Montgomery County Public Records /Montgomery County Divorce Records

Montgomery County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Montgomery County in 2026

MontgomeryTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Montgomery County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and court disposition data. Available record categories may include final divorce decrees, dissolution case files, property settlement orders, child custody determinations, and spousal support orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk and Master's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online inquiry tools maintained by the county.

Multiple Search Methods:

Online Searches:

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk's Office currently offers a web inquiry service for online court records that allows members of the public to view case information without visiting the courthouse. This is the most common method for locating divorce case data. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.

2. Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains statewide court information and provides access to court system resources across jurisdictions. Members of the public may use this portal to identify the correct court and locate consolidated case data.

3. Tennessee Vital Records

The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records maintains divorce records for statistical and vital records purposes. Divorce certificates issued through this office reflect the legal dissolution of marriage and may be obtained for a fee. Under current Tennessee law, divorce records have been registered with the state since 1945.

In-Person Searches:

Clerk and Master's Office (Divorce Filings):

Pursuant to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office guidance, divorce cases in Montgomery County are filed with the Clerk and Master's Office. Members of the public may visit in person to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance.

Montgomery County Clerk and Master's Office
Montgomery County Courts Complex
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Document inspection at public access terminals
- Certified copy requests
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

Historical and archived divorce cases may require a separate retrieval request. Older paper records that have not been digitized may require additional processing time. Members of the public seeking records predating electronic filing should contact the Clerk and Master's Office directly to confirm availability.

By Mail:

Written Request:

Mail to: Clerk and Master's Office, 2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101, Clarksville, TN 37040
Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- 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 correspondence
Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow 1–2 weeks for standard requests.

By Phone:

Limited Information:

Clerk and Master's Office: (931) 648-5703
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Current case status
- Filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information

Through Attorneys:

An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may use the Tennessee Bar Association's lawyer referral service to locate qualified family law counsel. Attorney-assisted access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or confidential custody evaluations.

Information Needed for Search:

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or case filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Montgomery County
Names of minor children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County:

Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are filed in the county where either spouse resided 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 of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under current Tennessee law, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Tennessee for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. The case is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations:

Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be processed and indexed.
Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request.

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 Clerk and Master's Office at (931) 648-5703
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Tennessee Department of Health vital records database
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Tennessee family law attorney

What Are Montgomery County Divorce Records?

Montgomery County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the county's courts. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Clerk and Master's Office and are classified as public records subject to applicable access restrictions.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Petition for divorce or 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, orders, and hearing notices
Transcripts of court proceedings
Final judgment of divorce or dissolution

Final Decree:

The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and parenting time 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 Clerk and Master's Office upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents:

Original marriage certificate (submitted as evidence)
Financial disclosure statements
Real and personal property inventories
Parenting plan attachments
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Proof of current marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration and naturalization proceedings
Social Security benefit determinations
Enforcement of support and custody orders

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Clerk and Master's Office serves as the primary custodian of divorce records in Montgomery County. The office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. As stated on the Circuit Court Clerk's Office website, "The Circuit Court Clerk ensures the efficient operations of our courts by maintaining dockets and records, handling administrative matters and serving as…" the official keeper of court documents.

The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, maintains a separate statewide registry of divorce certificates. These certificates contain limited identifying information compared to the full court case file.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101, which sets forth the grounds for divorce recognized under state law. Public access to court records is governed by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 26, which establishes the framework for access to court records while providing protections for sensitive personal information contained within family law files.

Are Montgomery County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Montgomery County are public court records subject to Tennessee's open records laws. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and final judgments. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state statute.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
Court orders and judgments
Final decree of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and disposition
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
Bank account and financial institution numbers (redacted)
Credit card account numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
Salary and income details (subject to partial restrictions in some cases)

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children
Names of schools children attend
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Sexual abuse allegations
Mental health treatment records
Substance abuse treatment information
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may result in sealing include cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, confidential settlement terms, or court-ordered mediation records. Mediation communications are confidential under Tennessee law and are not part of the public record.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Tennessee's public records law, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, establishes the presumption that all state and local government records are open for public inspection. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis. Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 26 governs access to court records specifically and provides the framework for balancing public transparency against individual privacy interests.

Who Can Access Records:

Requestor Category	Level of Access
General public	Public portions of case file; docket summaries; final orders
Parties to the case	Full access to their own case file, including restricted documents
Attorneys of record	Full access; may petition for sealed records
Law enforcement	Statutory access to records relevant to investigations
Researchers and media	Public portions; court permission required for sealed records

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's interest against the privacy interests of the affected parties. Certain entities, including child protective services investigators and court-appointed evaluators, may have statutory access to otherwise restricted records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Montgomery County?

