Tennessee Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Tennessee — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Tennessee Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$25,000
Filing Fee
$125–$250
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
General Sessions Court
Overview
Small Claims in Tennessee
Tennessee small claims court is handled by the General Sessions Court and features one of the highest jurisdictional limits in the nation at $25,000. This generous dollar threshold makes Tennessee's small claims court a practical option for resolving significant monetary disputes that would require formal litigation in most other states. All court costs are added to the judgment against the defendant.
Filing fees in Tennessee range from $125 to $250 depending on the county and claim amount. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. Tennessee is distinctive in allowing attorney representation in General Sessions Court, unlike many other states. The proceedings remain relatively informal, but either party may choose to hire legal counsel.
Tennessee General Sessions Court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs, which are recoverable from the losing party.
To file, you must submit a warrant and affidavit to the General Sessions Court serving the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days.
Where to File
File in the General Sessions Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Tennessee. The defendant must be served at least 10 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 3 years. Personal injury: 1 year. Fraud: 3 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Circuit Court within 10 days. The case is retried de novo before a judge or jury.
File Your Tennessee Small Claims Case
We handle the paperwork — research, document preparation, court filing, and defendant serving.
Start My CaseTennessee FAQ