Case Lookup: Fast, Accurate Shelby County

Case Lookup delivers fast, accurate Shelby County court records the moment you need them, turning a frustrating search into a clear answer. By entering a case number, party name, or attorney name, you can instantly pull case status, filing date, docket number, and even see which judge is assigned, all from the official Shelby County database. Whether you’re checking an active civil lawsuit, a pending criminal proceeding, or a closed probate matter, the system mirrors the exact information the court files, including charges, motions, and final judgments. This precision helps tenants verify landlord disputes, families track custody hearings, and businesses confirm a partner’s legal standing without endless phone calls or waiting for paper copies. The interface respects privacy rules, showing only public case details while flagging sealed or restricted records, so you always know what’s accessible and what isn’t.

Case Lookup also supports detailed case record searches by filing date, case type, or court division, giving you a full case history at a glance. Need to find an attorney of record or confirm a docket number? Just type the party name or attorney name and the platform cross‑references every related filing, from initial complaints to final dispositions. The results include case title, party roles, and any available documents such as orders or certified copies, helping you understand the complete narrative of a lawsuit. By updating the database regularly, the service ensures the case outcome, status changes, and recent filings are reflected promptly, eliminating the common “case not found” dead‑ends that many encounter on outdated sites.

How to Search Case Lookup

Case Lookup gives you a direct path to Shelby County court records through the official Circuit Court Clerk portal. You can pull case numbers, party names, filing dates, and assigned judges by entering one or more search terms. The system pulls from the same database the court uses to file dockets, judgments, and motions, which can also be verified through official case public details for complete records. Every search you run delivers the public record exactly as it sits in the clerk’s office, including sealed case flags, party roles, and related filings. You see real-time results without needing to call the clerk or visit the courthouse in person.

The lookup tool works for civil lawsuits, criminal proceedings, family court matters, probate filings, juvenile cases, misdemeanor charges, felony indictments, and traffic violations. You choose how to search by case number, party name, attorney name, filing date, or court division. The portal processes each search against millions of indexed records, returning matching cases within seconds. You get the case title, current status, court name, and any available documents tied to the file.

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

Steps to Search

• Open the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk page using the official search portal URL.
• Pick your search category from the menu. You can search by case number, party name, attorney name, filing date, or court division.
• Type the exact detail you have into the search box. For case numbers, enter the full number. For names, type last name first, then first name.
• Press the search button to run the query against the court database.
• Review the list of matching cases. Each result shows the case number, case title, party names, filing date, and current status.
• Click a specific case to view full details. You see the assigned judge, court division, case type, attorney of record, hearing dates, orders, and judgments.
• Download or print any available documents. Some records offer certified copies through the clerk’s office for a small fee.

How to Look Up a Court Case

Looking up a court case in Shelby County follows a clear process that starts with the type of detail you have. The portal accepts five core search methods, each designed to match a specific kind of information. You can find a case using just one piece of data or combine several fields to narrow your results. The system ranks matches by relevance, putting exact case numbers and full names at the top.

Case Lookup by Case Number

Searching by case number gives you the fastest and most precise results. A case number, also called a docket number, is a unique code assigned by the clerk when a lawsuit or charge is first filed. In Shelby County, civil cases use prefixes like “CT” for circuit civil, while criminal cases use “CR” for circuit criminal. You type the full case number, including the prefix and year, into the search box. The portal returns the exact case file, showing the case title, filing date, current status, and assigned judge on the first line. This method works best when you have paperwork, a legal notice, or a citation that lists the number.

Case Lookup by Party Name

If you only know a person’s name, the party name search lets you pull every case tied to that individual. You type the last name first, followed by the first name, using exact spelling for the most accurate match. The system returns every case where that person appears as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent. You see the full case title, case type, and filing date for each result. The search handles common names by sorting results by date, letting you scan recent filings first. You can click any case to view the full record, including attorney information and current status.

Case Lookup by Attorney Name

Attorney name searches help when you know the lawyer involved but not the case number or party. The portal lists every attorney of record licensed in Tennessee, pulling cases where that attorney represents a party. You type the attorney’s bar name, last name first, and the system shows all active and closed cases under that lawyer. Each result includes the case number, case title, party names, and current status. This method helps clients verify their lawyer’s caseload, opposing counsel track case progress, and researchers study legal history in the county.

