Divorce records in Wilson County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. WilsonCourt.us allows for quick access to public divorce information in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decree, the County Clerk's office, and the Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Vital Records. Each of these resources covers a different scope of documentation, so the choice depends on the specific document you need.
Wilson Divorce Records Search
In Wilson County, divorce records are maintained by two main institutions. The Chancery Court Clerk handles court cases — complete divorce materials, including the court decree, property division agreements, custody orders, and related motions. The Tennessee Department of Health, through the Office of Vital Records, issues divorce certificates — a concise document confirming the dissolution of marriage.
Court materials are generally public, although certain documents may be sealed by the court. Certificates from Vital Records have restricted access: they are typically obtained only by the divorce parties or their legal representatives.
Wilson County Chancery Court Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Wilson
Tennessee handles divorce cases in two types of courts — Chancery Court and Circuit Court. In Wilson County, most divorce cases go through the Chancery Court. After a decree is issued by a judge, it is stored in the clerk's office of this court in Lebanon.
Simultaneously, divorce information is sent to the state. The Office of Vital Records maintains a registry of divorces filed in Tennessee since July 1945. This office issues a certificate, not a full copy of the court decree.
Which office to choose depends on the purpose:
- Full text of the court decree, property agreements, custody orders — contact the Chancery Court Clerk in Wilson County.
- Divorce certificate for marital status confirmation — order from the state's Office of Vital Records.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
Requests to Vital Records can be submitted by mail or online through the certificate ordering portal. For court copies, you need to contact the Chancery Court Clerk directly.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Wilson
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Office of Vital Records, per copy) | $15.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Search in Vital Records registry (if record not found) | $15.00 (non-refundable) | 2–4 weeks |
| Copy of court decree (Chancery Court Clerk, regular) | $0.50 per page | Usually 1–5 business days |
| Certified copy of court decree (Chancery Court Clerk) | $0.50 per page + $2.00 for certification | 1–5 business days |
| Online order via VitalChek (Vital Records, expedited) | $15.00 + VitalChek service fee | 5–10 business days |