Records of divorce in Sullivan County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. SullivanCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorces in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the county clerk's office, or through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. Online tools, personal visits, and mail requests all work for finding the necessary documents.
Sullivan Divorce Records Search
In Sullivan County, divorce cases are handled by two courts: Chancery Court and Circuit Court. Both courts have jurisdiction over divorce cases under Tennessee law. The clerk of the respective court maintains all case materials—divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related documents.
The collection of records includes:
- Final divorce decrees
- Marital settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Temporary court orders
- Complaints and responses
Separate from court materials, the Tennessee Office of Vital Records maintains a registry of divorce certificates for divorces finalized after July 1945. This is a shorter document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain case details.
Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sullivan
The structure for filing divorce cases in Tennessee differs from many other states. There is no separate family court—divorce petitions are filed either in the Chancery Court or the Circuit Court of Sullivan County. After a final decision is made, the clerk of the court where the case was heard retains the complete set of materials.
Which office you need depends on the type of document:
- Complete court materials (decrees, agreements, orders) — contact the clerk of the court that handled the case.
- Divorce certificate (a short document confirming the fact) — order through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
Chancery Court (Clerk and Master)
Circuit Court Clerk
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
If you are unsure which court handled the case, start by calling the Circuit Court Clerk—this office serves several court systems in the county and can direct you to the appropriate division. For older records related to the county's history, the Sullivan County Archives can be a useful resource. The County Clerk maintains various public records created by other county offices.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sullivan
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate — Tennessee Vital Records | $15.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Each additional certificate copy (in one order) | $5.00 | With main order |
| Court record copies — court clerk | $0.50 per page | Typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified copy of decree | $0.50 per page + certification fee | 1–5 business days |