Tennessee Small Claims

Small claims is Tennessee’s fast, low-cost legal avenue for resolving civil disputes. Since each state has its own rules, understanding Tennessee’s framework is essential. Knowledge of this framework enables consumers, tenants, landlords, tradespeople, and small businesses to recover their money or personal property, often without needing a lawyer.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Tennessee?

“Small claims” in Tennessee is not a separate courthouse; it is the civil side of General Sessions Court. Small-claims matters are heard in the court using simplified pleadings and plain-English forms approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Cases involving unpaid loans or invoices, security deposit disputes, contract/workmanship issues, NSF-check claims, minor property damage, and replevin may be filed in court. Evictions (“detainer warrants”) are also filed in General Sessions but follow special timelines and remedies distinct from money-only claims.

Small Claims Court Limits in Tennessee

The law permits claims with a maximum value of $25,000 for civil cases in General Sessions in all counties (exclusive of allowable costs or interest). In the case of eviction/detainer matters, the court has unlimited jurisdiction and may award a monetary judgment that exceeds $25,000. The court may also hear actions to recover personal property.

Individuals may choose to represent themselves in court (pro se). Businesses usually employ the services of an attorney to represent them. In fact, some counties require corporations tobe represented by an attorney in court. Therefore, individuals should review their local practice before filing a small claims case in court.

All small claims cases must be filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the party who initiates the case is often called the plaintiff or petitioner in civil cases. The party defending or denying a suit or case is often called the defendant or respondent. The plaintiff may take the following steps to start their small claims case:

• Choose the proper court and get the correct forms. All civil small-claims filings start in the General Sessions Court. Tennessee provides Court-Approved General Sessions Civil Court Forms that every county must accept if correctly completed. Some large counties publish their own packets and e-filing instructions.
• Prepare and file your claim. Plaintiff should list the parties’ correct legal names/addresses, state what happened, and specify the amount sought or the property to be returned. They must file their petition with the Sessions civil clerk and pay the filing and service fees (amounts vary by county). If they are unable to pay the filing fees, they may request postponement of the filing fees and an order (fee waiver).
• Serve the defendant properly. After filing, the clerk issues a process (called a civil warrant or summons). Service is commonly done by a sheriff, constable, or another authorized server. Some counties allow the petitioner to designate a server when they file. Shelby County’s FAQ explains that the clerk may forward the summons to the requested server, who sets the court date after successful service and returns proof to the clerk.
• Track your court date and bring proof. Once served, the defendant is assigned a court date, often set by the server or the clerk. All organized, labeled exhibits, including contracts, invoices, photos, texts/emails, repair estimates, and any witnesses, must be tendered to the court.
• Lawyers or Discovery? Many parties usually proceed without lawyers. Since the court session is informal and aims at a quick resolution, formal discovery is minimal compared with the Circuit Court.

Small Claims Court in Major Tennessee Cities

Anyone may file their small claim case in any of the major cities in Tennessee listed below:

• Nashville (Davidson County). The Metropolitan General Sessions Court (Civil Division) handles small claims cases for the city. The court posts online case access and public dockets for the civil divisions, which are accessible to the public.
• Memphis (Shelby County) Individuals may file their small claims cases at the General Sessions Civil Court. The clerk lists calendars, case inquiries, and a portal to download court forms.
• Knoxville (Knox County). The Civil Sessions Court is responsible for small claim cases that occur in the city. The court fees are clearly stated on the court’s website.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Tennessee

During a small claims court session, hearings are informal under the guidance of a judge. The plaintiff presents their case first, followed by the defendant. If a properly served defendant does not appear, the court may enter a default judgment (the plaintiff must prove the amount owed). However, if the plaintiff does not show up in the court proceedings, dismissal is common.

According to Tennessee’s Law, either party may appeal the case to the Circuit Court within 10 days of the General Sessions judgment. The appeal is deemed de novo, a brand-new trial under regular civil rules.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Tennessee

A Sessions civil docket shows the case number, parties, register of actions, court settings, and judgment. Tennessee does not have a single statewide Sessions-case portal, but several official options for counties exist:

• County portals (official).
  • Davidson County: Individuals may search the CaseLink Public Inquiry System for General Sessions (Civil Division) Court records by name or case number. They may go through a free General Case Search or a CaseLink Subscription. The subscription is offered on a prepaid monthly basis.
  • Shelby County: The court allows the public to search for court records through its ACS CourtConnect Portal. They may search the portal by party’s name, business name, or case type.
  • BlountCounty: The court maintains its own Online Court Records System, where individuals may search for court records by using the party name or case year and case number.
• Clerk’s office: Court records are usually maintained by the General Session Clerk. Therefore, individuals may contact the clerk in person to view or request copies of court records.
• Third-party websites: Various third-party websites and agencies compile records and offer access to Tennessee court records. These include large legal databases, commercial background check services, and specific legal information sites. Although this information may complement state and county government, it is unofficial sources, and users should be careful.