Shelby County Court offers a growing range of digital tools to help you manage legal matters from home. The official Shelby County Court e-filing portal lets you submit documents for Circuit, Chancery, and Probate cases without a trip to the courthouse. For General Sessions Court, electronic filing is coming soon, but you can already use the Shelby County Court self-service portal to search case details and view dockets. The Shelby County Court docket for Circuit and Chancery divisions is available online through the daily calendar tool. You can look up Shelby County Court cases online by selecting a date and division. The Shelby County Court records search function gives you access to filings, judgments, and case histories. If you need to file a divorce, a small claims case, or a restraining order, the portal simplifies the process.
Shelby County Court handles a wide variety of legal matters across multiple divisions. The Shelby County General Sessions Court manages civil cases, criminal misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and preliminary felony hearings. The Shelby County Circuit Court oversees divorce filings, child custody disputes, name changes, and appeals from lower courts. The Shelby County Chancery Court deals with property disputes, tax liens, and probate matters. The Shelby County Juvenile Court and Shelby County Family Court address cases involving minors and domestic relations. For criminal records, the Shelby County Criminal Court processes felony cases and expungement petitions. You can find the Shelby County Court schedule for hearings and trials on the official website
Shelby County Court TN Official Contact Phone Email and Court Services
Shelby County Court TN serves the largest county in Tennessee, covering 763 square miles in the southwestern part of the state. The court system includes General Sessions Court, Circuit Court, Criminal Court, Chancery Court, and City Courts. Each division handles specific types of cases and has its own contact information, office hours, and filing procedures. This page provides the official phone numbers, email addresses, physical locations, and service details for each court division based on the most current information available from the county and state court websites.
Shelby County General Sessions Court Civil Division
The Civil Division of Shelby County General Sessions Court handles cases such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and civil matters where the amount in question falls within the court’s jurisdiction. This division is located at the main courthouse in downtown Memphis. The office processes filings, accepts payments, and provides information about court dates and case status.
| Service Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Phone Number | (901) 222-3400 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Filing Method | In person or by mail. Electronic filing is coming soon. |
Questions about civil cases, filing procedures, or court dates should be directed to the Civil Division at (901) 222-3400. The office is open during regular business hours excluding court holidays. Visitors should arrive before 4:30 p.m. to ensure sufficient time for processing.
Shelby County General Sessions Court Criminal Division
The Criminal Division of Shelby County General Sessions Court manages criminal cases including misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felonies, and traffic violations. This division operates from the same courthouse complex as the Civil Division but has a separate contact line and processing area.
| Service Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | (901) 222-3500 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Address Updates | Contact the office at (901) 222-3500 or visit the official website |
Individuals with questions about criminal cases, court dates, or address changes should call (901) 222-3500. The office can also assist with information about fines, court appearances, and case status. The General Sessions Court Clerk Tamara Sawyer oversees both divisions. In June 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced an indictment against Clerk Sawyer for theft, fraud, and money laundering. For the most current information about office operations, contact the court directly.
Shelby County Circuit Court and Criminal Court
The Shelby County Circuit Court handles civil cases including divorce filings, child custody disputes, adoption-related appeals, and name changes. The Shelby County Criminal Court manages felony criminal cases. Both courts operate from the 201 Poplar Avenue location in Memphis.
| Court Division | Address | Phone Number | Clerk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby County Criminal Court | 201 Poplar Ave., Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103 | (901) 222-3200 | Heidi Kuhn |
| Shelby County Circuit Court | 201 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 | Refer to official court website | Refer to official court website |
The Criminal Court Clerk’s office at 201 Poplar Avenue processes felony case filings, manages court records, and provides public access to case information. The Circuit Court handles civil matters that exceed the jurisdiction of General Sessions Court. Both courts maintain separate Court dockets and filing procedures.
Shelby County City Court Locations
Shelby County includes several municipal courts that handle city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and other local matters. The City Court of Bartlett is one example of these municipal courts operating within the county.
| City Court | Address | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett City Court | 3730 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN 38133 | (901) 385-5580 | jjleatherwood@cityofbartlett.org |
Other cities within Shelby County including Germantown, Collierville, and Millington operate their own municipal courts. Contact each city’s court clerk directly for specific information about court dates, fines, and filing procedures.
Shelby County Court Records and Case Lookup
Accessing Shelby County court records allows individuals to search for case details, review court actions, and view filings from their own cases. The county provides several methods for looking up case information, including online portals and in-person requests at the courthouse.
