Q: I live in Minnesota. Can I sue someone in Tennessee small claims court without appearing in person?
I had an income property in Gatlinburg Tennessee area, that was managed as a vacation rental by a mgmt company for many years. The mgmt company closed without notice and although I have sold the property, by their own paperwork and admission the management company still owes me for 2months of rental income. (The management company has kept the full amount, not just their commission.) I would like to sue in small claims court (for approx $3000) but as I live in Minnesota traveling to appear is impossible. The money is small I know, it's more the principle of getting a judgment against someone who has flat out stolen from me. Thanks
A: You would need to be prepared to appear in court. You could hire counsel to file the paperwork and appear for you. And in the event that the defendant fails to appear, you could obtain a default judgment. But if a plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney fails to appear the case would most likely be dismissed.
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