Hamilton County Circuit Court

Circuit and Chancery Courts permit certain papers to be electronically filed in compliance with Tennessee Supreme Court technology standards; consult the relevant court website or clerk’s office for eligible case and document types, instructions, and fees.

Pursuant to Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure 5B, the Circuit Courts and Chancery Courts allow certain papers to be filed by electronic means that comply with technological standards promulgated by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Please consult the Chancery Court or Circuit Court website for case types and document types that can be filed electronically, as well as for instructions for e-filing and the requisite fees. Instructions are also available for review in both the Clerk & Master’s office and the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. E-filing is currently utilized in Chancery Court pursuant to the rules set forth in Appendi x 3 to these rules.

Civil cases

Page 11 | 6.11 E-FILING

The Clerk must accept email filings and maintain a dedicated filing email address; filers should use the listed court-specific addresses, which are subject to change and are available on the County website.

The Clerk shall accept papers for email filing and shall maintain at least one dedicated email address for email filing. The current email filing addresses are available on the County’s website at: https://www.hamiltontn.gov/courts Subject to change, all email filings should be sent to the following email addresses: i. CIRCUIT COURT: • CircuitPleadings@HamiltonTN.gov ii. CHANCERY COURT: • Equity – ChanceryEquityFilings@HamiltonTN.gov • Probate – ChanceryProbateFilings@HamiltonTN.gov • Guardianship/Conservatorship – ChanceryGuardianshipFilings@HamiltonTN.gov • Tax – ChanceryTaxFilings@HamiltonTN.gov

Civil cases

Page 12 | 6.12 EMAIL FILING (a)(1)

The listed authorized users may e-file after completing registration requirements or user account configuration.

“Authorized Users” means the following persons who, upon completion of the registration requirements or user account configuration, may E-File documents: a. Attorneys licensed to practice law in Tennessee; b. Pro Se litigants; c. Law Enforcement Officers; d. Process Servers; e. Agents of Governmental entities; f. Special appointed agents for Domestic Violence Support; g. All Court judges and their staff; and h. The Clerk and all deputy clerks in the Clerk’s Office;

Civil cases

Page 51 | 3. DEFINITIONS

After receiving an e-filed document, the Clerk must electronically transmit a Transaction Receipt that serves as proof of filing.

Upon receipt by the Clerk of an E-Filed document, the Clerk shall electronically transmit a Transaction Receipt indicating that the E-Filing has been received. The Transaction Receipt shall serve as proof of filing.

Civil cases

Page 54 | 5. Rules — d. Time and Effect of E-Filing

For new documents filed on or after the E-Filing Rules’ effective date, the Court must accept e-filed documents as validly filed unless the rules provide otherwise.

Except as expressly provided herein, for all new documents filed on or after the effective date of the E-Filing Rules, the Court shall accept as validly filed all documents that are filed through E-Filing.

Civil cases

Page 54 | 5. Rules — b. Filings After Effective Date of These Rules

E-filing is the official filing of eligible documents, subject to the stated exceptions.

E-Filing shall constitute the official filing of such documents unless excepted above.

Civil cases

Page 54 | 5. Rules — a. Filings

The Clerk must maintain the original and official case file electronically for new cases filed on or after the rules’ effective date.

The Clerk shall maintain the original and official case file in electronic format for all new cases filed on or after the effective date of these rules.

Civil cases

Page 54 | 5. Rules — c. Case Files

A qualified Authorized User who wants to e-file must register as an E-Filer on the ECF Website and complete the listed registration steps.

Persons who qualify as Authorized Users and who desire to electronically file a Document shall register as an E-Filer on the ECF Website. The registration process requires the prospective user to accept the User Agreement, identify their role for the account, enter their personal information, their username and password, and submit the request.

Civil cases

Page 56 | g. Registration Requirement.

Attorneys registering as E-Filers must provide a valid Tennessee-issued Bar Number.

Attorneys must include a valid Tennessee-issued Bar Number.

Civil cases

Page 56 | g. Registration Requirement.

An out-of-state attorney not admitted to the Tennessee Bar must associate with an attorney holding a Tennessee-issued Bar Number and follow the rules for participating in a case.

