Sumner County, Tennessee State Court Records
A Sumner County court record, under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, extends beyond case records. Under this rule, the term "court records" also includes administrative and judicial records. Each record type is created, collected, and maintained by the court in the course of carrying out its duties. Case records are documentary materials created, received, and maintained in connection with a case.
Unlike other public records, such as Sumner County vital records or criminal records, Sumner County court records are maintained by the court where the case was handled, with the clerk serving as the official custodian.
Are Sumner County Court Records Public?
Yes. Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34(1) establishes citizens' right to inspect court records unless a record is specifically exempt from disclosure. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-504), certain court records are not available for public inspection, including
- Sensitive identifying information
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Medical records
- Adoption records
Other exemptions are specified under Rule 34(2)(c) and other applicable statutes, including information that could threaten the personal safety of a judge or judicial employee, as well as documents sealed by the court.
What Information is Available in Sumner County Court Records?
A Sumner County court record highlights details of a criminal or civil case. Each record contains information specific to its underlying case. The information available depends on the retrieval option chosen by the requester and the type of case. Generally, court records may include
- General Information: Case number, names of parties, filing date, judge, case status, status date, case reference, balance due, and next hearing
- Filed Documents: Date of service, document type, document number, status, status date
Specific documents that may be found include motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, and transcripts.
Sumner County Court Records Search
Different inquirers may have different needs and preferred methods for performing a Sumner County court record search. The Tennessee judiciary and Sumner County offer several options for individuals to review and choose from based on their needs.
If an individual would rather view court records without going to the courthouse or sending a request by mail, they can use TnCIS. This case management system provides access to case information and dockets. Users will need to select "Sumner County" to narrow their search. Searches can be carried out at no cost.
For a hands-on experience, individuals may visit the courthouse and make inquiries at the clerk of the court's office. Visitors may search the court's digital record using the on-site computers or review hard copies of case records at the public counter. As with an online search, a name or case number is generally required.
Where an online or in-person search is not possible, an inquirer may submit a request by mail. The guidelines for mail requests can be procured from the applicable clerk's office.
Fees for Court Records in Sumner County
The courts in Sumner County provide search services and copies of court records as part of their administrative duties. While Sumner County court record searches can generally be conducted for free, fees apply for record requests, certified copies, record authentication, and related services. For example, copies of records may cost 5 cents per page, while certification and seal cost $5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401 authorizes clerks to charge fees for services rendered and records requested.
Sumner County Courthouse Locations
Sumner County, like most counties in Tennessee, has chancery and general sessions courts, a probate court, and a juvenile court. Each has limited jurisdiction for specific types of cases. The county also has a circuit court with general jurisdiction that handles matters such as personal injury, divorce, child support, adoption, and condemnation cases. These courts are located at:
Sumner County Circuit Court
100 Public Square
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-4367
Fax: (615) 451-6072
Chancery Court
Sumner County Chancery Court
100 Public Square
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-4282 (Civil, Domestic)
Phone: (615) 451-6036 (Probate, Delinquent Taxes)
Fax: (615) 451-6031
Criminal Court
100 Public Square
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 451-3209
Fax: (615) 451-6072
General Sessions Court
Sumner County General Sessions Court
117 West Smith Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-4367 (Civil, Orders of Protection)
Phone: (615) 452-4367 (Criminal, Traffic)
Fax: (615) 451-6072
Juvenile Courts
Sumner County Juvenile Court
117 West Smith Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-4367
Fax: (615) 451-6072
Gallatin Municipal Court
132 West Main Street
Room 112
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 451-5893
Fax: (615) 451-5916
Hendersonville City Court
101 Maple Drive North
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 264-5354
Millersville City Court
1246 Louisville Highway
Millersville, TN 37072
Phone: (615) 859-0880
Fax: (615) 851-1825
Portland Municipal Court
100 South Russell Street
Portland, TN 37148
Phone: (615) 325-6776
Fax: (615) 325-7075
Westmoreland City Court
1001 Park Street
Westmoreland, TN 37186
Phone: (615) 644-3382
White House Municipal Court
105 College Street
White House, TN 37188
Phone: (615) 672-4350
Fax: (615) 672-2939
Criminal Records Access in Sumner County
Sumner County criminal history records are maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which serves as the statewide repository. Different entities may search the TBI's database through prescribed processes, subject to specific access rules.
The Bureau allows members of the public to retrieve an individual's criminal history record. For $29, a person may conduct a name-based search to determine whether an individual has a criminal history record and, if one exists, view its contents. Inquirers must complete and submit the online form provided by the Bureau. Record subjects and approved contractors may also perform a fingerprint-based criminal history check through an approved private contractor for a fee of $50 (This is a nationwide FBI search).
Lastly, qualified organizations and individuals may conduct a Tennessee fingerprint search through an approved third-party service provider. The fee for this search depends on the organization or individual requesting it.
More information, including forms, is provided on the TBI's Background Checks page.
For Sumner County criminal case records, one may obtain records from the court where the case was handled. Records may be accessed online, in person at the courthouse, or by mail.
Sumner County Probate Records
Sumner County probate records document probate proceedings. They provide information on the settlement of a deceased person's estate or property. These records are available for public inspection, except for certain details and documents that are restricted by law. The Chancery Court has jurisdiction over probate cases, including guardianships, conservatorships, real estate matters, mental health cases, and muniments of title.
Sumner County probate records are available at the Chancery Court clerk's office. Researchers may visit the clerk's office to request records by providing a name or a case number to facilitate the search. Some probate records are also available through the TnCIS database, and inquirers may submit requests by mail. However, documents, certified copies of records, and records that are not public are available only at the courthouse.
Sumner County Family Court Records
Two courts share concurrent jurisdiction over family law cases in Sumner County: the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court. Family law cases may be filed in either court. Some family law cases heard by these courts include divorces, post-divorce matters, child visitation, and child support.
Family court records are maintained by the court that handled the case; therefore, all inquiries and requests should be directed to the appropriate court, if known. If the inquirer is unsure which court handled a case, they may search the online case management system (TnCIS) or visit the clerk's office to make inquiries. Written requests may also be submitted by mail to the clerk of the court's office.
Older family law records that are not available online or at the courthouse may be retrievable from the Sumner County Archive.
Federal Court Records in Sumner County
The court that handles a case determines the category of records under which it is classified. Cases handled by local courts are maintained as Sumner County court records, while cases handled by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee are filed as federal court records. The Middle District Court is the federal court that serves Sumner and several other Tennessee counties.
Records of most federal cases, except those exempt by law, are accessible to the public. These records may be accessed online through PACER, at the clerk of the court's office, or by mail. Online searches and record requests require payment of applicable fees. However, in-person searches may be performed at no cost.
