party names, and your contact information. Each certified copy costs $3. The office provides paper or PDF versions. Processing takes five to seven business days. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order. Make checks payable to the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Are Davidson County civil court records available online?
Yes, most Davidson County civil court records are available online. The official portal allows users to search case dockets, view filing dates, party names, and outcomes. Records from 1980 onward are usually digitized. However, certified copies must be requested in person or by mail. Online access does not include sealed or confidential cases, such as juvenile or full adoption files. The system is updated regularly and is free to use. For older records, especially pre-1980, direct contact with the clerk’s office is required.
What types of cases are included in civil court records?
Davidson County civil court records include divorce decrees, small-claims judgments, lien filings, civil warrants, and landlord-tenant disputes. They also cover adoption summaries, which show finalization dates and adoptive parent names. The records do not include criminal convictions, which are managed by the Criminal Court Clerk. In 2022, the civil docket had 4,567 small-claims cases. All records are public unless sealed by court order. They are used for legal research, background checks, and verifying legal status.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a court record?
Each certified copy of a Davidson County civil court record costs $3. This fee applies to both paper and PDF versions. For older records, especially pre-1980 criminal files, a copying fee of $0.25 per page may be charged by the Criminal Court Clerk. All fees are non-refundable. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order. Make checks payable to the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk. Processing takes five to seven business days. No extra fees are charged for online searches.
Can I view historical court records in person?
Yes, historical Davidson County court records are available at the Nashville Archives. These include Planning Commission minutes (1939–1962), Divorce Books (1856–1878), Grand Jury records (1913–1917), and Guardian Books (1825–1831). Researchers can view these loose records in person. Each session is limited to two hours. Appointments are recommended. The archives are open during regular business hours. This service supports genealogy, legal research, and historical studies. Contact the archives ahead of time to confirm availability.
What should I do if I can’t find a record online?
If a record is not online, it may be older than 1980 or not yet digitized. Contact the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk’s office directly. You can call (615) 862-7000 or visit in person at 264 Cumberland St. For pre-1980 criminal records, reach out to the Criminal Court Clerk. Provide as much detail as possible, such as case number, party names, and filing year. The staff will guide you on next steps. Some records may require a formal request or additional fees.
Are adoption records public in Davidson County?
Only adoption summaries are public in Davidson County. These include the finalization date and adoptive parent names. Full adoption files are confidential and sealed by law. They are not available to the general public. To request a summary, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Certified copies cost $3 and take five to seven days. If you need more information, you may need a court order. This protects the privacy of families involved in adoption.
For more information, visit the official Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk website at https://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/ or call (615) 862-7000. The office is located at 264 Cumberland St., Nashville, TN 37219, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.