Only, Tennessee Public Records

The Hickman County Chancery Court, phone (931) 729-6168, addresses equity matters including probate, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, and certain land disputes. The Hickman County Juvenile Court handles delinquency, unruly behavior, dependency and neglect cases for persons under 18. Tennessee court records can be searched online through the Tennessee Court Information System (TnCIS) operated by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, though access to certain case details requires registration. In-person searches are available at the Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with additional certification fees of $5.00. Exact fees should be confirmed with the specific court clerk's office as they are subject to change under Tennessee statutes and local court rules.

Assessment data can often be searched online through the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's website at tnmap.tn.gov/assessment, which provides free public access to property assessment information statewide. The Hickman County Register of Deeds, 101 College Avenue (Courthouse), Centerville, TN 37033, phone (931) 729-6168, records and maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, easements, plats, and property liens. Tennessee Register of Deeds offices provide the official chain of title for real property. Hickman County's recorded land records may be searchable through the county's online system or through third-party subscription services; free public access availability should be confirmed directly with the Register's office. In-person searches and document retrieval are available during regular business hours. Recording fees vary by document type, typically ranging from $15-$35 for standard deeds. Hickman County may offer GIS mapping tools for parcel visualization, accessible through the county website or Tennessee state GIS portals.

Major employment for Only-area residents typically comes from commuting to larger employment centers including Centerville (the Hickman County seat), Columbia (Maury County seat approximately 30 miles east), and the Nashville metropolitan area roughly 50 miles northeast. Hickman County government, including the school system headquartered in Centerville, represents a significant employer for the region. Small businesses, retail, and services in Centerville serve the Only community. The county has seen modest residential growth as Nashville's outer exurban areas expand, with some residents choosing rural Hickman County for affordable land and a quieter lifestyle while commuting to urban jobs. Median household income in Hickman County was approximately $52,000-$56,000 according to recent U.S. Census estimates, below Tennessee's statewide median, reflecting the rural and agricultural economic base. Only's economy remains tied to land-based activities, with limited commercial or industrial development in the immediate community. Tourism related to the Duck River and outdoor recreation provides some economic activity countywide. The area maintains its traditional rural character with resistance to rapid commercial development, preserving farmland and open space.

Only, Tennessee has no incorporated municipal police department. Law enforcement services for Only and the surrounding unincorporated areas of eastern Hickman County are provided exclusively by the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, located at 104 College Avenue, Centerville, TN 37033, phone (931) 729-6143. The Sheriff's Office handles all patrol duties, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, warrant service, and emergency response for Only residents. Citizens can request copies of incident reports, accident reports, and other law enforcement records by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person or submitting written requests under Tennessee's public records law. The Hickman County Sheriff's Office also operates the Hickman County Jail at the same Centerville location. Arrest records and current inmate information can be searched through the Hickman County Sheriff's website or by calling the jail directly. Booking records typically include inmate name, booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and mugshot photographs when available. All records requests are governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, which requires governmental entities to promptly make public records available for inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Requesters should provide specific details about the incident date, case number, or names involved to facilitate searches. The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for copies and staff time for extensive records searches as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-506.

Certified copies can also be requested by mail or in person at the state office. Birth records are available from 1914 forward statewide, with some earlier records available; death records are similarly available from 1914. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest can obtain certified copies under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 68-3-203). Marriage licenses for Only residents are issued by the Hickman County Clerk's office at the Hickman County Courthouse, 101 College Avenue, Centerville, TN 37033, phone (931) 729-2621. The marriage license fee in Tennessee is $97.50 (reduced to $37.50 if couples complete a premarital preparation course). There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk at the same courthouse address. Certified copies of marriage and divorce records are available from the County Clerk with valid identification and payment of applicable fees. Historical marriage records may be maintained at the county level dating back to the 1800s depending on preservation efforts.

Business owners must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State if forming a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, or other formal business entity. The Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division, provides free online business entity searches at tnbear.tn.gov where anyone can search corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities by name or filing number to view status, registered agent information, formation date, and principal address. New business entity formation can be completed online through the same portal with filing fees ranging from $300-$600 depending on entity type. Assumed name (DBA - "doing business as") filings in Tennessee are registered at the county level with the Hickman County Register of Deeds, 101 College Avenue (Courthouse), Centerville, TN 37033, phone (931) 729-6168. Unified Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches in Tennessee are filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State and searchable online at tnbear.tn.gov. Business personal property tax and commercial real estate assessments for Only-area businesses are handled by the Hickman County Trustee and Assessor offices in Centerville, with property tax records searchable through county systems.

Only, Tennessee voters are served by the Hickman County Election Commission, located at 104 Public Square, Centerville, TN 37033, phone (931) 729-5101. Tennessee voter registration can be completed online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website at ovr.govote.tn.gov, with registration deadlines of 30 days before any election. Voters must provide a valid Tennessee driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Only residents can also register in person at the Hickman County Election Commission office or at various state agencies. As an unincorporated community, Only has no municipal elections, city council, or mayor; residents participate in Hickman County, state, and federal elections. County elections include races for Hickman County Mayor (County Executive), County Commission seats representing district areas, Sheriff, Trustee, Register of Deeds, Circuit Court Clerk, County Clerk, and other constitutional offices, typically held in even-numbered years coinciding with state and federal elections. Only voters can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Tennessee Secretary of State's GoVoteTN website at govotetn.com or by contacting the Hickman County Election Commission directly with their residential address. Tennessee provides early voting for approximately two weeks before each election at designated early voting locations in Centerville. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hickman County reported approximately 60-65% voter turnout with strong support for Republican candidates, consistent with rural Middle Tennessee voting patterns. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Only and Hickman County voters will decide Tennessee's gubernatorial race (Governor Bill Lee's second term expires 2027, so this will feature the gubernatorial election), all Tennessee State House of Representatives seats (including District 71 which covers Hickman County), various Hickman County constitutional offices depending on term schedules, and potentially ballot measures. The U.S. Senate seat currently held by Marsha Blackburn is not up in 2026 (next election 2024), but Tennessee's other U.S. Senate seat held by Bill Hagerty is up in 2026. Absentee voting by mail in Tennessee requires specific justifications listed in T.C.A. § 2-6-201 including age 60+, hospitalization, disability, being outside the county on election day, serving as a poll official, or religious observance; applications are available through the Hickman County Election Commission. Tennessee voter registration lists are public records, and precinct-level election results, candidate filings, and campaign finance disclosures can be accessed through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website and the Hickman County Election Commission.