What is the small claims limit in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have a separate "small claims" court — instead, the General Sessions Court handles small civil matters with informal procedures.

1. Monetary Limit — T.C.A. § 16-15-501(d)(1) authorizes General Sessions Court jurisdiction over civil claims up to $25,000 — the highest small claims limit in the United States. The court has no jurisdiction over equity, divorce, ejectment of land, or partition.

2. Filing Fee — Set by each county; typical range is $159-$258 under T.C.A. § 8-21-401. Includes basic court costs but additional fees for sheriff service ($42 first defendant, $7 each additional).

3. Lawyers — Permitted at all stages. Corporations and LLCs may be represented by an officer, employee, or member without a lawyer for claims under $25,000 in General Sessions (Old Hickory Eng'g & Mach. Co. v. Henry, 937 S.W.2d 782 (Tenn. 1996)).

4. Statute of Limitations — Standard Tennessee SOLs: 6 years for written and oral contracts (T.C.A. § 28-3-109), 1 year for personal injury (T.C.A. § 28-3-104), 3 years for property damage and conversion (T.C.A. § 28-3-105), 3 years for fraud (T.C.A. § 28-3-105).

5. Where to File — General Sessions Court of the county where (a) defendant resides, (b) defendant maintains a business, or (c) the cause of action arose (T.C.A. § 20-4-101).

6. Service — By sheriff or constable. Civil warrant served at least 5 days before the appearance date (T.C.A. § 16-15-902). Certified mail not generally permitted.

7. Hearing — Informal trial before the General Sessions judge; no jury trials in General Sessions Court. Rules of evidence are relaxed.

8. Appeal Rights — Either party may appeal de novo to the Circuit Court within 10 days of judgment (T.C.A. § 27-5-108). Appellant must post an appeal bond and pay Circuit Court filing fees. The case is retried fresh, and a jury may be demanded.

This is legal information, not legal advice.