Obion County
Obion County was founded in 1823 and organized in 1824. It measures 556 square miles, and its county seat is Union City. It was named after the Obion River, which is a tributary to the Mississippi River. A population of more than 30,000 people currently reside in it. Obion County is located in the rolling hills of northwest Tennessee.
A Circuit, Chancery, General Sessions, Juvenile, and multiple Municipal Courts constitute the Obion County court system. The Circuit Court hears appeals from the Juvenile and General Sessions Courts concerning certain cases. It is in charge of all civil, criminal, and family law cases. The Chancery Court handles cases that involve fairness and justice (equity). It establishes paternity, handles modifications to divorce decrees, accepts name change petitions, presides over the administration of estates, and resolves disputes over properties, and probate matters.
The General Sessions Court oversees eviction proceedings, less serious offenses (misdemeanors), and civil cases, holds preliminary hearings; and resolves traffic-related issues. The Juvenile Court handles cases where minors are accused of breaking the law (delinquency). It handles issues related to the financial support of children in divorced homes. The Municipal Courts charge traffic offenders with payment of fines or a jail term of less than one year. It also handles cases related to the violation of city laws or regulations. Other functions of the Municipal Courts involve resolving civil disputes involving amounts less than $25,000 and misdemeanors.
The public has the statutory right to inspect and copy public court records at any time. The Rule 34 of the Tennessee Supreme Court Rules outlines and emphasizes this right. However, this rule still recognizes the right to privacy; hence, some court records are confidential. The following types of court records are open to the public:
- Civil
- Divorce
- Criminal
- Land and Property
- Probate
The Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for the maintenance of court records and ensuring that they are updated when necessary. Court records are generated during judicial proceedings, including complaints that are filed, orders, dispositions, judgments, and motions. Records are stored on microfilm reels or paper.
You may either choose from any of the below-mentioned options when searching court records. One, schedule a visit to the courthouse located at 7 Bill Burnett Circle, Union City, Union City. Here, you will find many records stored in paper format. The second option is to visit the Tennessee State Library and Archives website, where records are stored digitally and easily recoverable.