Case Lookup by Filing Date

Filing date searches work well for spotting recent activity or reviewing cases from a specific period. You select a date range using the calendar tool, choosing a start date and end date. The portal returns all cases filed within that window, sorted by date and case type. You can filter further by selecting civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, or traffic cases. Each result shows the case number, case title, filing date, and assigned division. This approach suits journalists tracking new lawsuits, landlords checking eviction timelines, and employers running background checks on specific hiring periods.

Case Lookup by Court or Division

Court or division searches let you browse cases by location, showing every matter filed in a specific court. Shelby County runs several divisions, including Circuit Court, Chancery Court, Criminal Court, Probate Court, and General Sessions Court. You pick the court from the dropdown menu, and the portal displays cases organized by division. You see the assigned judge, case type, and filing date for each matter. This method helps attorneys preparing for court days, parties verifying where their case sits, and citizens researching judicial patterns across different courts.

Information Needed for a Case Lookup

Before you start a search, gather the details you have about the case you want to find. The portal accepts one field or a mix of fields to improve accuracy. Useful search items include the full case number, last and first name of any party, attorney bar number, filing year, and court division. The more specific your detail, the faster the search returns matching records. If you only have a general name or date, expect a broader list of results, and use the filter options to narrow the list down by status or case type.

Case Lookup Results

Case lookup results in Shelby County return a structured set of fields for every matching case file. The portal organizes each record into clear categories, showing you the same details the clerk has on file. You see the case number, case title, party names, attorney details, court assignment, filing date, case type, current status, and final disposition. The result page updates whenever the clerk enters new filings, motions, or orders, so you always see the latest version of the record.

Case Number and Case Title

The case number appears at the top of every result, displayed as the unique identifier the clerk assigns at filing. The case title follows, showing the parties named in the matter, such as “Smith v. Jones” for civil suits or “State v. Jones” for criminal cases. Titles include the full legal names of plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents as recorded in court filings. You see the exact wording the clerk uses, without changes or abbreviations added by the portal.

Party Names and Roles

The party section lists every individual or business involved in the case, paired with their legal role. You see the plaintiff or petitioner on one side, with the defendant or respondent listed on the other. Each role shows the full name, address (when public), and any alias used in filings. In criminal cases, the State of Tennessee appears as the prosecuting party, while the defendant is named individually. Family cases often show petitioner and respondent roles for divorce, custody, and support matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney details appear next to each party represented by counsel. The record lists the attorney’s full name, bar number, firm name, and contact details when public. You see who serves as attorney of record, plus any co-counsel or substitute attorney appointed during the case. When a party represents themselves, the record shows “pro se” instead of a lawyer’s name. The portal pulls attorney data directly from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility registry.

Court and Assigned Judge

The court field shows which division hears the case, such as Circuit Court Division I or Probate Court. The assigned judge field lists the judicial officer managing the file, named at the moment of filing or after reassignment. You see the judge’s full name and title, reflecting any changes if the case moved between judges. This field helps attorneys schedule hearings and parties verify the judicial officer on their case.

Filing Date and Case Type

The filing date marks when the clerk accepted the initial complaint, petition, or charge. The case type shows the legal category, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, or traffic. Together, these two fields give you a quick snapshot of when and how the case entered the court system. You see the filing year as part of the case number, paired with the type prefix for fast reference.

Case Status

The case status field reflects where the case sits at the moment you search. You see terms like “active,” “pending,” “open,” “closed,” “disposed,” “dismissed,” or “appealed.” Each status indicates whether the matter is still moving through hearings, already resolved, or transferred to a higher court. The portal updates this field after every docket entry, so you see the most current state of the case during your search.

Case Disposition

Case disposition shows the final outcome once the court resolves the matter. You see terms like “judgment for plaintiff,” “judgment for defendant,” “conviction,” “acquittal,” “dismissed with prejudice,” or “settled.” The disposition field appears only after the court enters a final order closing the case. For appeals, the record shows the higher court’s ruling alongside the original trial court outcome.

Case Information

Case information in Shelby County covers every detail the clerk records from filing through final resolution. You see the full docket, charges, motions, claims, court orders, and judgments stored in the official database. Each piece of information reflects the same data used by judges, attorneys, and law enforcement. The portal organizes this data into clear sections, helping you trace how a case moved through the court system.

Case Filing Details

Filing details show the type of document that started the case, the date the clerk received it, and the initial filing party. You see whether the case began with a complaint, petition, indictment, warrant, citation, or motion. The portal shows the initial case type code, the filing fee paid (when public), and any summons issued at opening. These details confirm when the court first had jurisdiction over the matter.

