Tipton County, Tennessee court records are available through several channels. TiptonCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court resources, the clerk's offices at the courthouse in Covington, and through public terminals installed directly in the court premises. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system and the procedure for obtaining documents.
Tipton Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Tipton County, each handling specific categories of cases. The administrative center of the county is the city of Covington.
Circuit Court
This is a court of general jurisdiction. It hears serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits, and divorce cases. The Tipton County Circuit Court is part of the 25th judicial district of the state of Tennessee.
General Sessions Court
This court acts as the "workhorse" of everyday justice:
- Minor criminal cases (misdemeanors)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Traffic violations
- Warrants and bail issues
Small claims cases are also heard by the General Sessions Court — there is no separate small claims court in Tennessee.
Chancery Court
Handles cases related to equity law: probate, guardianship and conservatorship, adoption, land disputes, and some family matters. If you need records on wills or estate administration, contact the Clerk & Master of the Chancery Court.
Juvenile Court
Handles juvenile delinquency cases, termination of parental rights, child custody. Most records of this court are confidential according to Tennessee law.
Federal cases involving county residents are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in Memphis.
Tipton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings in each court is formed separately. To find out when a specific hearing is scheduled, there are several options.
- Call the clerk's office of the relevant court. The clerk of the Circuit Court or General Sessions Court can provide the date and time of the next hearing by case number or party name.
- Visit the courthouse in person. The daily schedule is usually posted near the entrance to the courtroom or on an information board. Public terminals also allow you to view the calendar.
- Check online resources. Information about scheduled hearings can be found on TiptonCourt.us. For criminal cases where the defendant was under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, the statewide felony offender information lookup is useful.
Note: Calendars often change due to case rescheduling. Before traveling to court, it is advisable to call and confirm that the hearing will take place as scheduled.
How to Get a Copy of a Tipton Court Document
The procedure for obtaining a copy depends on the type of document and whether you need a regular or certified copy.
Certified vs. Regular Copy
A certified copy has the clerk's seal and confirms that the document is an exact copy of the original. It is required for legal procedures — filing with another court, name change, divorce confirmation. A regular copy is suitable for personal reference.
How to Order
- In person: Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court at the Tipton County Courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate date. The clerk will find the document and make a copy on the spot.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order covering the cost of copying and certification. Mailing address:
- Online: Some documents, including property records, can be found through the TN Property Viewer or through the county property assessment page on the Comptroller's website. For state criminal offender records, the TDOC online lookup is available.
Juvenile court records, sealed and expunged cases are not issued without a judge's order.
Tipton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copying and certifying documents in Tennessee courts are regulated by state law (T.C.A. § 8-21-401 and related articles). Specific amounts may vary slightly depending on the court and document type. Below are the approximate rates applicable to Tipton County courts.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00 – $6.00 |
| Record search by request | An additional fee may be charged (check with the clerk) |
| Copy of divorce decree | Depends on the number of pages plus certification fee |
| Copy of document from the Register of Deeds | $0.50 per page |
Payment Methods
- Cash and money orders are accepted at all clerk's offices.
- Personal checks are usually accepted, but verify in advance.
- Credit and debit cards — availability of this option depends on the specific court; some offices charge an additional processing fee for card use.
For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk (e.g., "Tipton County Circuit Court Clerk"). If the exact amount is unknown, call the clerk's office in advance — this will help avoid delays.