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.
E-Filing
Not available
Max Claim
$25,000
Courts (3)
3 courthouses
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 guideFor statewide rules including filing limits, statutes of limitations, and court procedures, see the full Tennessee small claims court guide →