TN State Guide

Tennessee Small Claims Court

General Sessions Court

$25,000

Maximum Claim

$40 - $100

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

General Sessions Court

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days

Court Website

https://www.tncourts.gov

Statute of Limitations

6 years

Written Contracts

6 years

Oral Contracts

3 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Tennessee

Highest small claims limit nationwide

Full civil jurisdiction

How to File in Tennessee

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Tennessee

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Tennessee typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Tennessee small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Tennessee?

The maximum you can sue for in Tennessee small claims court is $25,000.

How much does it cost to file in Tennessee?

Filing fees in Tennessee range from $40 - $100, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Tennessee small claims court?

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Tennessee small claims court.

How long does a case take in Tennessee?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Tennessee.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Tennessee?

Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days

Counties We Serve in Tennessee

Find small claims court information for your county

All 95 Counties in Tennessee

Anderson County Bedford County Benton County Bledsoe County Blount County Bradley County Campbell County Cannon County Carroll County Carter County Cheatham County Chester County Claiborne County Clay County Cocke County Coffee County Crockett County Cumberland County Davidson County Decatur County DeKalb County Dickson County Dyer County Fayette County Fentress County Franklin County Gibson County Giles County Grainger County Greene County Grundy County Hamblen County Hamilton County Hancock County Hardeman County Hardin County Hawkins County Haywood County Henderson County Henry County Hickman County Houston County Humphreys County Jackson County Jefferson County Johnson County Knox County Lake County Lauderdale County Lawrence County Lewis County Lincoln County Loudon County Macon County Madison County Marion County Marshall County Maury County McMinn County McNairy County Meigs County Monroe County Montgomery County Moore County Morgan County Obion County Overton County Perry County Pickett County Polk County Putnam County Rhea County Roane County Robertson County Rutherford County Scott County Sequatchie County Sevier County Shelby County Smith County Stewart County Sullivan County Sumner County Tipton County Trousdale County Unicoi County Union County Van Buren County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Weakley County White County Williamson County Wilson County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Tennessee small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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