Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court Clerk is the custodian of the court’s records and all legal documents filed in Juvenile Court. The clerk’s office is responsible for the preparation of the minutes (official record) of the Juvenile Court and processing the paperwork associated with the juvenile cases during their progress through the Juvenile Court System. People under the age of 18 are called minors Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

The Juvenile Court has general jurisdiction over the following types of cases:

  • Delinquent, unruly, dependant and neglected
  • Guardianship
  • Terminations of parental rights and surrenders of parental rights
  • Judicial by-pass
  • Traffic Citations-County and Tennessee Highway Patrol
  • Emergency psychiatric commitments of juveniles
  • Custody Cases
  • Paternity in cases where the parties have not been married
  • Emergency Removals
  • Juvenile Court can accept jurisdiction in contributing cases

JUVENILE CASES ARE CONFIDENTIAL

The Juvenile Court Judge decides if the Court will take control of the minor’s future. If it does, the Judge has to think about what is best for the minor and how to make the minor take responsibility for his or her actions. Then the Court decides how to take care of, treat and guide the minor. This can include punishment so the minor learns to obey the law. The Court wants the child to learn to be a positive member of his or her family and community.

Payment Policy

We do not accept personal checks. Individuals may pay with a cashier’s check, credit card, money order or cash.

Legal Advice

Deputy Clerks cannot give legal advice. They will file your paperwork, but they cannot advise you on what action to take. You should consult an attorney for legal advice.

Court dates

Juvenile Court is held on the first three Tuesdays of each month and begins at 9:00 a.m.

Hours of Operation

The Juvenile Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Telephone number is 865-992-3081.