Charges and Allegations

Charges and allegations sections apply to criminal, juvenile, and traffic cases. The portal lists every charge filed, including the statute number, charge description, and severity level. You see misdemeanors and felonies separated by code, with any amended charges or dismissed counts flagged clearly. In civil cases, the allegations section shows the claims raised by the plaintiff, written exactly as filed.

Claims and Issues

Claims and issues apply to civil, family, and probate cases. You see the legal grounds the plaintiff cites, the relief requested, and any defenses raised by the defendant. Family cases list grounds for divorce, custody requests, support amounts, or adoption petitions. Probate cases list will contests, estate disputes, or guardianship filings. Each claim shows the date it was raised and any counter-claims filed in response.

Case Events and Proceedings

Case events show every hearing, conference, and trial scheduled during the case lifecycle. The portal lists dates, times, courtroom locations, and the type of proceeding. You see arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, status calls, bench trials, and jury trials logged in chronological order. Each event shows the judge presiding, the attorneys present, and the outcome of the session.

Orders and Judgments

Orders and judgments display every ruling issued by the court during the case. You see temporary orders, protective orders, summary judgments, final judgments, and consent decrees. Each order lists the issuing judge, the date entered, and a short description of the ruling. For final judgments, the record shows the award amount, custody outcome, or sentence imposed. The portal links to the actual document when available for download.

Case Outcome

The case outcome reflects the end result after the court resolves all pending issues. You see whether the plaintiff won, the defendant prevailed, the case settled, or the charges were dropped. In criminal matters, outcomes include conviction, acquittal, diversion, or nolle prosequi. The outcome field updates after every dispositive order, giving you the final resolution at a glance.

Related Case Information

Related case information shows any linked files tied to the main case. You see companion cases, consolidation orders, transferred matters, and appeals pending in higher courts. The portal flags cases that share parties, attorneys, or claims, helping you track how multiple filings connect. This feature helps researchers see how cases spread across divisions or higher courts in Tennessee.

Case Status

Case status tells you exactly where a case sits in the court process at any given time. Shelby County uses clear status labels that match the clerk’s internal codes, making it easy to tell if a case is active, pending, closed, disposed, dismissed, or under appeal. Each status reflects the most recent docket entry, so you see updates the moment the clerk records them. You can use status to plan next steps, prepare for hearings, or confirm a case has ended.

Active Cases

Active cases are matters still going through hearings, motions, and trials. You see scheduled dates, pending motions, and ongoing discovery. The portal lists active cases in calendar order, with the next hearing date displayed prominently. Attorneys use this view to prepare, and parties check this view to confirm a case has not been closed without their knowledge.

Pending Cases

Pending cases await a court action, such as a ruling on a motion or scheduling order. You see pending motions, briefs filed, and judge assignments. The portal displays the date the case became pending and any deadlines approaching. This status helps litigants track delays and prepare responses before the court issues its next order.

Closed Cases

Closed cases have no pending hearings, motions, or open issues. The court has issued all rulings and the file sits in archival storage. You can still review closed cases for case history, judgments, and final orders. The portal keeps closed records public unless sealed by court order, and you can request certified copies for legal or personal use.

Disposed Cases

Disposed cases received a final judgment that resolved all claims or charges. You see the disposition code, date of disposition, and issuing judge. Disposed cases close automatically unless an appeal is filed within 30 days. The portal marks these as “final” and shows appeal status when applicable.

Dismissed Cases

Dismissed cases ended before trial, often due to settlement, lack of prosecution, or voluntary withdrawal. You see the dismissal type, such as “with prejudice” or “without prejudice,” which affects whether the plaintiff can refile. Dismissed criminal cases show the reason, including nolle prosequi or diversion completion.

Appealed Cases

Appealed cases moved from the trial court to a higher court for review. You see the appeal filing date, appellate court assigned, and any briefs filed. The portal links the appeal to the original trial case, letting you follow the matter across both courts. Final appellate rulings appear once the higher court issues its mandate.

Case Status Updates

Case status updates happen whenever the clerk records a new docket entry. You see the date of the update, the type of entry, and the party responsible for filing. Status changes from active to disposed, or pending to closed, appear immediately after the clerk enters the final order. This real-time update ensures you see the current state of the case during every search.

Case Lookup by Case Type

Case type organizes records by the legal category of the matter. Shelby County lists cases by type, helping you filter results to find civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family disputes, probate filings, juvenile cases, misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic violations. Each type has its own search path, prefixes, and status labels. You can pick a type from the search menu to see every case filed under that category.

