Tennessee Small Claims Court

How it works in Tennessee

1. Contact the General Sessions clerk in your county for its local rules, forms and fees.
2. File a civil warrant and pay the fee. If you can’t afford it, ask about the Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency.
3. Before the trial starts on your court date, show the other side all the proof you plan to use. Bring originals and copies.
4. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for the docket call. A plaintiff who doesn’t appear can have the case dismissed, and a defendant who doesn’t appear can lose by default.
5. Bring witnesses in person. Written statements from someone who isn’t there usually can’t be used.

What it costs

Varies by county, so ask your clerk. Rutherford County lists $268.50 in total for a civil warrant as of 1 January 2026

How long you have to sue

Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 28-3-104(a)(1), 28-3-105(1), 28-3-109(a)(3). These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

Either side has 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court, where a different judge hears the case.

Official links

• Tennessee small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court