Shelby County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Shelby County, TN. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Memphis area.
Small claims in Tennessee — the numbers for Shelby County courts
$25,000
maximum claim
$130
filing fee (published)
1–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Tennessee small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Shelby County has 3 independent courts
How to choose: By defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose
All Courts in Shelby County
Judge D'Army Bailey Courthouse
140 Adams Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
Serves: All of Shelby County
Shelby County General Sessions — East Office (Mullins Station)
1075 Mullins Station Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Serves: All of Shelby County (administrative/filing only)
Shelby County General Sessions — Southbrook Mall Office
1254 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38116
Serves: All of Shelby County (administrative/filing only)
How to File in Shelby County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Shelby County: Attorneys Required: No for individuals (pro se permitted regardless of claim amount). YES for corporations and LLCs — entities must be represented by a licensed attorney; non-lawyer officers/employees cannot represent the entity. | Discovery: Formal discovery (depositions, interrogatories) typically minimal or non-existent | Trial Format: Bench trial (judge, no jury) | Appeal Rights: Automatic right to appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of judgment for de novo (new) trial | Case Initiation Forms: civil warrant: Standard form for money lawsuits — contract disputes, property damage, unpaid debts (capped at $25,000); detainer warrant: Used for evictions / forcible entry and detainer — no dollar cap, can include back rent above $25,000
Ready to take action in Shelby County?
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 in Shelby County?
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 Shelby County?
Small claims cases in Shelby 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 in Shelby County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Shelby County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Shelby County?
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.