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Tennessee Small Claims Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Can you take a hospital to small claims court for a missing wedding ring?

My 78 year old husband was taken to the ER for Suicidal Ideation caused by his memory issues. They took his clothes , credit cards phone and wedding ring. They did an inventory. He was transferred to a psych hospital. When he checked out of the psych hospital the gave him his clothes, phone and... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 8, 2024

If the ring was worth alot of money you can sue for conversion in General Sessions Court. You will need an attorney, witnesses to the ring's turnover and coming up missing, and its value. Name of hospital and its registered agent will have to be determined. Adding a suspected nurse as a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue my bf for emotional distress and property damage I'm 2 months pregnant I'm depressed and can't eat
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answered on Aug 22, 2024

A paternity action and child support will be in order after the child is born. A criminal vandalism charge may be in order now, but a criminal record might hurt your obtaining child support later.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Bankruptcy, Collections and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: How do I report Corporate Greed, and get assistance through a living situational hardship T-Mobile is putting me through

I have been homeless for over 2 years now, lost my job when I was homeless, and now that I'm getting help back on my feet, T-Mobile refuses to unlock my device to allow me to utilize a new carrier with true network coverage in my new living spaces area, so i can succeed at getting a new job!

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Aug 31, 2024

You don't have a legal problem. You have a T-Mobile problem. There is nothing to report, there's no place to report, and there's no remedy for what you call corporate greed. T-Mobile does not need to unlock the phone you bought on whatever contract it was. You have the option of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: I purchased my home over nine years ago. I had an inspection and everything he found we turn it over to the seller and

he fixed it but it was just minor stuff. I’ve had issue after issue with this house ever since especially the plumbing. Warranty company won’t pay because there’s a water house stuck in there. Don’t have a clue how it got in there and that’s probably that cause of all the plumbing issues... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 20, 2024

Whatever residential disclosures that were made by the seller or real estate agent are way outside the SOL for suit. However a breach of contract action on your Warranty might not have run. Hire an attorney to look at your Warranty, examine your damages, and then file suit. If damages are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Can a title loan company or their repossession company refuse to allow a person to retrieve personal belongings repodcar

Car was repossessed after defaulting on title loan after missing two payments. Repossession agent called my mother after 9pm at night and told her if I didn't meet him by midnight that night to sign a "payment plan" for missed payments then I would have a felony warrant for my arrest... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 6, 2024

Ask again to get your property. Otherwise you will have to file suit for an Action to Recover Property and/or Conversion in General Sessions Court. Be certain who it is that has your property, as you may have to sue two defendants. Loan co. will have an agent for service of process.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: What can I do if someone owes me 500 dollars and they told me that they would pay me through an email but now refuse to?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Defendant can claim the Statute of Frauds unless there is a writing, even a cashed check. General Sessions suit will cost about a third of your prospective judgment. If you get a judgment by default including costs, you will still have to work to collect it.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: With the lawsuit for Hyundai can the lender, if I stop making the car payments, will they repo my vehicle?
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I do not know what suit you are referencing. But if you signed a note and financing agreement, your contract is with the lender and has nothing to do with the manufacturer.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: If civil case is dismissed in general sessions, what are my options besides an appeal? Can I refile the case later?

My detinue case and was dismissed after arguing motions and before i was able to put my case on. I did not have an attorney. I cannot afford to appeal at this time and attorneys charge a lot more in an appeal. I have 10 days to appeal. Can I refile the case at a later date as long as I am in the... View More

Keith Edmiston
Keith Edmiston
answered on Apr 12, 2024

It depends on whether the case was dismissed "with prejudice" or "without prejudice." If the dismissal was "without prejudice," the claim can be refiled, but if the dismissal was "with prejudice," then an appeal is the sole avenue for relief.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Is an iPhone bought for someone considered a gift? If I don’t return it, is it theft?

While in a less than 2 month relationship with a man, he bought me an iPhone 15 Pro Max. He wanted to rush the relationship more quickly than I was comfortable with, so it abruptly ended. The iPhone was a gift and he’s since suspended service. He is threatening legal action if I do not return it.... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Mar 1, 2024

In Tennessee, as in many jurisdictions, an item given as a gift is typically considered the property of the recipient. For an item to be recognized as a gift, it must meet certain criteria: there must be an intention to give the item as a gift, delivery of the item to the recipient, and acceptance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Do I need a lawyer in circuit court appeal of a general sessions judgement.