Civil Cases

Civil cases cover disputes between private parties, including contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and property conflicts. You search civil cases by case number (CT prefix) or party name. The portal shows the cause of action, damages sought, and final judgment, which can also be verified through official case registry for complete records. Civil cases often run longer and include motions for summary judgment, trial settings, and post-trial motions.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases involve the State of Tennessee prosecuting an individual for breaking the law. You search by “State v. Defendant” using the CR prefix. The portal shows the indictment, charges, court dates, plea deals, and sentencing. Felonies and serious misdemeanors sit in criminal court, while minor misdemeanors and traffic matters go through General Sessions.

Family Cases

Family cases handle divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption filings. You search family cases by the FM prefix or by party name. The portal shows parenting plans, child support worksheets, and final decrees. Family cases often involve sensitive records, and the court may seal portions to protect children or private parties.

Probate Cases

Probate cases manage wills, estates, and guardianships after someone dies or becomes incapacitated. You search probate matters using the PR prefix. The portal lists the decedent’s name, executor or administrator, will filing date, and inventory of assets. Probate cases can run for months or years depending on estate complexity.

Juvenile Cases

Juvenile cases cover offenses committed by minors under 18 and dependency matters involving children. You search juvenile cases with the JV prefix. The portal lists juvenile charges, detention hearings, and rehabilitation orders. Most juvenile records remain confidential, with only basic case status shown to the public.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanor cases handle lesser offenses with penalties up to 11 months 29 days in jail. You search misdemeanors using the GS prefix in General Sessions Court. The portal shows the citation, charges, fine amounts, and sentencing. Common misdemeanors include simple assault, petty theft, public intoxication, and minor drug possession.

Felony Cases

Felony cases involve serious crimes with penalties over one year in prison. You search felony cases in Circuit or Criminal Court using CT or CR prefixes. The portal shows grand jury indictments, arraignment dates, motions, plea agreements, and trial outcomes. Felony cases take months to resolve and often include extensive discovery.

Traffic Cases

Traffic cases handle moving violations, DUI, and license suspensions. You search traffic cases using the TR prefix in General Sessions Court. The portal shows the citation number, violation date, court date, fine, and any driver’s license action. Traffic cases move quickly and often resolve with traffic school or fine payment.

Case Parties and Attorneys

Case parties and attorneys appear on every record, listing the people and lawyers tied to the case. The portal separates parties by role, showing plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, and respondents with their legal representatives. You can search by party name to find every case an individual or attorney touches in Shelby County.

Plaintiff and Defendant Information

Plaintiffs bring the lawsuit, while defendants respond to the claims. In civil cases, the plaintiff is the person or business seeking damages or relief. In criminal cases, the State of Tennessee serves as the plaintiff, and the defendant is the accused. The portal shows the full legal name of each party as filed, plus any alias used. You see party addresses when public, and any corporate entity acting through officers or agents.

Petitioner and Respondent Information

Petitioners and respondents appear in family and probate cases. The petitioner starts the action, such as a divorce or guardianship filing. The respondent answers the petition. The portal lists full names, dates of birth when required, and any minor children named in family orders. Probate petitioners often include executors, administrators, or guardians acting for an estate or ward.

Attorney of Record

Attorney of record is the lawyer the court recognizes as the official representative for a party. The portal lists the attorney’s name, bar number, firm, and contact details. You see when an attorney entered the case, when they withdrew, and any substitute counsel appointed later. The record confirms which lawyer has authority to file motions and accept service for the party.

Representing Attorney

Representing attorney is the lawyer actively appearing at hearings and trials on behalf of a party. The portal may list representing counsel when different from attorney of record. You see each attorney’s role during hearings, including co-counsel for joint defense teams or special counsel appointed by the court. The record updates when counsel changes during the case.

Party Roles and Case Relationships

Party roles show how each person connects to the case. The portal labels roles such as plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, intervener, third-party defendant, and witness. You see the role assigned at filing, plus any changes after motions to add or drop parties. Relationships between cases appear when one party appears across multiple filings, and the portal links those cases for easy review.

Case Filing and Court Activity

Case filing and court activity show the timeline of every event from opening to closing. You see filing dates, hearing schedules, motions, orders, judgments, and the final outcome. Each entry shows the date, the party who filed, and a short description. The activity log gives you a clear story of how the case moved through Shelby County courts.

