Court records in Bradley County, Tennessee, can be searched through several channels. BradleyCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources maintained by the state, by visiting the court clerks' offices in person, or by using public terminals available at the Bradley County courthouse in Cleveland. The sections below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to look up upcoming hearings, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Bradley Court System & Jurisdictions
Bradley County is part of Tennessee's 10th Judicial District and has several courts, each handling distinct case types.
- Circuit Court — Handles civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, felony criminal cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains records for these proceedings.
- Chancery Court — Hears equity matters including divorces, adoptions, name changes, conservatorships, contract disputes, property disputes, and workers' compensation cases. The Clerk and Master serves as the record custodian for Chancery Court.
- Criminal Court — Adjudicates felony cases bound over from General Sessions Court. Criminal Court records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- General Sessions Court — Covers preliminary hearings in criminal cases, misdemeanors, civil disputes up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, and small claims cases. Small claims in Tennessee are heard within General Sessions Court for amounts up to $25,000.
- Juvenile Court — Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency and neglect, custody, and child support. Many juvenile records are restricted from public access under Tennessee law.
The county seat is Cleveland, and all of these courts are located in or near the Bradley County Courthouse complex. For felony offender information at the state level, the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup allows searches of individuals who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Bradley Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court schedule in Bradley County depends on which court you need.
- Contact the clerk's office directly. The most reliable way to confirm a hearing date is to call the appropriate clerk — the Circuit Court Clerk for Circuit and Criminal Court matters, the Clerk and Master for Chancery Court, or the General Sessions Court Clerk for lower-level civil and criminal cases.
- Visit the courthouse. Court calendars and daily dockets are typically posted at the Bradley County Courthouse. Public terminals may also be available for searching scheduled hearings.
- Check online resources. Some Tennessee courts publish docket information through the state's court system website. The Tennessee state government portal can direct you to court-related resources. You can also check BradleyCourt.us for available case information.
Keep in mind that court calendars change frequently due to continuances, plea agreements, and emergency motions. Always confirm hearing times with the clerk's office before traveling to the courthouse.
Key Contacts for Calendar Information
Bradley County Circuit Court Clerk
Bradley County Clerk and Master (Chancery Court)
How to Get a Copy of a Bradley Court Document
You can obtain court documents in Bradley County through three main channels:
In Person
Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Bradley County Courthouse in Cleveland. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can locate the file and provide copies while you wait in most situations. Certified copies require the clerk's seal and signature and are typically needed for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other courts.
By Mail
Send a written request to the clerk's office that maintains the record. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of all parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
For Chancery Court records, direct your request to the Clerk and Master at the same courthouse address.
Online
Some records may be searchable through state or county online portals. Not all document types are available for download, and certified copies generally must be obtained in person or by mail.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and some adoption records. If you are unsure whether a record is available, ask the clerk before submitting a request.
Bradley Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Bradley County are set by Tennessee statute (T.C.A. § 8-21-401 et seq.) and may vary slightly depending on the clerk's office. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged in Tennessee courts.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Certificate and seal (certification only) | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name) | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment methods: Most clerk's offices in Bradley County accept cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit card acceptance varies by office — call ahead to confirm. For City of Cleveland property tax payments, the City of Cleveland online payment portal is available, though court document fees are handled separately through the clerk's offices.
Fees are subject to change. Contact the relevant clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment by mail. For property-related records such as deed and assessment information, the Tennessee Property Viewer provides free public access to assessment data statewide.