The Clerk and Master's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees applicable to divorce records in Montgomery County are as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per certification plus copy fees
Exemplified/authenticated copy	Additional fee; contact clerk for current amount
Online case information	Free (basic case data)
Document download (if available electronically)	Fees may apply

Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge during regular business hours.
Copies: Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions of filed documents.
Certification: A certification fee is charged for each document requiring the clerk's official seal and signature.
Electronic formats: Where electronic copies are available, fees may differ from paper copy rates.
Search fees: The Clerk and Master's Office does not charge a separate search fee for standard name-based case searches.
Payment methods: The office accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (931) 648-5703.
Fee waivers: Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties in certain circumstances. A formal application demonstrating financial hardship is required.

Copy fees for court records in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-506, which authorizes custodians of public records to charge reasonable fees for copies. Basic inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no cost.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Montgomery County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Clerk and Master's Office contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption including case number, court name, and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Name of the assigned judge
Names of attorneys of record
Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition. Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, and all liabilities.

Discovery Documents:

Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, financial records such as tax returns and bank statements, and property inventories. Not all discovery materials are filed with the court; those exchanged between parties but not submitted to the clerk are not part of the official record.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

The parenting plan filed with the court establishes legal custody, physical custody, the regular and holiday timesharing schedule, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support worksheets reflect both parties' income, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. Custody evaluation reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators may be filed under restricted access.

Support Documents:

Alimony orders specify the type of support awarded under Tennessee law, the amount, the duration, the payment schedule, and the conditions for modification or termination. Calculation worksheets supporting the alimony determination are part of the record.

Settlement Documents:

The marital settlement agreement, when executed by both parties, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements, if reached, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, the mediation communications themselves are confidential and not part of the public record.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and restraining orders. The final judgment of divorce constitutes the court's definitive ruling, incorporating findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and support determinations, custody and child support orders, and any name restoration. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order may be filed separately when retirement accounts are divided as part of the property settlement.

Post-Judgment Documents:

Modification petitions, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after the entry of the final judgment are part of the ongoing case file and are accessible under the same public access rules applicable to the original proceedings.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence details in cases involving protective measures
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications
Trade secret information in business valuation disputes
Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Montgomery County?

Proof of divorce in Montgomery County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Clerk and Master's Office. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of the dissolution of marriage for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, and other legal matters.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case: Locate the case number and filing date using the online court records inquiry system or by contacting the Clerk and Master's Office.
Submit a request: Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by phone to confirm availability. The Circuit Court Clerk forms page provides relevant forms and filing information.
Provide identifying information: Supply the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
Pay applicable fees: Current certification fees apply per document. Payment is accepted in person or by mail.
Receive the certified copy: In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit when records are available. Mail requests are processed in the order received.

Montgomery County Clerk and Master's Office
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Circuit Court Clerk's Office

For a divorce certificate issued through the state vital records system rather than the court, members of the public may submit a request to:

Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records

The state vital records office maintains divorce records for events occurring in Tennessee since 1945. The vital records certificate contains limited information compared to the full court file and is not a substitute for a certified copy of the final decree when complete legal documentation is required.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Montgomery County?

Divorce proceedings in Montgomery County are presumptively public, but Tennessee law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances.

Grounds for sealing: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. Courts weigh the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children against the public's interest in open court proceedings.
Domestic violence cases: Cases involving domestic violence allegations may have specific documents sealed or have party addresses and identifying information withheld from public access to protect the safety of victims.
Children's information: Information identifying the residential address, school, or medical providers of minor children is subject to restriction under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 26.
Financial account data: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
Sealed by court order: A judge may seal an entire case file in extraordinary circumstances, such as cases involving public figures or matters where disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
Confidential settlements: Settlement terms agreed to outside of court and not incorporated into a filed agreement are not part of the public record.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Divorce Records?

Montgomery County maintains divorce records in accordance with Tennessee's records retention schedules established for court records. Retention periods vary by record type.

Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final divorce decrees are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
Complete case files: Tennessee court records retention schedules require that civil case files, including divorce cases, be retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case. Cases involving minor children may be retained longer.
Docket indexes: Permanent retention. Case indexes are maintained indefinitely to allow future identification and retrieval of case files.
Archived paper records: Older cases that predate electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format. These records remain accessible but may require additional retrieval time.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
Post-judgment modification records: Documents filed after the entry of the final judgment, including modification orders and enforcement actions, are retained as part of the ongoing case file.

Tennessee's records retention requirements for court records are established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives in coordination with the Administrative Office of the Courts. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Clerk and Master's Office to confirm current availability and retrieval procedures.