Filing Date

Filing date marks the day the clerk received the initial complaint, petition, indictment, or citation. The portal shows this date prominently as part of the case header. You see the exact date, plus the filing sequence number when multiple cases open on the same day. Filing date drives many deadlines, including statute of limitations and answer windows.

Court Hearings

Court hearings list every scheduled session in the case. You see the hearing type, date, time, courtroom, and judge. Common hearings include arraignment, pre-trial conference, motion hearing, status call, bench trial, and jury trial. The portal updates hearing dates in real time when the court schedules or continues a session.

Motions and Filings

Motions and filings show every pleading filed by parties during the case. You see motion titles, filing dates, and outcomes. Common filings include motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions in limine, discovery motions, motions to suppress, and motions for new trial. Each filing shows the moving party and the docket entry number assigned by the clerk.

Orders and Court Actions

Orders and court actions show every ruling entered by the judge. You see the order title, issuing judge, entry date, and a brief description. Orders cover temporary relief, discovery rulings, scheduling orders, protective orders, and final judgments. The portal links each order to its PDF when scanned and uploaded to the system.

Judgments and Dispositions

Judgments and dispositions show the final ruling that closed the case. You see the judgment type, date entered, amount awarded (in civil cases), sentence imposed (in criminal cases), and any post-judgment motions. The portal flags judgments as “final” once the 30-day appeal window passes without action. Disposition codes match the court’s internal classification system.

Case Activity Timeline

Case activity timeline arranges every event in chronological order. You see the opening filing, intermediate hearings, key motions, and final judgment on a single scrollable page. The timeline helps you understand how the case progressed, how long it ran, and which events shaped the outcome. You can filter the timeline by event type or date range.

Case Lookup Documents

Case lookup documents give you access to the official paperwork filed in the case. The portal stores filings, orders, judgments, and other records that the clerk scanned and uploaded. You view these online for free or request certified copies for a fee. Document availability depends on case type, filing date, and any sealing orders issued by the court.

Available Case Documents

Available case documents include the initial complaint, answer, motions, briefs, orders, judgments, and any exhibits filed with the court. The portal shows a list of documents tied to each case, with file size, upload date, and page count. You click any document to open it in PDF format using your browser. Documents appear in the order they were filed, with the most recent uploads at the top of the list.

Filings and Court Documents

Filings and court documents cover every paper submitted by parties during the case. You see pleadings, motions, responses, memoranda, and supporting evidence. The portal tags each filing with the filing party and date, making it simple to track who submitted what and when. You download files for personal records or share them with your attorney for review.

Orders and Judgments

Orders and judgments appear in their own section for fast access. You see signed orders from the judge, final judgments, and any amended rulings. The portal displays the judge’s signature, court seal, and entry date on each document. Civil judgments show the dollar amount awarded, while criminal judgments show the sentence imposed.

Document Access and Availability

Document access and availability depend on court rules and sealing orders. You see most documents in civil, criminal, and family cases unless the court restricted access. Sealed cases show only the case header with no document access. Some documents remain in archive storage and require clerk assistance to retrieve. The portal flags archived records with a notice on the case page.

Certified Copies and Official Records

Certified copies and official records carry the court seal and clerk’s signature for use in legal proceedings. You request certified copies through the clerk’s office by phone, online, or in person. Each certified copy costs a fee set by Tennessee law, plus a small per-page charge for larger documents. You pick up certified copies at the courthouse or receive them by mail after paying the postage fee.

Case Lookup Problems

Case lookup problems happen when your search returns no results, the wrong case, or limited details. Most issues come from simple errors like typos in a name, missing digits in a case number, or searching before the clerk finishes indexing a new filing. The portal handles these issues with clear error messages and tips for fixing your search.

Case Not Found

Case not found messages appear when no record matches your search terms. This happens when you enter the wrong case number, misspell a name, or search for a case before the clerk indexes it. Try a broader search using just the last name or a partial case number. If you still see no results, contact the clerk’s office to confirm the case exists in the system.

Incorrect Case Number

Incorrect case numbers happen when you leave out the prefix, skip the year, or swap digits. Verify the number on the paperwork you received, including any letters before the year. The portal rejects numbers that don’t match the format used for that case type. Double-check your entry before searching.

Similar Party Names

Similar party names return a long list of results when the name is common. The portal shows results sorted by date and court division. Use filters to narrow the list to a specific year or case type. You can also add middle initials or full dates of birth if you know them, though the clerk’s database may not always include them.