Out-of-State Attorneys who are not admitted to the Tennessee Bar are required to associate with an attorney who has a Tennessee-issued Bar Number, and they must follow the rules for participating in a case.

Civil cases

Page 56 | g. Registration Requirement.

Attorneys intending to practice Pro Hac Vice may not register as E-Filers.

Attorneys who intend to practice Pro Hac Vice are not allowed to register.

Civil cases

Page 56 | g. Registration Requirement.

Pro se litigants recorded in TnCIS must register as ECF Authorized Users and previously file a Notice of Association linking their ECF account to their TnCIS participant ID.

Pro se litigants recorded in TnCIS on a case must be registered Authorized Users in ECF and have previously filed a Notice of Association that links the ECF user account to the TnCIS participant ID.

Civil cases

Page 57 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

Authorized Users receive notices of E-Filed documents electronically through ECF.

All Authorized Users agree to receive their notices of documents which are E-Filed in their cases electronically through the ECF system.

Civil cases

Page 57 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

A document with an electronic signature must be filed through the signer’s own user account and is binding on that individual when the account matches the signature, even if credentials are shared.

Any document filed with an electronic signature must be filed using the user account of the individual electronically signing the document. Any document signed and filed using the account that matches the signature is considered binding on that individual even if that issuer shares their username and password;

Civil cases

Page 58 | j. Signatures

For every trial, hearing, or motion docket, all parties must access exhibits using the ECF.

For any trial, hearing, or motion docket all parties must access the exhibits using the ECF.

Civil cases

Page 60 | Document Management Protocol (DMP)

Unless a pretrial order provides otherwise, evidence must be submitted through ECF at least 48 hours before trial, a hearing, or a motion docket.

Except as provided in a pretrial order: (1) All evidence must be submitted no later than 48 hours before trial, hearing, or motion docket using ECF;

Civil cases

Page 60 | Document Management Protocol (DMP)

The trial court clerk must accept papers for email filing and maintain at least one dedicated filing email address.

The trial court clerk shall accept papers for email filing as provided in this order. The trial court clerk shall maintain at least one dedicated email address for email filing.

Page 2 | A. GENERAL PROCESS OF EMAIL FILING

A filer may not divide an email filing into multiple filings to evade the 50-page limit.

An email filing may not be split into multiple email filings to avoid this page limitation.

Page 3 | A. GENERAL PROCESS OF EMAIL FILING

The listed documents must not be filed by email unless the Court approves, including documents barred from email filing by court order or Hamilton County local rule.

(6) The following documents shall NOT be filed in the trial court by email, unless otherwise approved for email filing by the Court: - a. A complaint commencing a civil action; - b. An appeal from a lower court to a trial court; - c. An appeal to a trial court from an inferior tribunal, board or officer; - d. Any notice of appeal; - e. A summons; - f. A will or codicil to a will; - g. Any pleading or document requiring an official seal; - h. A confidential document that the Court previously ordered filed under seal; or - i. Any other document that the Court orders not to be filed by email, including any document prohibited by Hamilton County local rule or appendix thereto.

Page 3 | A. GENERAL PROCESS OF EMAIL FILING

Documents that may be filed as paper documents in Circuit Court may generally be email filed, subject to listed exceptions unless the Court approves otherwise.

Unless otherwise approved by the Court, any document may be email filed that could be filed in Circuit Court as a paper document pursuant to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure and these rules, EXCEPT for the following: i. Adoption; ii. Surrender; iii. Order of Protection; iv. Temporary Restraining Order pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 65; v. An appeal from a lower court to a trial court; vi. An appeal to a trial court from an inferior tribunal, board or officer; vii. Any notice of appeal; viii. Any pleading or document requiring an official seal; ix. A confidential document that the Court previously ordered filed under seal; or x. Any other document that the Court orders not to be filed by email.

Civil cases

Page 13 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

Documents that may be filed as paper documents in Chancery Court may generally be email filed, subject to listed exceptions unless the Court approves otherwise.

