Tate County Court Records Search
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Tate County, Mississippi sits in the northern part of the state, and its court system generates a wide range of official documents — covering criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family matters, probate proceedings, and more. These records include docket entries, motions, orders, judgments, subpoenas, transcripts, and warrants, all created and maintained by the clerks of each court with jurisdiction over the relevant case type.
People search for court records for many practical reasons: verifying someone's legal history, doing due diligence before a business transaction, researching property titles, locating estate filings, or keeping tabs on active litigation. Knowing which office holds which records — and how to reach them — is the essential first step.
Tate County court records are part of Mississippi's broader judicial records framework. A good place to start is MississippiCourts.us, where you can find publicly available case information alongside guidance on contacting individual court clerks and understanding the state's access policies. You can also search records in person at the Tate County Courthouse, through public-access computer terminals, or through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) platform.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Tate County?
Tate County court records are accessible in three ways: in person, online, or by mail. Which method works best depends on the record type and how much you already know about the case.
Online Search via Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
Both the Tate County Circuit Court and the Tate County Chancery Court maintain records through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system — the statewide electronic case management platform run by the Mississippi judiciary. To access records remotely, you'll need to register for a free user account through the MEC/PAMEC registration portal. One registration gives you access to any Mississippi trial court that uses the MEC system.
In-Person Access
Both the Circuit Clerk's Office and the Chancery Clerk's Office offer free public terminals at the Tate County Courthouse for on-site case lookups, available to anyone during regular business hours. The courthouse is located at:
Tate County Courthouse
201 S. Ward Street
Senatobia, MS 38668
Mail Requests
To request records by mail, send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the case name, case number if you have it, the type of records you need, and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Confirm copy fees with the clerk before sending payment.
Tate County Court Directory
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668 | (662) 562-5211 |
| Chancery Court | 201 S. Ward Street, P.O. Box 309, Senatobia, MS 38668 | (662) 562-5661 ext. 3 |
| Justice Court | 103 Preston McKay Drive, Senatobia, MS 38668 | (662) 562-7626 |
| Coldwater Municipal Court | 444 Court Street, Coldwater, MS 38618 | (662) 622-7241 |
| Senatobia Municipal Court | 131 North Front Street, Senatobia, MS 38668 | (662) 562-5057 |
Are Court Records Public in Tate County?
Mississippi law starts from a presumption of openness. Under the Mississippi Supreme Court's Public Records Policy, court records are available to any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies. That policy reflects the state judiciary's general commitment to transparency in most court proceedings.
That said, several categories of records are not open to the general public:
- Juvenile court records — proceedings involving minors are confidential under Mississippi law, including Youth Court records handled by the Chancery Court in Tate County
- Sealed court records — documents filed under seal pursuant to applicable court rules, including Rule 48A of the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure
- Investigative records — law enforcement records tied to active or sensitive investigations
- Trade secrets — proprietary commercial information submitted in civil litigation
- Personal identifiers — Social Security numbers and similar sensitive data embedded in filings may be redacted even in otherwise public documents
Access to restricted records is generally limited to the subject of the record, individuals holding a valid court order, and authorized law enforcement agencies. If you believe a record has been improperly restricted, you may file a motion with the presiding court for review.
Tate County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Tate County move through several levels of court depending on the severity of the offense.
Circuit Court — Felony Cases
The Tate County Circuit Court is the main trial court for felony criminal prosecutions in the county. As part of Mississippi's 17th Circuit District — which also includes DeSoto, Panola, Tallahatchie, and Yalobusha counties — the Circuit Court handles serious criminal matters from indictment through sentencing. It also hears criminal appeals from the Justice Court and Municipal Courts, and juries are widely used in Circuit Court proceedings.
The Circuit Court is presided over by the Honorable Jimmy McClure and the Honorable Smith Murphey, V. Criminal case records are maintained by Circuit Clerk Kenda Blount:
Tate County Circuit Clerk's Office
201 S. Ward Street
Senatobia, MS 38668
Phone: (662) 562-5211
Fax: (662) 562-7486
Email: kblount@tatecountyms.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Justice Court — Misdemeanors and Preliminary Hearings
The Tate County Justice Court, presided over by Judges Trey Manning and Robert Taylor, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses occurring outside municipal limits involving the Tate County Sheriff's Department or Highway Patrol, and preliminary felony hearings. Justice Court judges also issue arrest warrants, set bail bonds, conduct bond hearings, and issue search warrants and temporary protective orders.
Municipal Courts — Ordinance Violations
Coldwater and Senatobia each operate municipal courts that handle traffic citations and local ordinance violations occurring within city limits. Contact the individual court directly for record request procedures.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The Tate County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and operates the county jail. You can reach the Sheriff's Office at 1 Justice Drive, Senatobia, MS 38668, by phone at (662) 562-4434, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An online inmate roster is publicly available on the Sheriff's website for current custody information. The Senatobia Police Department is the primary contact for arrests occurring within the city.
