Case Information: Fast Shelby County Court Lookup

Case Information for Shelby County courts unlocks the details behind any civil, criminal, family, probate, or juvenile filing, letting citizens see the case number, case title, filing date, and current case status in a single view. By entering the case identifier into the official search portal, users can instantly retrieve case record information such as the assigned judge, court division, jurisdiction, and party roles, including plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, and attorney of record. The platform also displays a timeline of case activity, from initial filings and motions to hearings, court orders, and final judgments, helping visitors track case progress from active to closed or appealed. This transparent access supports informed decisions, whether you’re checking the outcome of a traffic case or confirming the disposition of a family law matter, and it meets the public’s right to view court case details without navigating complex bureaucracy.

Case Information search results also reveal document availability, showing certified copies, official court documents, and filing dates for each entry in the case history. Users can see if a case is sealed, restricted, or missing, and learn how often updates occur, which is essential for tracking recently filed cases or recent status changes. By presenting case type, case category, and related case records side by side, the system empowers anyone to locate attorney information, party names, and case outcomes quickly, ensuring that legal case information remains accessible, accurate, and up‑to‑date.

How to Search Case Information

You can search case records for Shelby County civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile filings through the official online portal managed by the Circuit Court Clerk. The portal lets you enter a case number, party name, or attorney bar number to pull up the full case record. Once you submit your search, the system displays the case title, filing date, current case status, and a list of related case events, which can also be verified through official case search for complete records. This lookup tool works for traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases too, so you can use the same portal for nearly every case type in Shelby County courts.

The portal is open to the public, and you do not need to register or pay a fee to view basic case details. You only need a working internet connection and the case identifier or the last name of a party listed on the case. If a case is sealed, restricted, or marked confidential, the system will hide certain fields and show a notice instead. You can repeat your search as many times as you want during the day, and the portal does not track your personal searches beyond standard web traffic logs.

Official Search Portal: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/338/Circuit-Court-Clerk

Steps to Search

  • Open the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk search portal in your web browser.
  • Pick the search type from the drop-down menu, such as case number, party name, or attorney bar number.
  • Type the case identifier or party last name into the search field exactly as it appears on the court filing.
  • Select the case type filter if you know it, such as civil, criminal, or probate, to narrow your results.
  • Press the search button and wait for the system to load the case list.
  • Click on the case title or case number to open the full case detail page.
  • Review the case details, party list, hearing history, and document list on the screen.

How to View Case Information

You can view case details for any Shelby County filing once you open the case detail page from the search results. The case detail page shows the case identifier, case title, case type, filing date, and the court division where the case was filed. From this single screen, you can jump to the case activity timeline, the list of parties, and the document library for that specific case. The page also shows the assigned judge and the current case status at the top so you do not have to scroll through long menus.

Finding Details for a Specific Case

To find details for a single case, you only need the case number or the full name of a party on the case. The search portal accepts partial matches, but using the full case number gives you the fastest and most accurate results. When you click on a case from the search list, the system opens the case detail page with all linked records. You can also bookmark the case URL and return to the same case detail page later without searching again.

Case Number and Case Identifier

The case number is the unique code the court assigns when a party first files a case. In Shelby County, case numbers start with a two-letter prefix that shows the case type, such as CT for civil, CR for criminal, or PR for probate. The prefix is followed by the year the case was filed and a sequence number. The case identifier works the same way and is used on all court orders, filings, and judgments. Court staff use this number when pulling files or updating case records in the system.

PrefixCase TypeDivision
CTCivilCircuit Civil
CRCriminalCircuit Criminal
CHChanceryChancery Court
PRProbateProbate Court
JVJuvenileJuvenile Court

Case Type and Court Division

Case type tells you the legal category of a filing, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, or juvenile. The court division tells you which section of the Circuit Court Clerk handles the case. Shelby County Circuit Court has divisions for civil, criminal, and equity, and each division manages its own case list and docket. The case detail page shows the court division next to the case type so you know exactly which court office to contact if you need help. Different case types follow different court rules and timelines.

Case Filing Date

The filing date is the day the court officially received the case paperwork and opened the file. This date marks the start of the case activity timeline and is used to calculate court deadlines. You can see the filing date on the case header along with the case number and case title. If a case was refiled after a dismissal, the new filing date will replace the old one in the record. Older filing dates help you understand how long a case has been active in the court system.

