Small claims court in Shelby County, Tennessee
In Shelby County, small claims cases up to $25,000 are heard by the Shelby County General Sessions Court. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Where to file in Shelby County
Shelby County General Sessions Court
Address: 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103 · Map
Phone: 901-222-3400
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
The General Sessions civil clerk in the county where the defendant lives or does business, or where the deal or incident happened.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Tennessee counties.
How to file in Shelby County
Ask for payment in writing
Tennessee doesn't require a demand letter before you file, but sending one first is recommended. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (Civil Warrant)
Civil Warrant from your county's General Sessions clerk (example: Davidson County Pro Se Civil Warrant) Get the form.
File it with the Shelby County General Sessions Court and pay the fee
Each county sets its own fees, which include the clerk fee, sheriff service and local taxes. In 2026, Davidson County (Nashville) charges about $146 for one defendant including service, plus $52 per extra defendant; Rutherford County about $269. Call your county clerk for the exact amount. Fee waiver: Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency (pauper's oath).
Have the papers served
The sheriff usually serves the warrant, and the fee is often included in the filing fee. You can also use an adult who isn't part of the case, or certified mail if the defendant signs the receipt.
Go to the hearing
The court date is printed on the warrant, usually a few weeks after filing; many cases finish within about two months. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Tennessee filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Shelby County?
Small claims in Shelby County are filed with the Shelby County General Sessions Court, 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103. Phone: 901-222-3400.
How much can I sue for in Shelby County small claims court?
Up to $25,000. General Sessions Court hears civil cases up to $25,000 in every county; attorney fees and court costs don't count toward it. Tennessee has no court called small claims; you sue by filing a civil warrant.
How much does it cost to file in Shelby County?
Each county sets its own fees, which include the clerk fee, sheriff service and local taxes. In 2026, Davidson County (Nashville) charges about $146 for one defendant including service, plus $52 per extra defendant; Rutherford County about $269. Call your county clerk for the exact amount. Fee waiver: Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency (pauper's oath).