A general sessions judge allowed the defendant to claim that they did work for me (completely voluntary) and allowed it to be credited against a simple and concrete claim for damage done to my vehicle. I was not allowed to present evidence and did not receive any copies/notice/countersuit of what... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 19, 2024

It sounds like you need an attorney to represent you. If the other side gets a judgment against you, they are going to try to collect it. You can probably get away with filing a Counter Claim for the property tort damages on your Appeal De Novo.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: What do I do now?

Discover Bank/CC is suing me. We already went to court once where their lawyer, before court went into session, tried to get me to agree I owe the debt and make a deal for repayment. I asked for proof I owe it. He showed me 3 copies of statements that showed nothing other than the past due amount.... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 9, 2024

If you are unwilling to enter into a payment arrangement and cannot afford a lawyer, you can spend the next 4 months learning everything you can about lawyering because you'll be representing yourself. There are three options: agree to a payment plan, consent to a judgment, or defend the lawsuit.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: If someone threatens or says they can obtain private information from the FBI about me, could I press charges on them.

I was at their house and she told me she could obtain private information on me. It was verbally said. I was not the only one who heard this as well. I have 2 other witnesses.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

If someone threatens to obtain private information about you from the FBI, this situation raises concerns, but whether you can press charges depends on the specifics of the incident. In general, making a threat to obtain and possibly use private information can be seen as intimidating or harassing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: What actions can be taken against someone who has posted a hateful image of someone else on a public forum negatively?

The person has also made verbal threats to the person they are posting about.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

If someone has posted a hateful image of another person on a public forum and made verbal threats, several potential legal actions can be taken in Tennessee. First, the person targeted may consider reporting the incident to law enforcement, especially if the threats involve violence or pose a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: My loan company paid the wrong company. Now they tell me to collect from them- instead of them

I placed an order with Fabtools.shop but affirm paid Sport Haley LLC.

affirm will not return my $284.60. Tried for weeks now with letters filing complaints but they keep telling me to collect from Sport Haley LLC. How could I do that ? I never heard of Sport Haley LLC until I saw their... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

Affirm's actions may be considered a violation of Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, and you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for further investigation. If the amount in dispute is below the small claims court limit in Tennessee, you could file a lawsuit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Probate and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: If friend dies & has borrowed property, is his mom(sole heir) responsible for returning it or can she lawfully keep it

I paid $300 for an expensive 3 pc leather living room set..mint condition internals, structure, springs, cushion, but scratched sitting area & shredded back from cat. I bought it from friend(he paid $5k+ new 10-15 years ago..very rarely used). He moved & new furniture fell though & he... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

Yes, mom is responsible for returning borrowed property to the true owner. Your remedy depends on a lot of other factors not covered in your narrative. For example, if she tries to list the item in a probate inventory then you should object in writing filed with the court. If there is no probate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Am I entitled to a share of land inheritance that I paid a loan on 25 years ago, that was taken from me secretly in TN.

I need the statute of limitations on land stolen in Tennessee.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

SOL is usually 7 years. It does not sound like you had any claim to title unless you were an heir at law. If so, then you might be a tenant in common. Making a loan does not make you an owner.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: In TN, can a property owner request copies of workman's Comp certificate, auto insurance, and liability coverage?

I want work to stop until I have proof.

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

You do not have a right to see those documents. But you can demand them now. If you terminate the contract you may be sued. Those are issues you address before signing the contract.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Products Liability and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: can i ask for damages in small claims court for time, travel, gas, court costs materials used etc?

I ordered and a contract was approved by me for glass. The contract was amended by the company, as per my instructions, and "tempered glass" was added to the final invoice that was not specified. I signed and accepted the amended invoice when I picked up and paid for the glass. I found... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 30, 2023

Contract actions usually exclude consequential damages. Tort claims might include such damages. No

small claims court in TN. General Sessions Court might allow it, but it sounds like a breach of contract action, so no.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Business Law and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: I have done a consent judgment on an amount I am being sued for and it was approved. Do I still have to appear in court

The lawsuit is coming from a loan company that has acquired a lawyer for representation. I think I got the term "Consent Judgement" correct. With that being said, since the judgement was approved by the courts, is it still necessary for me to go to court?

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answered on Nov 10, 2023

It is probably an Agreed Judgment. I recommend you still go to Court to get the agreed money Judgment entered. Sometimes bad things happen, and it is difficult to rectify them. That creditor's attorney might forget about your agreement and enter the full ad damnum, plus attorney fees... View More

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