Current Case Status

The current case status shows where the case stands right now, such as active, pending, closed, disposed, or appealed. This field updates as the court enters new orders or judgments. You can check the current case status without opening the full case detail page by looking at the search results list. The status line also shows the date of the last update so you know how recent the data is. A status change usually means a new motion, order, or hearing took place on the case.

Case Parties and Representatives

Every case record shows the people and law firms tied to the filing through the parties section. You can see the full name of each party, their role in the case, and the attorney who represents them. The parties section also lists extra people like guardians ad litem, conservators, and witnesses who took part in court events. Reviewing the party list helps you understand who is involved and which side filed each motion or response.

Plaintiff and Defendant

In civil cases, the plaintiff is the person or business that starts the lawsuit, and the defendant is the person or business being sued. The case detail page shows the plaintiff on the left and the defendant on the right under the case title. In criminal cases, the State of Tennessee or a local municipality acts as the plaintiff, and the defendant is the person charged with the crime. You can click on each party name to see all the cases that person is connected to in Shelby County courts.

Petitioner and Respondent

In family, probate, and chancery cases, the parties are usually called the petitioner and the respondent instead of plaintiff and defendant. The petitioner is the person who files the petition, and the respondent is the person who must answer it. Common petitions cover divorce, child custody, guardianship, and estate matters. The case detail page uses these labels based on the case type so you know who filed the original request and who must respond to it.

Attorneys of Record

The attorney of record is the lawyer who officially represents a party on the case and receives court notices on that party’s behalf. The case detail page lists each attorney’s name, bar number, law firm, and contact phone. You can use this list to confirm who is handling a case before you call or visit the courthouse. If an attorney is removed or substituted, the case record shows the new attorney and the date of the change. The following items often appear next to each attorney entry:

  • Attorney full name and bar number
  • Law firm name and office address
  • Phone number and email on file
  • Date the attorney first appeared on the case
  • Date the attorney was removed or substituted, if any

Party Roles and Relationships

The party roles section explains how each person connects to the case, such as spouse, business partner, employer, or heir. This helps you understand the relationship between the people listed on the case record. For example, in a divorce case, the roles show that two parties are married, and in a probate case, the roles show who is named in a will. Court clerks use these roles when pulling files and answering public questions about case status.

Additional Case Participants

Some cases list extra participants beyond the main parties and attorneys. These can include guardians ad litem, court-appointed mediators, interpreters, and expert witnesses. The case detail page lists each extra participant with their role and the date they joined the case. If a participant is removed, the record shows the date of removal. This list is helpful when you need to know who helped decide a case outcome.

Case Details

The case details section gives you a deeper look at what a case is about, what claims or charges are involved, and where the case sits in the court system. You can read the case description, check the filing details, see who the assigned judge is, and confirm the court location. The details section also points you to any related cases that share a party, attorney, or claim. This helps you see the full picture of a legal matter without leaving the portal.

Case Description

The case description is a short summary written by the filer or court clerk that explains the reason for the lawsuit. In civil cases, it might say “breach of contract” or “personal injury.” In criminal cases, it might list the statute number and a short label like “theft of property.” In family cases, it often says “divorce with children” or “modification of custody.” The description gives you a quick way to understand what a case is about before you read the full filings.

Charges or Claims

The charges or claims section lists the legal reasons listed in the case. In criminal cases, this section shows the charge code, charge level (misdemeanor or felony), and a short description of the charge. In civil cases, it lists each count or claim, such as negligence, breach of contract, or debt owed. You can click on a charge or claim to see the statute or rule that supports it. This helps you understand the legal basis of the case.

Filing Information

Filing details show the date the case was filed, the court office that received it, and the filing party. The filing party is usually the same as the plaintiff or petitioner, but a guardian or conservator can also file on behalf of another person. The filing details section also shows the case category, such as contract, tort, or domestic relations. This section ties together the start of the case and the paperwork that opened the file.

Assigned Judge

The assigned judge section shows the name of the judge who handles the case. In Shelby County, judges are assigned to specific divisions and dockets. If a judge is recused or replaced, the case detail page shows the new judge and the date of the change. You can use this section to confirm which judge is hearing a motion or signing an order. Knowing the assigned judge also helps you find the right court calendar for upcoming hearings.

Court Location

The court location shows the physical address where hearings and trials take place for the case. Most Shelby County Circuit Court cases are heard at the Shelby County Courthouse in downtown Memphis. Juvenile and probate cases may be heard at separate buildings within the same court complex. The court location section also lists the room number or floor for scheduled hearings. This saves you time when you plan a visit to the courthouse.

