Union County Court Records

In Union County, Tennessee, there are many courts through which residents may seek legal recourse and remedy when they have been wronged. Per Tennessee law and court rules, county courts are responsible for maintaining records of their adjudicative duties. Court records are kept in different formats, such as paper, electronic, and microfilm. Generally, the clerk's office maintains and provides these records. Court records offer evidence in appeals, set precedents applicable in future cases, and let the public oversee legal proceedings.

Are Court Records Public in Union County?

Yes. Union County court records are public. Tennessee's Public Records Act (TPRA) and Supreme Court Rule 34 guarantee the public's right to inspect and copy records held by government agencies, including the courts.

Under T.C.A. Section 10-7-503(a)(1)(A), any document a government agency makes or receives in its official duties counts as a public record. A comprehensive report on public records in the state is available through the office of the Tennessee Comptroller. It details the exemptions to the public's statutory right to view or obtain court records. Records exempted from public disclosure include:

• Briefs, motions, and petitions presented to a judge, except filed as part of a case record
• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Sealed or expunged records

Union County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Union County court records may choose from several options. They may visit the courthouse where the case was handled or contact the clerk of the respective court's office. Otherwise, they may use the remote case management system provided by the county courts or get court records through a third-party public records database.

Union County Courts

The judicial system in Union County comprises a circuit court, a chancery court, a criminal court, a general sessions court, a juvenile court, and two municipal courts. The locations of the courts in Union County are listed below:

Union County Circuit Court
901 Main Street, Suite 201,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5493

Union County Chancery Court
901 Main Street, Suite 206,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5942

Union County Criminal Court
901 Main Street, Suite 201,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5493

Union County General Sessions Court
901 Main Street, Suite 201,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5493

Union County Juvenile Court
901 Main Street, Suite 201,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5493

Maynardville Municipal Court
125 Johnson Road,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3821

Plainview Municipal Court
1037 Tazewell Pike,
Luttrell, TN 37779
Phone: (865) 992-5841

Union County Criminal and Civil Records

Interested parties may request Union County criminal records from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The TBI maintains the state's criminal history and provides data on misdemeanor and felony arrests gathered from arresting agencies to the public and eligible organizations.

The public can request a name-based criminal history check from the TBI for a non-refundable fee of $29. Requesters may submit their applications online or by mail to the TBI Open Records Information Services Unit. The TBI only releases adult records and records of juveniles tried as adults. All juvenile records in Tennessee are confidential.

Civil court proceedings within the county are held in the Chancery, Circuit, and general sessions courts. These cases may include auto accidents, medical malpractice, personal injury, name changes, and workers' compensation. To access a record, interested parties must request the court where the case was filed or heard.

Union County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Union County and other vital records are generally deemed private. Access to these records is limited to individuals permitted by law. Interested parties may get Union County marriage records through multiple avenues. They may go through the vendor approved by the health department or visit the vital records office in person. For mail requests, record seekers may send completed marriage certificate application forms to the Tennessee Vital Records. Alternatively, they may visit the county health department to obtain a birth record.

In addition, record seekers may access Union County marriage records through the Library and Archives of the Tennessee Secretary of State. The Tennessee County Clerk also offers a database where record seekers may find marriage records. There is a $15 fee to obtain a marriage record.

Union County Divorce Records

Union County divorce certificates are treated as confidential, and access to them is limited to individuals permitted by law. Interested parties may access divorce records through multiple sources. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records provides online access to divorce records. Record seekers may contact the office by mail or visit in person. They must fill out a divorce certificate application form. Alternatively, record seekers may approach the court where the divorce was granted. They may locate divorce records by inquiring directly with the court clerk. There is a $15 fee to obtain a divorce certificate.

Union Birth Records

Like marriage and divorce records, Union County birth records are categorized as vital and kept private. Residents typically request birth records to prove identity, support legal claims, or obtain official documents. Record seekers interested in open birth records may approach the Tennessee State Library and Archives. They must supply relevant details such as the subject's name, date of birth, and location.

Union Death Records

Although death records in Union County are considered vital records, access to them is limited to individuals permitted by law. Eligible individuals may contact the office of Vital Records or the Union County Health Department to obtain death records. They may also get a death certificate by filling out and submitting the appropriate request form and paying the required $15 fee.

Union County Probate Court Records

The Union County Chancery Court handles probate matters covering estate distribution, divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, real estate issues, conservatorship, guardianship, domestic relations, and child support enforcement. Interested parties may access these records by contacting the clerk of the Chancery Court by mail or in person. They must provide pertinent details to facilitate the record search, such as case number, names, or dates.

Union County Property Records

Property records in Union County include real estate instruments documented by the record custodians as part of the county's official records. The property records available for access include deeds, mortgages, liens, surveys, and assignments. The Register of Deeds is the main custodian of property records in the county. Record seekers may reach them online, by phone, mail, or in person. For in-person visits, the address is:

Union County Register of Deeds
901 Main Street,
Suite 105,
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-8024

Union County Court Records Online

Individuals seeking access to Union County court records may use third-party sites like Tennesseecourtrecords.us. Anyone on any device with internet access may use these sites to get court records. They may charge a fee. Additionally, requesters must provide the name of the record subject and a case number. The search process is usually straightforward, and the interface is intuitive. However, these sites are not affiliated with the government and may provide inaccurate or incomplete information. Therefore, requesters should verify the information they get with the official court records.