Macon County General Sessions Court
Filing information for Macon County General Sessions Court in Lafayette, TN. Part of the Macon County small claims court system.
Small claims in Tennessee — the numbers that apply at this court
$25,000
maximum claim
$130
filing fee (published)
1–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Tennessee small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Macon County General Sessions Court
904 Highway 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083
Mailing Address
904 Highway 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Area Served
Macon County
How to File at Macon County General Sessions Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: eFileTN is the statewide e-filing system. The Macon County Circuit Court Clerk website has an 'eFile Portal' and 'Public Access' for searching and payments. While eFileTN is primarily for attorneys and government agencies, the local portal suggests e-filing capabilities. It is not explicitly stated if self-represented litigants can e-file small claims cases directly through the Macon County portal.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Tennessee
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $25,000.
One of the highest limits in the country. Filed in General Sessions Court, not a separate small claims court.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 1 yr personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Macon County General Sessions Court?
Filing fees in Tennessee are set by the state and are $130. If you can't afford the fee, Tennessee offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Macon County?
Small claims cases in Macon County are limited to $25,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Macon County General Sessions Court?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Macon County General Sessions Court, and when is it open?
Macon County General Sessions Court is at 904 Highway 52 Bypass East, Lafayette, TN 37083. Posted hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Phone: (615) 666-2354. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Lafayette?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.