Tom Leatherwood
1075 Mullins Station Road, Suite W165
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 379-7500
tom.leatherwood@shelbycountytn.gov
The Italian consul once marched into the Shelby County Register's office on Columbus Day and laid claim to Mud Island for Italy. His claim was duly noted. Years later development of Mud Island was halted until lawyers determined the claim was merely ceremonial.
Anything a person feels is worth having "on the record" can be filed with the Shelby County Register. The register, elected to a four-year term, is the official record keeper for Shelby County. Generally, all that is required to have something officially recorded is to pay the appropriate fees and make certain the document has two witnesses to a signature or the seal of a notary public.
Register Tom Leatherwood runs an office that is automated and is completely funded by customer fees, therefore, using no property taxes for its operation. Original records are filed and returned within approximately 36 hrs. Before automation, filing took three to six weeks.
The most common records filed by the register include tax liens, property titles, mortgages, bankruptcy documents, marriage settlements, contracts, powers of attorney, real estate conveyances, armed forces discharges and affidavits.
Everything on file at the register's office is open to the public. More detailed information about filing fees and requirements may be found on the Register's web site at http://register.shelby.tn.us.