Unless otherwise approved by the Court, any document may be email filed that could be filed in Chancery Court as a paper document pursuant to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure and these rules, EXCEPT for the following: i. Adoption; ii. Surrender; iii. Order of Protection; iv. Name Change; v. Temporary Restraining Order pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 65; vi. An appeal from a lower court to a trial court; vii. An appeal to a trial court from an inferior tribunal, board or officer; viii. Any notice of appeal; ix. Confidential statistical information; x. An original will or codicil to a will; xi. Creditor claims in probate matters; xii. Any pleading or document requiring an official seal; xiii. A confidential document that the Court previously ordered filed under seal; or xiv. Any other document that the Court orders not to be filed by email.

Civil cases

Page 13 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

If email filing is unsuccessful, the sender may file by mail or in person, with the filing date determined under the applicable rules of civil procedure.

In the event that an email filing to the Clerk is unsuccessful, the sender may file the document by mail or in person; in such cases, the filing date shall be determined as provided in the applicable rules of civil procedure.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

The public access terminal must be located in the Clerk’s Office and available during normal business hours.

The public access terminal shall be located in the Clerk’s Office and made available during normal business hours.

Civil cases

Page 53 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

Eligible documents may be e-filed, except for the listed case and document types unless the Court approves otherwise.

Any document may be E-Filed that could be filed in Court as a paper document pursuant to TRCP and the Local Rules, except for the following case and document types, unless otherwise approved by the Court: i. Adoption; ii. Surrender; iii. Order of Protection; iv. Name Change; v. Temporary Restraining Order pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 65; vi. An appeal from a lower court to a trial court; vii. An appeal to a trial court from an inferior tribunal, board or officer; viii. Any notice of appeal; ix. Confidential statistical information; x. An original will or codicil to a will; xi. Creditor claim in probate matters; xii. Any pleading or document requiring an official seal; xiii. A confidential document that the Court previously ordered filed under seal; or xiv. Any other document that the Court orders not to be filed by e-filing.

Civil cases

Page 53 | 5. Rules — a. Filings

An email filing received after midnight but before 8:00 a.m. on a business day, or on a day the Clerk’s office is closed, is deemed filed on the preceding business day.

An email filing received after midnight but before 8:00 a.m., Clerk’s local time, on a business day, or an email filing received by the Clerk on a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or other day on which the Clerk’s office for filing is closed, shall be deemed filed on the preceding business day.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

An email filing received before midnight local time on a day the Clerk’s office is open is deemed filed that business day.

An email filing received by the Clerk before midnight, Clerk’s local time, on a day the Clerk’s office is open for filing shall be deemed filed as of that business day.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

The service-charge payment and a copy of the email filing cover sheet must be received by the Clerk within 10 calendar days after the email filing.

Payment of the service charge, accompanied by a copy of the email filing cover sheet, shall be received by the Clerk not later than ten (10) calendar days after the email filing.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

In both Chancery Court parts, a motion is called on the first regularly scheduled motion day at least five business days after filing.

In both parts of Chancery Court, motions will be called at the Court’s first regularly scheduled motion day occurring no less than five (5) business days after the filing of the motion.

Civil cases

Page 17 | 8.02 SCHEDULE AND CALL

A dispositive motion with oral argument expected to exceed 30 minutes will not be heard on the Monday motion docket without specific Court approval.

In addition, unless specific approval has otherwise been received by the Court, no dispositive motion with oral argument that is anticipated to exceed thirty (30) minutes will be heard on the Monday motion docket.

Civil cases

Page 17 | 8.06 DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS

A required response must be filed by 4:00 p.m. at least two business days before the motion is called; failure to meet that deadline may result in the motion being granted.

Failure to file a required response by 4:00 p.m. at least two (2) business days preceding the date that the motion is to be called may result in the granting of the motion.

Civil cases

Page 17 | 8.04 RESPONSES

All objections other than objections to authenticity must be filed and served at least five business days before trial.

At least five (5) business days before trial, the recipient shall file and serve all other objections.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(d) Pretrial Schedule

The party who first demanded a jury must file the proposed charge and proposed verdict forms at least ten business days before trial.

At least ten (10) business days before trial, the party first demanding a jury shall file a proposed jury charge on any issue not addressed by the Tennessee Pattern Instructions and proposed jury verdict forms.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(b) Pretrial Schedule

Contested issues of law and their supporting authority or briefs must be submitted at least ten business days before trial.