Case Jurisdiction

Case jurisdiction tells you the legal authority the court has over the case. Shelby County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felonies, civil claims above a set dollar amount, divorce, probate, and juvenile matters. The case detail page lists the jurisdiction based on the case type and the law that applies. Jurisdiction also tells you if a case was transferred from another county or state. If a case moves to federal court, the record shows the transfer date and the new court.

Related Cases

Related cases are other cases that share a party, attorney, or claim with the case you are viewing. For example, a divorce case might link to a child support case or a protective order case. The related cases section lists each linked case with its case number and case type. You can click on a related case to jump straight to its detail page. This makes it easy to follow all of the legal matters connected to one person or one event.

Case Activity

The case activity section shows everything that has happened in a case from the day it was filed to the present. You can see filings, hearings, motions, orders, and judgments on one timeline. The system orders each event by date so you can read the case history in chronological order. This helps you track how a case moved through each stage of the court process and what actions are still pending.

Case Filing History

The filing history lists every document filed in the case from the initial complaint or petition to the most recent motion. Each entry shows the filing date, document title, filer, and a link to view the document. You can filter the filing history by document type, such as motions, briefs, or exhibits. This helps you focus on a single category of filing without scrolling through the full list.

Hearings and Court Appearances

This section lists every hearing and court appearance set in the case, both past and future. Each entry shows the hearing date, time, courtroom, type of hearing, and the judge assigned. Past hearings show the outcome, such as “heard and taken under advisement” or “continued by consent.” Future hearings let you plan ahead if you need to attend. The portal updates this section as the court schedules new dates or cancels old ones.

Motions and Filings

The motions section groups together all motions filed in the case, such as motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, or motions to compel. Each motion shows the filer, the filing date, and the current status, such as pending, granted, or denied. You can click on a motion to read the full text and any response filed by the other side. This section helps you follow the arguments raised by both parties during the case.

Court Orders

Court orders are official rulings signed by the judge on a specific motion or request. The orders section lists each order with the date it was entered, the judge who signed it, and a short summary of what the order says. You can click on an order to read the full text. Orders can cover anything from setting a trial date to ruling on a motion. Once an order is entered, the case activity timeline updates to reflect the new status.

Judgments

The judgments section lists the final judgments entered in the case, such as a money judgment, a custody order, or a sentence in a criminal case. Each judgment shows the date it was entered, the amount or terms, and the judge who signed it. You can use this section to confirm the final outcome of a case. If a judgment was later appealed or modified, the record shows the new order and the date of the change.

Case Events

Case events are the key milestones in the life of a case, such as the initial filing, the answer, discovery deadlines, pretrial conferences, and the trial date. The events section lists each milestone with its date and a short description. This gives you a quick snapshot of the case without reading every document. Events also help you see how long the case has been open and what stage it is in right now.

Case Activity Timeline

The case activity timeline puts every filing, hearing, motion, order, and judgment into a single chronological view. You can scroll through the timeline to see how the case developed over time. The timeline also marks major milestones, such as the answer date, discovery cutoff, and trial date. The following table shows the most common event types and their place in the timeline:

Event TypeExampleTypical Position in Timeline
Initial FilingComplaint or PetitionDay 1
AnswerResponse to ComplaintWithin 30 days of filing
DiscoveryInterrogatories, DepositionsBetween answer and trial
Pretrial ConferenceStatus Hearing30 days before trial
TrialJury or Bench TrialSet by scheduling order
JudgmentFinal OrderEnd of case

Case Status and Outcome

The case status section tells you exactly where a case stands today and what final outcome it reached if the court has closed it. Statuses range from active and pending to closed, dismissed, disposed, and appealed. The system updates each status as the court enters new orders or judgments. Reviewing this section is the fastest way to learn the current state of a case without reading every document in the file.

Active Cases

An active case is one that is still open and moving through the court process. Active cases still have hearings, motions, or deadlines ahead of them. The case detail page shows “Active” next to the status field along with the date of the last court action. You can use this section to confirm that a case has not been dismissed or closed by mistake.

Pending Cases

A pending case is one that has been filed but is waiting for the next court action, such as a hearing date or a ruling on a motion. The status field shows “Pending” with the date the court set for the next step. Pending cases can still be active, and you may see both labels used in different parts of the record. The portal updates the status when the court enters a new order or schedules a new hearing.

Closed Cases

A closed case is one where the court has finished all activity and entered a final order or judgment. Closed cases can still have post-judgment motions, such as a motion to enforce or a motion to set aside. The status field shows “Closed” with the date the case was officially closed, which can also be verified through official case public details for complete records. You can still view the full case history and documents on a closed case through the portal.

