Prepare Legal Tennessee Small Claims Forms For Free

A: It is not mandatory to have a lawyer in small claims court, but it is advisable to have one to ensure you present your case well. Lawyers can also help with the complicated legal issues and procedures. It's important to note that if the other party has an attorney, it's usually a good idea to have one too.

In Tennessee, as in other states, these time limits vary for different kinds of civil actions. For example, plaintiffs have one year in which to file a lawsuit for personal injury, three years for lawsuits involving personal property, and six years for the collection of rent and debts.

In Tennessee, the maximum amount you can sue for in small claims court is $25,000.00 (but there is no limit in eviction suits or suits to recover personal property). Your case will be tried before a judge, without a jury (except on appeal or transfer).

If you are not serving defendants via the Sheriff's Office (e.g., hiring a private company or doing it yourself), the filing fee is $140.50. The filing fee must be paid by cash or money order. The judge may award you the filing fee if you win.

In Tennessee, Statute 16-15-501 (Title 16, Ch. 15, Part 5, Section 501) aestablishes that the Court of General Sessions hears small claims actions involving disputes for $15,000 or less. In counties of 700,000 or more. people, the Court hears small claims disputes for up to $25,000.

The first step is filling out the necessary forms for your claim and paying the required fees. The claim would be called a ?complaint? in a higher court. If you are at least 18 years old and asking for less than the small claims court limit, you can file a claim in Tennessee's small claims court.