Want it written for you? Tennessee courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim written so you can copy each field onto your court’s form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Tennessee claim qualifiesThe Tennessee Small Claims Form
📄 Civil Warrant (county-issued; AOC-approved templates)
Tennessee courts issue their own version of this form, so get the one for the court you file in. Download it free from tncourts.gov.
Tennessee Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | General Sessions Court (civil) |
| Claim limit | $25,000 |
| Limit: Recovery of personal property — no cap | no cap |
| Claim form | Civil Warrant (county-issued; AOC-approved templates) |
| Filing fee | ~$90–$225 by county — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Sheriff or process server (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
In Tennessee, the exact court, local paperwork and fees can differ by county or court. The court finder below shows yours.
Filing Deadlines in Tennessee
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 6 years | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-109(a)(3) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 6 years | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-109(a)(3) |
| Damage to property | 3 years | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105(1) |
| Personal injury | 1 year | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1)(A) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Where to Get the Official Tennessee Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — tncourts.gov
- Official source — tncourts.gov
- Official source — tncourts.gov
- The clerk of the General Sessions Court (civil) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Tennessee compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Tennessee Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Tennessee?
The claim is filed on your court’s own version of the Civil Warrant. The official source is tncourts.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Tennessee small claims court?
In Tennessee you can claim up to $25,000 in the General Sessions Court (civil). Different limits apply in some cases: Recovery of personal property — no cap, no cap. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Tennessee?
The filing fee is ~$90–$225 by county — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Tennessee small claims form for me?
Tennessee courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto your court’s official form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Tennessee case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Tennessee claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.