Dismissed Cases

A dismissed case is one where the court ended the case before a final judgment, usually because the plaintiff withdrew the claim or failed to follow court rules. The status field shows “Dismissed” along with the date of the dismissal order. Dismissed cases may be refiled within a set time under the law of saving statutes. You can click on the dismissal order to read the judge’s reason for ending the case.

Disposed Cases

A disposed case is one where the court reached a final resolution, such as a settlement, a guilty plea, or a final judgment after trial. The status field shows “Disposed” with the date the court entered the final order. Disposed cases are similar to closed cases, but the term “disposed” focuses on the resolution of the legal issue rather than the closing of the file.

Appealed Cases

An appealed case is one where a party asked a higher court to review a final order or judgment. The status field shows “Appealed” with the date the notice of appeal was filed. The portal also shows the appellate court case number and the court of review. Once the appellate court enters its ruling, the case detail page updates to show the new status and the date of the appellate decision.

Final Case Outcome

The final case outcome section shows the end result of the case, such as a money judgment, a custody order, a guilty verdict, or a sentence. This section pulls the key details from the last order or judgment entered in the case. You can use this field to confirm what happened without reading every document in the file. The final outcome is helpful for background checks, credit checks, and legal research.

Case Documents

The case documents section lists every paper filed in the case, from the initial complaint to the most recent motion. You can view orders, judgments, exhibits, and supporting paperwork from one screen. Each document shows the filing date, the filer, the document type, and a link to open the file. Some documents are public, while others may be restricted or sealed by court order.

Court Filings

Court filings cover every document a party or attorney files with the court during a case. Common filings include complaints, answers, motions, briefs, exhibits, and proposed orders. Each filing shows the title, the filing date, and the name of the party or attorney who submitted it. You can click on any filing to view the full document if it is public. Sealed or restricted filings will show a notice instead of the document.

Orders and Judgments

Orders and judgments are official documents signed by the judge. They cover rulings on motions, scheduling orders, final judgments, and sentencing orders in criminal cases. Each order or judgment shows the date it was entered and the name of the judge who signed it. You can read the full text of any public order or judgment by clicking on it in the document list.

Available Case Documents

The available documents section shows which documents you can view online and which you must request from the clerk. Most public filings are available online, but some documents are kept in the paper file at the courthouse. The following items often appear in the document list:

  • Complaint or Petition
  • Answer or Response
  • Motions and Briefs
  • Court Orders and Judgments
  • Hearing Notices and Schedules
  • Exhibits and Supporting Evidence

Document Dates and Filing History

Each document in the list shows the date it was filed with the court. The filing history groups documents by date so you can see what was filed on a single day. You can sort the history by date, document type, or filer. This makes it easier to follow the order in which documents were entered into the record.

Document Access and Availability

Document access depends on whether the document is public, restricted, or sealed. Public documents are open to anyone who uses the portal. Restricted documents require you to request access from the clerk, and sealed documents are not shown in the portal at all. The document list shows the access level for each entry so you know what you can view online.

Certified Copies

Certified copies are official paper copies of a court document stamped and signed by the clerk. You cannot download a certified copy from the portal, but you can request one in person or by mail. The case detail page lists the fee and the steps to request a certified copy. Certified copies are often required for appeals, name changes, and legal filings in other courts.

Case Information by Case Type

Shelby County courts handle many types of cases, and each type has its own rules, forms, and document lists. The portal organizes case details based on the case type, so you see only the fields and documents that apply. You can filter your search results by case type to focus on civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, or traffic cases. Knowing the case type helps you understand what the case is about and which court rules apply.

Civil Case Information

Civil cases cover disputes between people or businesses, such as contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and property disputes. The portal shows the amount in controversy, the claim type, and the relief requested. Civil cases can be heard by a judge alone or by a jury, and the timeline often takes several months. You can view filings, motions, and judgments in civil cases from the same detail page.

Criminal Case Information

Criminal cases cover charges brought by the State of Tennessee against a person accused of breaking the law. The portal shows the charge code, charge level, arresting agency, and bond amount. You can also see the defendant’s attorney, court dates, and final sentence. Criminal case records stay open after sentencing for use in background checks and appeals.

Family Case Information

Family cases cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and orders of protection. The portal lists the parties, the marriage date, the children involved, and the relief requested. Family case records are usually public, but some details may be sealed to protect children. You can read filings and orders from the family section of the case detail page.