At least ten (10) business days before trial, the parties shall submit to the Court in writing any contested issues of law to be addressed by the Jury or the Court together with citations of authority and/or briefs.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(a) Pretrial Schedule

Each party must file and serve the required witness and exhibit lists at least ten business days before trial.

At least ten (10) business days before trial, each party shall file with the Court and serve opposing counsel (or pro se party) by email or by hand:

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(c) Pretrial Schedule

The list of marked exhibits must be filed no later than the morning of trial.

The parties shall file a list of any marked exhibits no later than the morning of trial.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(e) Pretrial Schedule

Objections to an exhibit’s authenticity must be filed and served within five business days after receipt of the exhibit list or they are deemed waived.

Within five (5) business days of the receipt of an exhibit list, the recipient shall file with the Court and serve opposing counsel (or pro se party) by email or by hand any objections to authenticity of any exhibit or such objection shall be deemed waived.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(d) Pretrial Schedule

Other parties must file proposed changes to the jury charge or verdict-form proposals at least five days before trial.

At least five (5) days before trial, the other parties shall file any proposed changes to the proposals.

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(b) Pretrial Schedule

The affidavit must be filed at least 4 days before trial or a hearing before a Master.

If a party fails to file the aforementioned verified statement as required herein, the other party shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party an affidavit containing a good-faith estimate of the income of the noncompliant party at least four (4) days prior to trial or hearing before a Master.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(b)

The Verified Statement of Income is due at least 10 days before trial or a hearing before a Master.

In all domestic relations cases in which support is an issue, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master, both parties shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a Verified Statement of Income (and Expenses, if necessary) stating all income (and expenses, if necessary) as of the date of execution.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(b)

The memorandum is due at least 10 days before trial or a hearing before a Master.

In all contested divorce cases, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master each party shall file with the Court a memorandum.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(f)

The proposed permanent parenting plan is due at least 10 days before trial or a hearing before a Master.

In all contested domestic relations cases in which parenting is at issue, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master, each party (and, if necessary, any guardian ad litem) shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a proposed permanent parenting plan (if different from the proposed parenting plan previously filed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-6-404(c)(3)).

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(d)

Unless an expedited hearing is granted, the proposed temporary parenting plan is due at least 10 days before the hearing.

Unless an expedited hearing is granted by the Court, at least ten (10) days before any temporary parenting hearing before the Court or a Master, each party (and, if necessary, any guardian ad litem) shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party the proposed temporary parenting plan.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(c)

The Verified Financial Statement and Proposed Division of Marital Estate is due at least 10 days before trial or a hearing before a Master.

In all contested divorce cases, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master each party shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a Verified Financial Statement And Proposed Division of Marital Estate.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(e)

The statement is due within 5 business days after receipt of the motion.

Within five (5) business days after receipt of the motion, the non-moving party contesting alimony shall file a Verified Statement of Income and Expenses.

Civil cases

Page 22 | 10.02(b)

The responding statement and supporting documentation must be filed within 5 business days after receipt of the motion.

If the non-custodial party contests any such estimate, within five (5) business days after receipt of the motion from the custodial party, that party shall file and serve his or her own Verified Statement of Income with supporting documentation.

Civil cases

Page 22 | 10.02(a)

The final report must be filed at least three days before the final hearing.

The final report in response to the Court’s Order of Reference shall be filed at least three (3) days before the final hearing.

Civil cases

Page 25 | 11.06 FINAL REPORT ON ADOPTION

Pretrial filings required under LRCP 10 must also be filed with the Court at least ten days before a hearing before a Master.

Any pretrial filings required under LRCP 10 must also be filed with the Court at least ten (10) days before any hearing before a Master.

Civil cases

Page 26 | 12.05 DOMESTIC PROCEEDINGS REFERRED TO MASTER

An order granting or denying relief must not be lodged before the Court rules on the issue, except for an agreed order signed by all counsel or pro se parties.

Orders shall not be lodged granting or denying any relief before the Court passes rules on the issue, except for agreed orders signed by all counsel or pro se parties.

Civil cases

Page 27 | 13.01 PREPARATION OF ORDERS; PROPOSED ORDERS

In ex parte matters, copies of motions and other papers must be mailed to interested parties, and the papers must include a certificate identifying those served by name and address and stating the service date.