Recently Filed Cases

Recently filed cases may not appear right away because the clerk takes time to scan and upload paperwork. The portal updates throughout the business day, so a case filed earlier may appear within hours. If you searched for a case filed the same day, wait until the next business morning before searching again.

Incomplete Case Information

Incomplete case information shows when the clerk has not finished entering all details for a new file. You see basic fields like case number and filing date, with other sections blank. The portal refreshes automatically once the clerk adds more entries. You can check back later for full details.

Sealed or Restricted Cases</h

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Sealed or restricted cases hide most details from public view. You see only the case number, filing date, and a “sealed” notice. The court seals records for reasons involving minors, confidential informants, or trade secrets. You cannot access sealed documents without a court order, even through the clerk’s office.

Delayed Case Updates

Delayed case updates happen when the clerk enters filings after high-volume periods. The portal processes updates in order received, and some days have heavier workloads than others. If you see old information, refresh the page or search again the next day. The portal keeps an audit log of updates to confirm when changes appeared.

Case Lookup and Related Court Information

Case lookup works alongside other court tools that show calendar dates, docket entries, and full record archives. You choose the right tool based on what you need. Case lookup gives you a quick summary, while related tools show deeper records or scheduling data. Each tool pulls from the same clerk database, but they present information differently.

Case Lookup vs. Case Search

Case lookup targets a specific case file using exact details like a full case number or party name. Case search covers broader queries, letting you scan multiple cases at once with loose criteria. Use lookup when you know exactly what you want, and use search when exploring public records across a range of cases.

Case Lookup vs. Court Calendar

Case lookup shows case details, parties, and status. Court calendar shows hearing dates, times, and courtroom assignments for a specific day. Use the calendar to find what cases a judge hears this week or to check if a hearing is scheduled. Use case lookup to see the full background and history of a single case.

Case Lookup vs. Court Docket

Court docket shows every entry filed in a case, listed by docket number and date. Case lookup shows a summary that pulls the most important fields, which can also be verified through official court calendar data for complete records. Use the docket when you need a complete filing history, and use lookup when you need a quick read on a case’s current status.

Case Lookup vs. Court Records

Court records cover the entire archive of cases filed in Shelby County, including sealed and archived files. Case lookup focuses on current public records you can view online. Use records for deep archive research, and use lookup for fast access to live cases.

Case Information vs. Criminal Records

Case information shows the full court file, including motions, orders, and judgments. Criminal records show arrests, convictions, and sentences across many jurisdictions. Case lookup pulls from the court database, while criminal record checks pull from law enforcement databases. Use case lookup for court details and criminal records for broader background searches.

You can reach the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk office in person, by phone, or through the official website during regular business hours. The staff processes filings, responds to record requests, and assists with certified copy orders.

Location: 140 Adams Avenue, Room 324, Memphis, TN 38103

Contact Number: (901) 222-3800

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about using the Shelby County Case Lookup tool, what you can search, and how the system works.

How to use Case Lookup for Shelby County?

Visit the official Circuit Court Clerk portal at the provided web address. Enter one or more search terms such as case number, party name, filing date, or attorney name. The system pulls data directly from the court’s docket database, showing case titles, status, assigned judge, and any public documents. Results appear as they exist in the clerk’s office, including flags for sealed or restricted files. If you need help, call the clerk’s office at the listed number during business hours.

Can I search by case number online?

Yes. The online portal accepts a case number in the dedicated field. After typing the number, click the search button. The page returns the full case record, including filing details, parties involved, and recent motions. If the number is entered incorrectly, the system will display a not‑found message. Double‑check the digits before submitting to ensure accurate results.

How to find a case’s current status?

Enter the case identifier—either the docket number or case title—into the search box. The displayed record shows a status label such as active, pending, closed, or dismissed. Status updates reflect the latest court action recorded in the database. For the most recent change, note the date listed beside the status field. If the status appears outdated, contact the clerk’s office for clarification.

What if a case shows as sealed or restricted?

When a record carries a sealed or restricted flag, the public view hides detailed information. The entry will still show basic identifiers like case number and filing date, but documents and party details remain hidden. Access to sealed files requires a court order or a qualified legal request. You can inquire about the procedure by calling the clerk’s office during normal hours.

How often does the case database update?

The database refreshes each time the court files a new docket entry, motion, or judgment. Updates occur throughout the business day as court staff enter information. Therefore, most recent filings appear within a few hours of entry. For cases that close after hours, the next business day will reflect the final disposition.