Probate Case Information

Probate cases cover wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. The portal shows the decedent’s name, the executor or administrator, the heirs, and the assets listed in the filing. You can view the petition, the will, and the court orders tied to the estate. Probate records help heirs, creditors, and researchers confirm the legal status of an estate.

Juvenile Case Information

Juvenile cases cover minors who are charged with a crime, are in need of services, or are the subject of a custody dispute. The portal shows limited details to protect the minor’s identity. You can see the case number, the hearing dates, and the general case type. Full details of juvenile records are restricted under Tennessee law.

Misdemeanor Case Information

Misdemeanor cases cover less serious criminal charges, such as simple assault, petty theft, or driving on a suspended license. The portal shows the charge code, the level (A, B, or C), the bond amount, and the final sentence. Misdemeanor cases move faster than felony cases and often end with a plea agreement. You can view the full case record from the portal.

Felony Case Information

Felony cases cover serious criminal charges, such as burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. The portal shows the charge code, the level of felony, the grand jury action, and the final sentence. Felony cases often last a year or longer and may go to trial. You can view the indictment, motions, and final judgment from the portal.

Traffic Case Information

Traffic cases cover moving violations, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without a license. The portal shows the citation number, the violation code, the court date, and the final outcome. You can pay a traffic ticket online or contest it in court. Traffic case records are often used by insurance companies and employers for background checks. The following list shows common traffic case fields:

  • Citation number and issue date
  • Violation code and short description
  • Court date and location
  • Fine amount and payment status
  • Final disposition, such as guilty or dismissed

Case Information Updates

The portal updates case records as the court enters new filings, orders, and judgments. Most updates appear in the portal within one business day, but some updates may take longer if the court is closed or the clerk is processing a high volume of paperwork. You can check the “last updated” date on each case detail page to know how recent the data is. If you do not see a new filing yet, you can refresh the page later in the day.

Recently Filed Cases

Recently filed cases are cases that the court opened in the last few days. You can see them at the top of your search results when you sort by filing date. New cases start with an “Active” or “Pending” status and may not have any hearings set yet. The portal shows the filing date and the assigned judge for each new case.

New Case Activity

New case activity covers any new filings, hearings, or orders entered in the last few days. The portal highlights new activity with a date stamp so you can spot changes quickly. You can click on the new activity to jump straight to the linked document or hearing notice. This helps you stay up to date on cases you follow regularly.

Updated Case Status

Updated case status shows the latest status change entered by the court, such as a change from “Pending” to “Disposed.” The status update includes the date of the change and the order or judgment that caused it. You can click on the order or judgment to read the full text. Status updates are a fast way to know when a case has reached a new milestone.

Recently Filed Documents

Recently filed documents are new papers entered into the case file, such as motions, briefs, or exhibits. The document list shows the filing date and the filer for each new document. You can click on a document to view the full text if it is public. The portal marks new documents so you can tell which entries were just added to the record.

Changes to Case Information

Changes to case records cover updates to the case title, parties, attorneys, or judge. The portal shows the date of each change so you can track updates over time. If a party is added or removed, the change appears in the parties section of the detail page. These updates help you keep your own records in sync with the court file.

Missing or Restricted Case Information

Some case details are not available online because the case is sealed, restricted, or pending data entry. The portal shows a notice in place of any field that is not public. You can contact the Circuit Court Clerk for help with restricted records or to request access to sealed files when the law allows it. Knowing why details are missing can save you time when you search for case records.

Case Details Not Available Online

Some case details are not available online because the court has not finished data entry or the case is held in the paper file. In these cases, the portal shows a notice telling you to contact the clerk’s office for help. You can visit the clerk’s office in person or call during business hours to request the missing details. Most offline files can be viewed at the courthouse during regular office hours.

Sealed or Confidential Cases

Sealed or confidential cases are closed to the public by court order. Common sealed cases include juvenile records, adoption files, and cases that involve trade secrets or protected witnesses. The portal hides the case title, parties, and documents on sealed cases. Only people named in the court order can view the full record.

Restricted Case Documents

Restricted documents are not open to the public but may be available to the parties or their attorneys. Examples include medical records, financial statements, and child custody evaluations. The portal shows a notice in place of restricted documents. You can request access to restricted documents by filing a motion with the court or by contacting the clerk’s office.

Recently Filed Details

Recently filed details may not appear in the portal right away because the clerk is still processing the paperwork. In most cases, new details appear within one business day. If you do not see new details after a few days, you can call the clerk’s office for help. The clerk can confirm whether the filing was received and when it will appear in the portal.