Tate County Civil Court Records
Civil court jurisdiction in Tate County is divided between the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court based on the nature and dollar value of the dispute.
Circuit Court Civil Jurisdiction
The Tate County Circuit Court handles civil lawsuits where the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000. It also acts as an appellate court for civil matters decided by the Justice Court, Municipal Courts, and state administrative agencies such as the Workers' Compensation Commission and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Civil case filings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office at the courthouse address above.
To search civil cases filed in the Circuit Court electronically, you'll need to register for a free account through the MEC registration portal and access Tate County Circuit Court records within the system.
Chancery Court Civil Jurisdiction
The Tate County Chancery Court handles civil equity matters — including title disputes, injunctions, trust administration, and mental health commitments. As part of Mississippi's 3rd Chancery District, it shares jurisdiction with DeSoto, Grenada, Montgomery, Panola, and Yalobusha counties.
Chancery Court records are also maintained within the MEC system. If you prefer to search in person, free public terminals are available at the Chancery Clerk's Office during business hours.
Service of Civil Papers
The Tate County Sheriff's Office processes civil paper service for a $35.00 processing fee to serve one paper on one defendant. Each additional paper served on the same defendant, or another defendant at the same address, costs an additional $1.00. Payment is accepted by check or money order made payable to the Tate County Sheriff's Department.
Tate County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Tate County are handled primarily by the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, guardianship, mental health commitments, and juvenile matters. The Chancery Court also serves as Tate County's Youth Court, handling cases involving juveniles alleged to be in need of supervision, abused, neglected, or delinquent.
Chancery Clerk — Tim Hale
All family court filings are maintained by Tim Hale, the Tate County Chancery Clerk. The Chancery Clerk's Office is organized into three departments: Land Records, Court Records, and Taxes (Delinquent Tax and Homestead Exemption). The Court Records department handles all case filings for divorce, custody, guardianship, and related family matters.
Tate County Chancery Clerk's Office
201 S. Ward Street, P.O. Box 309
Senatobia, MS 38668
Phone: (662) 562-5661, ext. 3
Fax: (662) 560-6205
Divorce Records
Divorce proceedings are initiated and decided in the Chancery Court. Records from those proceedings — including petitions, decrees, and custody orders — are filed with and maintained by the Chancery Clerk. Divorce decrees are generally public, though courts may seal specific portions containing financial disclosures, custody evaluations, or sensitive information about minor children.
Marriage Records
The Tate County Circuit Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to apply. Certified copies of marriage licenses are available to eligible parties — the spouses named on the license, parents of either spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, and legal representatives or those presenting a valid court order.
Certified copies of marriage certificates for records dating back to January 1942 are also available from the Mississippi Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Records. You can submit a request in person, by mail, by phone, or online. The standard fee is $17.00 for the first copy, with each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time costing $6.00. Proof of identity and eligibility is required.
Birth and Death Records
Tate County birth certificates — available for events since November 1, 1912 — and death certificates are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Records. Eligible individuals can complete the birth certificate application form or the death certificate request form available on the MSDH website. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, by phone, or through the MSDH's online ordering system.
Fee schedule for vital records through MSDH:
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies (same order) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $17.00 | $6.00 each |
| Death Certificate | $17.00 | $6.00 each |
| Marriage Certificate | $17.00 | $6.00 each |
Juvenile Drug Court
Tate County operates a Juvenile Drug Court — a three-phase intervention program for juveniles on probation who are dealing with substance use issues. Records from Juvenile Drug Court proceedings are confidential and subject to the same youth court privacy protections that apply to all juvenile matters handled by the Chancery Court.
Tate County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Tate County are heard by the Chancery Court, which holds jurisdiction over the administration of decedents' estates, validation of wills, and related proceedings. The Chancery Clerk's Office maintains all probate case filings, including:
- Wills and will contests
- Petitions for letters testamentary and letters of administration (testate and intestate estates)
- Guardianship proceedings for minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorship filings
- Trust administration matters
- Inventories and accountings submitted by personal representatives
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information filed in the Chancery Court is accessible through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system, where registered users can view docket entries, documents, and case status. If you prefer searching in person, visit the Chancery Clerk's Office at the Tate County Courthouse (201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia) and use the free public terminals on-site. Older probate records that predate electronic filing may require a direct request to the Chancery Clerk.
Requesting Probate Documents
To request copies of specific probate documents from the Chancery Clerk:
- Identify the decedent's name and approximate date of death, or the case number if you have it.
- Contact the Chancery Clerk's Office at (662) 562-5661, ext. 3 to confirm availability and copy fees.
- Submit the request in person at the courthouse or in writing by mail to P.O. Box 309, Senatobia, MS 38668.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns and any applicable fee payment.
Property Records and the Chancery Clerk
Property documents and estate administration often overlap, particularly when real estate is part of an estate. The Chancery Clerk's land records department is the official repository for Tate County deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded instruments. The Tate County Tax Assessor/Collector's office handles property assessment and tax records, accessible through the Tate County government website.