Tennessee Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

In Tennessee, a judgment is a court order that decides the outcome of a lawsuit. A judgment typically clarifies the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved in the case.

What Is a Judgment in Tennessee?

In Tennessee,a judgmentis the official decision made by a court on the matters that parties of a civil case present before it. A judgment can require one of the parties in the dispute to pay money, transfer property, or cease specific actions.

For instance, a creditor might obtain a money judgment that requires someone to pay back credit card debt. In family court, a judgment could set forth responsibilities for child support or spousal support. No matter the type, judgments in Tennessee are binding until they are fulfilled or expire according to state law.

Types of Judgments in Tennessee

Tennessee courts issue several types of judgments depending on the case:

1. Money Judgments

Money judgments are common in civil cases involving debts or contracts. In these cases, the judge rules thatone party (the debtor) pay a certain amount to another party (the creditor). Examples include unpaid medical bills, credit card debts, or compensation from a personal injury lawsuit.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment is entered against a party who fails to appear for a court proceeding to present their case.

3. Summary Judgment

A summary judgment settles legal cases when there are no real disputes over important facts between the parties. The court issues a ruling in favor of one party against the other without requiring a complete trial.

4. Family Court Judgments

This judgment outlines the rights and responsibilities of parties in matters related to child support, custody, or spousal support (alimony). These decisions are enforced by withholding wages, contempt actions, or placing liens on property.

How to Search for Judgments in Tennessee

Judgments are public records in Tennessee and can be accessed through several methods:

1. Clerk of Court Offices: Each county court clerk maintains judgment records. These records can be obtained in person at your local courthouse or online via the court's website.
2. Tennessee State Courts Case Search: Many counties participate in the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) online system. The system allows people to access records for civil, criminal, and family cases.
3. County Register of Deeds: To look up a judgment lien, visit the Register of Deeds office in the county where the property is situated.
4. Third-Party Services: Some third-party record service providers provide the public access to Tennessee judgment and case records. However, official records are generally more reliable when obtained directly from the court. A significant benefit of third-party platforms is that they collect judgment records from all jurisdictions in the county, meaning they serve as a one-stop shop to check judgments from various jurisdictions.

Judgment records typically show:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or type of relief granted.

Judgment Records in Major Tennessee Counties

Although Tennessee has systems that cover the entire state, county courts are still very essential for obtaining certified records:

• Nashville (Davidson County): You can look up Davidson County judgments on the county’s Clerk of Court website as well as the statewide portal.
• Memphis (Shelby County): Shelby County allows you to access judgments through its online case search system and also at the clerk’s office.
• Knoxville (Knox County): You can find Knox County judgments online via the local case search portal and at the clerk’s office.

While the statewide AOC Case Search system is great for general searches, you need to contact your local county clerks for access to certified copies.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a civil judgment lasts for 10 years from when it is issued. If the judgment is not paid off by the end of that period, the creditor has the option to file a motion to extend it for another 10 years.

During this time, creditors can collect money through methods like liens, wage garnishment, or bank levies. For those who owe money, having unresolved judgments can make it really challenging to recover financially and own property.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Tennessee?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain enforcement powers, and debtors face legal and financial obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order requiring employers to withhold part of a debtor’s wages until the judgment is paid. The maximum part of an individual's total weekly earnings that is subject to garnishment cannot exceed 25%.
• Judgment Liens: A judgment lien against the debtor is created by registering a certified copy of the judgment in the register’s office of the county where the debtor’s estate is located. Once a judgment lien is created by registration, it will last for ten years from the date of final judgment entry.
• Bank Levies: With court approval, creditors can seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments usually show up on credit reports, which can significantly lower credit scores and make it harder to get loans or housing.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After a debt is paid, the creditor is required to submit a Satisfaction of Judgment document to the court to show that the debt has been settled.
• Appeal or Motion to Vacate: If a debtor thinks the judgment was made by mistake, they can appeal the ruling or ask for the judgment to be canceled, especially in cases of default judgments.