Delayed Case Updates

Delayed case updates happen when the court is closed, the clerk is backed up, or the case is being processed by a different office. The portal shows the “last updated” date on each case detail page so you can tell when the record was last refreshed. You can return to the portal later to check for new

updates or contact the clerk’s office for help.

Correcting Inaccurate Information

If you see a mistake in a case record, you can ask the clerk to correct it. Common corrections include fixing a misspelled name, updating an attorney bar number, or correcting a filing date. You can submit a correction request in person, by mail, or by email. The clerk will review the request and update the record if the correction is approved by the court.

Case Information and Related Court Records

Case records are tied to several other court systems, such as the case search tool, the court calendar, and the court docket. Each system shows a different slice of the case file. The portal helps you move between these systems so you can build a full picture of any Shelby County case. The sections below explain how case details relate to each related court system.

Case Details vs. Case Search

The case search tool is the starting point that lets you find a case by number, party name, or attorney name. Once you find a case, you can open the case detail page to see the full record. The search tool shows a short summary, while the detail page shows every filing, hearing, and order tied to the case, which can also be verified through official court calendar online registry for complete records. The two systems work together to help you move from a quick search to a deep review.

Case Details vs. Case Lookup

The case lookup function is similar to the search tool but is built for single-case lookups by case number. You enter the full case number and the system returns the matching case detail page. Case lookup is faster than the search tool when you already know the case number. You can switch between lookup and search as needed depending on what details you have.

Case Details vs. Court Calendar

The court calendar shows the schedule of hearings, trials, and other court events for a specific day, week, or judge. The case detail page shows all events tied to a single case. You can use the calendar to see what is happening across the courthouse, and then jump to a specific case detail page to read the documents tied to each event. The calendar and the case detail page work together to help you plan your visit to the courthouse.

Case Details vs. Court Docket

The court docket is the official list of cases set for hearing on a given day in a specific courtroom. The case detail page shows every event that has happened or will happen in a single case. The docket helps you find cases by courtroom or judge, while the case detail page helps you read the full record of one case. You can use the docket to see if a case is on the schedule for a given day.

Case Details vs. Court Records

Court records is a broad term that covers every document and entry tied to a case. The case detail page is the online window into those records. Some court records are kept in the paper file at the courthouse and are not available online. You can visit the clerk’s office to view the full paper file during business hours if you need details that are not in the portal.

Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk Contact

You can reach the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk by phone, in person, or through the official online portal. The clerk’s office handles case filings, public records requests, certified copies, and corrections to case records. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also use the official search portal to view case records any time of day or night.

Contact MethodDetails
Office Address140 Adams Avenue, Room 324, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number(901) 222-3800
Office HoursMonday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Search Portalhttps://www.shelbycountytn.gov/338/Circuit-Court-Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about locating and understanding case information for Shelby County courts.

How can I search case information online?

Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s portal at https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/338/Circuit-Court-Clerk. Enter a case number, party name, or attorney bar number in the search box. After submitting, the system shows the case title, filing date, current status, and a list of related events. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile filings. Results appear instantly, letting you view basic details without leaving home. For deeper records, you may need to request certified copies at the clerk’s office.

What details appear in a court case record?

A court case record lists the case number, title, filing date, and the court division handling the matter. It also shows the assigned judge, jurisdiction, and case type such as civil or criminal. Participants like plaintiff, defendant, or petitioner and their attorneys appear. The record includes a timeline of filings, motions, hearings, and final judgments. Any court orders or official documents attached to the case are accessible through the online portal or by request.

How do I check the status of a Shelby County case?

Use the online search portal and enter the case number or party name. The status line reads active, pending, closed, dismissed, or appealed. It updates whenever the court files a new document or makes a ruling. For the latest information, refresh the page after a few hours or call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3800 during business hours. Status updates are posted promptly after each court appearance.

Where can I find the judge assigned to a case?

The judge’s name appears on the case summary page after you search the docket. It is listed under “assigned judge” alongside the court division and location. If the portal does not show the judge, contact the clerk’s office with the case number. Staff can confirm the judge’s assignment or direct you to the appropriate division’s schedule.

Why might case information be unavailable?

Some records are sealed, confidential, or restricted by law, especially in juvenile or certain family matters. A case may also be pending a final order, causing a temporary hold on public access. If a record is missing, it could be due to a filing error or recent entry not yet processed. In those situations, call the clerk’s office for clarification or to request a correction.