Case inquiries can be made through the official Shelby County Courts website at Case Inquiries. This page provides information about finding court dates and case status. Users can search for cases by case number, party name, or other identifying information. The online system allows users to follow court actions and view filings from their cases.
For individuals who need to search court records, the official Shelby County Court Records portal at Shelby County Court Records provides access to official filings, judgments, and docket information. Through this system, users can search case details, follow court actions, and view filings from their cases. The portal is designed to provide secure access to public court information.
Shelby County Court Forms and Filing Documents
The Shelby County Courts website provides downloadable forms for various types of filings. These forms are approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court and are available for use in General Sessions Civil Court and other divisions. Forms can be accessed through the Civil Filing Costs page and the Court Forms section of the official website.
Forms available include those for small claims, landlord-tenant matters, and other civil proceedings. The court recommends using the most current version of each form, as forms are updated periodically to reflect changes in state law or court procedures. Filing fees apply to most documents submitted to the court. The Civil Filing Costs page provides a detailed breakdown of fees for different types of filings.
For copies of public records, the Shelby County Clerk and Master’s Office has a specific policy. The Copies of Public Records page on the county website provides information about requesting copies, including a Property Tax Sale Records Request Form and a Civil Case Records Request Form. Fees for copies are set by the county and are subject to change.
Shelby County Court E-Filing and Self-Service Portal
Electronic filing allows individuals to submit court documents online without visiting the courthouse in person. The Shelby County General Sessions Court Civil Division has announced that electronic filing is coming soon. This service will allow users to file documents securely from home or office through the official court portal.
For the Circuit Court, users can create an account on the official Shelby County court e-filing portal. The account creation process requires personal information, email verification, and user credentials. Once registered, users can access the system to file documents, view case information, and manage their court matters electronically.
The self-service portal at Shelby County Court Records allows users to search for case information, view dockets, and access filings. Many cases can be filed online through this portal. The system is designed to provide secure access to court services while reducing the need for in-person visits to the courthouse.
Shelby County Court Locations and Physical Addresses
Shelby County court facilities are located primarily in Memphis, with additional municipal court locations in surrounding cities. The main courthouse at 140 Adams Avenue houses the General Sessions Court divisions. The Criminal Court and Circuit Court operate from 201 Poplar Avenue.
- Shelby County General Sessions Court Civil Division: 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103
- Shelby County General Sessions Court Criminal Division: 140 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
- Shelby County Criminal Court: 201 Poplar Ave., Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103
- Shelby County Circuit Court: 201 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38103
- Bartlett City Court: 3730 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
Each location has specific office hours and may have different procedures for filing documents, making payments, or accessing court records. Visitors should confirm the correct division and location before traveling to the courthouse. Parking is available near both courthouse locations, though availability may vary during peak court hours.
Shelby County Court Clerk Offices and Responsibilities
The Shelby County Court Clerk offices manage court records, process filings, collect fees, and provide information to the public. Each division has a designated clerk who oversees these operations. The General Sessions Court Clerk is Tamara Sawyer, who oversees both the Civil and Criminal divisions. The Criminal Court Clerk is Heidi Kuhn, who manages the office at 201 Poplar Avenue.
Clerk office responsibilities include maintaining accurate court records, processing legal documents, collecting filing fees and fines, issuing court orders, and providing certified copies of documents. The clerk’s office also manages jury administration, coordinates with judges’ chambers, and provides customer service to attorneys and self-represented litigants.
For questions about specific cases, filing procedures, or court operations, contact the appropriate clerk’s office directly. Each office maintains its own phone line and email contact for public inquiries. The official court websites provide the most current contact information and office hours.
Shelby County Court Fees and Filing Costs
Filing fees for Shelby County courts are set by state law and county ordinance. The Civil Filing Costs page on the General Sessions Court website provides a detailed breakdown of fees for different types of filings. These fees cover the cost of processing documents, maintaining court records, and providing court services to the public.
Fee amounts vary depending on the type of case, the number of defendants, and the specific services requested. Additional fees may apply for certified copies, service of process, and other court services. The court accepts payment by cash, money order, or certified check. Credit card payments may be accepted at some locations.
Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may be eligible for a fee waiver. The court provides forms for requesting a waiver based on financial hardship. These requests are reviewed by a judge who determines eligibility based on income and assets.
