Get AE Form 215-6A 2014-2023

You can ask for up to $25,000 in a small claims action in Tennessee General Sessions Court—the court that handles small claims matters in Tennessee. The limit doesn't apply to eviction or personal property recovery matters.

The summons shall be directed to the defendant, shall state the time within which these rules require the defendant to appear and defend, and shall notify the defendant that in case of his or her failure to do so judgment by default will be rendered against that defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint.

CIRCUIT COURTS are courts of general jurisdiction in Tennessee. Circuit judges hear civil and criminal cases and appeals of decisions from City, Juvenile, Municipal and General Sessions courts. The jurisdiction of Circuit Courts often overlaps that of the Chancery Courts.

There are four steps to respond to the complaint. Create an Answer document. Answer each issue of the complaint. Assert affirmative defenses. File one copy of the Answer document with the court and serve the plaintiff with another copy.

How To File a Civil Paper Go to the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office, 408 2nd Avenue, North Suite 2110 Nashville, TN 37201, (phone 615-862-5195). Blank warrants, information forms, and guidance will be furnished to you but no legal advice will be given.

A summons is the first process for a legal claim where a Plaintiff has instituted an action against a Defendant. Once the summons is served via Sheriff, you will have 10 days to respond with a Notice of Intention to Defend or attempt to negotiate a settlement with the Plaintiff.

When a summons is served on the defendant, it must either be served personally, or on a person who is older than 16 at the premises where the defendant is employed or resides. There are exceptions to this rule but for the purposes of a medical malpractice claim, this rule applies.

The Circuit Court is a court of local and limited jurisdiction. It is restricted as to which cases it can decide in both civil and criminal matters. The Circuit Court is a court of limited and local jurisdiction. The work can be divided into four main areas: civil, criminal, family law and jury service.

Most indictable offences are dealt with in the Circuit Court. They are tried before a judge and jury and include offences such as burglary, certain types of assault, robbery, serious drugs and sexual assault. Offences such as murder, rape, treason and piracy are dealt with by the Central Criminal Court.

(1) The person serving the summons shall promptly make proof of service to the court and shall identify the person served and shall describe the manner of service. If a summons is not served within 90 days after its issuance, it shall be returned stating the reasons for failure to serve.