Tennessee

Tennessee Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Tennessee. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in 48 counties across middle Tennessee in housing, family law, and public benefits.

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Memphis Area Legal Services

Offers free legal assistance to low-income residents in Shelby County and western Tennessee covering housing, consumer, and family matters.

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Legal Aid of East Tennessee

Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in 26 counties of east Tennessee in housing, domestic violence, and public benefits cases.

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Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in middle Tennessee on housing, family, and benefits.

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Memphis Area Legal Services

Serves low-income residents in the Memphis area with free legal help in housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Tennessee is the court of last resort with five justices. Tennessee has a dual intermediate appellate system: the Court of Appeals handles civil appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal appeals. Circuit Courts and Chancery Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction. General Sessions Courts handle preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, and small civil matters. Juvenile Courts handle matters involving minors.

Key State Laws & Protections

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under TCA Title 66, Chapter 28, covering security deposits, habitability standards, maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures.

Tennessee Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, and national origin under TCA 4-21.

Tennessee Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts and practices in trade or commerce under TCA 47-18 with treble damages available for willful violations.

Tennessee Workers' Compensation Law

Provides medical benefits and wage replacement for employees injured on the job, administered through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under TCA Title 66, Chapter 28, with security deposit protections and habitability requirements.

Tennessee Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, and national origin for employers with 8+ employees.

Bar Association

Tennessee Bar Association
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee at 1-800-238-1443 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Tennessee DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-356-6767

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Tennessee Education Savings Account (2025)

Expanded school choice program with updated eligibility and legal protections for participating families.

Tennessee Tax-Free Income (2025)

Tennessee completed its phase-out of the Hall income tax, making it fully income-tax-free for residents.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 1 year

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 1 year (3 years discovery)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $47-$85 (claims up to $25,000 in General Sessions Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$350

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$300

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee

Free civil legal services in the Nashville area and middle Tennessee for housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Memphis Area Legal Services

Free legal help for low-income residents in Shelby County and surrounding areas.

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Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services

Statewide coordination and support for legal aid programs serving low-income Tennesseans.

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State Bar Resources

Tennessee Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 899-6993

Pro Bono: Tennessee Access to Justice Commission and statewide pro bono programs.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Tennessee

Tennessee has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Tennessee, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Tennessee-specific details.
Tennessee allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Tennessee sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Tennessee minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Tennessee sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Tennessee.