In ex parte matters, copies of motions and other papers shall be mailed to interested parties. Such papers must contain a certificate of service that includes the name and address of the interested parties served and the date of service.

Civil cases

Page 11 | 6.08 CERTIFICATES OF SERVICE

After suit begins, papers required to be served by anyone other than the Clerk must include a certificate stating each person served’s name and address, and the date and method of service.

After suit is commenced, all papers required to be served on a party by any person except the Clerk shall contain a certificate of service that recites the name and address of each person served and the date and method of service.

Civil cases

Page 11 | 6.08 CERTIFICATES OF SERVICE

A notice of appeal must be served on the court reporter, if one exists, and its accompanying certificate of service must reflect that service.

Any notice of appeal from a judgment of the Court shall be served on the court reporter, if any, and the certificate of service accompanying the notice shall so reflect.

Civil cases

Page 11 | 6.08 CERTIFICATES OF SERVICE

A pro se party or attorney who uses email filing must serve the filing on opposing parties by including each opposing attorney’s or pro se party’s email address.

If any pro se party or attorney avails itself to email filing pursuant to these rules, the pro se party or attorney must serve the email filing upon the opposing parties by including the email addresses of each opposing attorney or pro se party.

Civil cases

Page 13 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

Each party must serve the required witness and exhibit lists on opposing counsel or a self-represented party by email or hand at least ten business days before trial.

At least ten (10) business days before trial, each party shall file with the Court and serve opposing counsel (or pro se party) by email or by hand:

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(c) Pretrial Schedule

The recipient must serve any exhibit-authenticity objections on opposing counsel or a self-represented party by email or hand.

Within five (5) business days of the receipt of an exhibit list, the recipient shall file with the Court and serve opposing counsel (or pro se party) by email or by hand any objections to authenticity of any exhibit

Civil cases

Page 19 | Rule 9.02(d) Pretrial Schedule

The plan must be served on opposing counsel or the pro se party by email or by hand.

In all contested domestic relations cases in which parenting is at issue, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master, each party (and, if necessary, any guardian ad litem) shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a proposed permanent parenting plan (if different from the proposed parenting plan previously filed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-6-404(c)(3)).

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(d)

The statement and proposed division must be served on opposing counsel or the pro se party by email or by hand.

In all contested divorce cases, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master each party shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a Verified Financial Statement And Proposed Division of Marital Estate.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(e)

Unless an expedited hearing is granted, the plan must be served on opposing counsel or the pro se party by email or by hand.

Unless an expedited hearing is granted by the Court, at least ten (10) days before any temporary parenting hearing before the Court or a Master, each party (and, if necessary, any guardian ad litem) shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party the proposed temporary parenting plan.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(c)

The statement must be served on opposing counsel or the pro se party by email or by hand.

In all domestic relations cases in which support is an issue, at least ten (10) days before trial or hearing before a Master, both parties shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party a Verified Statement of Income (and Expenses, if necessary) stating all income (and expenses, if necessary) as of the date of execution.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(b)

The affidavit must be served on opposing counsel or the pro se party by email or by hand.

If a party fails to file the aforementioned verified statement as required herein, the other party shall file with the Court and, by email or by hand, serve opposing counsel or pro se party an affidavit containing a good-faith estimate of the income of the noncompliant party at least four (4) days prior to trial or hearing before a Master.

Civil cases

Page 21 | 10.01(b)

If the non-custodial party contests any such estimate, within five (5) business days after receipt of the motion from the custodial party, that party shall file and serve his or her own Verified Statement of Income with supporting documentation.

If the non-custodial party contests any such estimate, within five (5) business days after receipt of the motion from the custodial party, that party shall file and serve his or her own Verified Statement of Income with supporting documentation.

Civil cases

Page 22 | 10.02(a)

The parties must exchange the exhibits they intend to rely on at least ten days before the hearing.

At least ten (10) days before the hearing, the parties shall exchange exhibits upon which they wish to rely at the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 26 | 12.04 EVIDENCE EXCHANGE

A proposed order or objection filed under the rule must be served by hand or email on opposing counsel or the pro se party, and its certificate of service must state that service occurred.