Shelby County Court Phone Scam Warning
In August 2025, the Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk’s office issued a warning about a phone scam targeting residents. Scammers were calling individuals and claiming to be court officials demanding payment for fines or fees. The court does not call individuals to demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the Shelby County court system, do not provide personal information or make payment. Hang up and call the court directly at (901) 222-3400 to verify the legitimacy of any court-related communication. The court communicates through official mail and in-person contact, not through unsolicited phone calls demanding payment.
Shelby County Court Resources and Legal Assistance
The Memphis Bar Association provides court resources for individuals who need legal assistance or information about court procedures. Their Court Resources page includes contact information for all Shelby County courts, links to official court websites, and information about legal aid services.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides statewide resources including court forms, legal information, and links to local court websites. Their website at Tennessee Courts Shelby County provides contact information for all courts in the county.
For individuals who cannot afford an attorney, legal aid organizations in Shelby County provide free or low-cost legal services. These organizations can help with civil matters including landlord-tenant disputes, family law issues, and consumer protection cases. Contact the Memphis Bar Association or the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts for referrals to legal aid providers.
Shelby County Court Contact and Location Details
Official Court Portal: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/225/General-Sessions-Court
Civil Division Phone: (901) 222-3400
Criminal Division Phone: (901) 222-3500
Criminal Court Phone: (901) 222-3200
Bartlett City Court Phone: (901) 385-5580
Bartlett City Court Email: jjleatherwood@cityofbartlett.org
Civil Division Address: 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103
Criminal Court Address: 201 Poplar Ave., Suite 3034, Memphis, TN 38103
Bartlett City Court Address: 3730 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN 38133
Civil Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Criminal Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Court Records Portal: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/3429/Access-Court-Records
Case Inquiries: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/240/Case-Information
Civil Filing Costs: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/3414/Filing-Fees
Copies of Public Records: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/2387/Public-Records-Request
Tennessee Courts Shelby County Page: https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/general-sessions-courts
Memphis Bar Association Court Resources: https://www.memphisbar.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County Court TN handles civil, criminal, and family cases for the largest county in Tennessee. The court system includes General Sessions Court, Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and Probate Court. Each division has its own contact number, office hours, and filing rules. This FAQ gives you the official phone numbers, addresses, and steps to search cases, file documents, and get court forms. Use the links and numbers below to reach the right office fast.
What is the official phone number and address for Shelby County Court TN?
Call the General Sessions Civil Division at (901) 222-3400 for questions about civil cases. For criminal cases, call (901) 222-3500. The Circuit Court Clerk’s office is at (901) 222-3800. The main courthouse address is 140 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Use these numbers to ask about court dates, filing fees, or case status. Always call the correct division to get help faster.
How do I search Shelby County Court cases online?
Use the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portal at cjs.shelbycountytn.gov to search criminal and civil case records. You must create an account and request access to view case history and hearing schedules. For Circuit Court and Chancery Court documents, visit documents.shelbycountytn.gov. Select the correct court division from the list. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney. The portal works best on Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Check the official site for updates on new search tools.
How do I file a case with Shelby County General Sessions Court?
File civil cases in person or by mail at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103. Electronic filing is coming soon. For criminal cases, go to the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center. Call (901) 222-3500 for criminal filing questions. Download court forms from the General Sessions website under Court Forms. Pay filing fees with cash, check, or money order. Check the Civil Filing Costs page for the current fee schedule. Always bring a valid ID and copies of your documents.
What are the hours and locations of Shelby County Courthouse?
The main courthouse is at 140 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The General Sessions Court also has locations at the Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse and the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center. City courts like Bartlett City Court are at 3730 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN 38133. Call (901) 385-5580 for Bartlett court questions. All courthouses close on county holidays. Check the official calendar for closure dates.
How do I get a copy of a Shelby County Court record?
Request copies of public records from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 324, Memphis, TN 38103. Call (901) 222-3800 for civil case records. For General Sessions records, call (901) 222-3400. Use the online document portals at documents.shelbycountytn.gov to view and print many records for free. Fill out a Public Records Request Form for property tax sale or civil case records. Mail or bring the form to the courthouse. Fees may apply for certified copies.
How do I contact the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk?
The Circuit Court Clerk is Jamita Swearengen. Her office is at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 324, Memphis, TN 38103. Call (901) 222-3800 or fax (901) 222-3818. Email the clerk at the address listed on the official Shelby County website. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Circuit Court handles divorces, child custody, name changes, and appeals from lower courts. Use the online document portal to search Circuit Court cases. Contact the clerk for questions about filing fees or court dates.