Any proposed order and/or objection filed under this rule must contain a certificate of service indicating that the proposed order and/or objection was served by hand or email to the adversary counsel (and/or pro se party).

Civil cases

Page 27 | 13.01 PREPARATION OF ORDERS; PROPOSED ORDERS

The prevailing party’s counsel or pro se party must email the proposed order to the opposing side, which must respond within three business days by approving it or stating specific objections.

Counsel for the prevailing party (or the prevailing pro se party) shall send any proposed order via email to adversary counsel (and/or any pro se party), whereby the receiving party shall, within three (3) business days of email service, respond indicating approval of the proposed order or stating specific objections.

Civil cases

Page 27 | 13.01 PREPARATION OF ORDERS; PROPOSED ORDERS

The defendant must serve a brief within 30 days after service of the petitioner's brief.

The defendant must file and serve a brief within thirty (30) days after service of the brief of the petitioner.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF BRIEFS

Reply briefs may be filed at the option of a party and must be filed and served within fourteen (14) days after service of the preceding brief.

Reply briefs may be filed at the option of a party and must be filed and served within fourteen (14) days after service of the preceding brief.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF BRIEFS

The petitioner must serve a brief within 30 days after the record is filed.

The petitioner must file and serve a brief within thirty (30) days after the record is filed.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF BRIEFS

Notice must be provided to all interested persons, and the respondent must be served as required by law.

Notice shall be provided to all interested persons, and service upon the respondent shall be in accordance with the law.

Civil cases

Page 31 | 16.03 GUARDIANSHIPS

Service of process in conservatorship matters must be accomplished by an authorized officer.

Service of process shall be accomplished by an authorized officer.

Civil cases

Page 31 | 16.02 CONSERVATORSHIPS

The Clerk must give the required notice in conservatorship matters.

Notice shall be given by the Clerk.

Civil cases

Page 31 | 16.02 CONSERVATORSHIPS

A solemn-form probate petition is heard by the Court after the notice required by statute has been served, at a time and date set by the Court.

Petitions for probate in solemn form shall be heard by the Court, after service of notice required by statute, at a time and date set by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 33 | 17.05 SOLEMN FORM PROBATE

Notice of petitions for elective share, year’s support, homestead, or exempt property must be given to the personal representative, attorneys of record, and all interested parties, including creditors if the estate may be insolvent.

Notice of petitions for elective share, year’s support, homestead and exempt property shall be given to the personal representative of the estate, attorneys of record, and all interested parties, including creditors if the estate may be insolvent.

Civil cases

Page 33 | 17.03 PETITIONS

Notice of the filing and taking of an accounting must be provided as required by law.

Notice of the filing and taking of an accounting must be as provided by law.

Civil cases

Page 34 | 17.09 INVENTORIES AND ACCOUNTINGS

The sender must pay $5 plus $1 per page, including the cover sheet, for each email filing and submit a copy of the filing cover sheet with payment.

The sender of the email filing shall pay to the Clerk a service charge for each email filing in the amount of five dollars ($5.00) plus one dollar ($1.00) per page of the email filing (including the cover sheet). Payment of the service charge, accompanied by a copy of the email filing cover sheet, shall be received by the Clerk not later than ten (10) calendar days after the email filing.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Appendix 3. Chancery Court Electronic Filing (E-Filing) Rules

The sender must pay the email filing service charge, except that payment is suspended for a party proceeding on a pauper’s oath or that party’s attorney, and the charge is then taxed as court costs.

(2) The email filing service charge shall be paid by the sender as provided in this rule and shall not be taxed as court costs. However, if the sender is either a party who has been allowed to proceed on a pauper’s oath or an attorney for such a party, timely payment of the email filing service charge under this rule is suspended, and the charges shall be taxed as court costs.

Civil cases

Page 15 | Rule 6. Filing of Papers Generally

The Clerk may decline to accept a probate claim submitted without the statutory fee.

The Clerk may decline to accept claims submitted without the statutory fee.

Civil cases

Page 33 | 17.07 CLAIMS

The e-filing fee is $5 per filing up to $50 per case or an alternative $300 one-year flat subscription, with exemptions for the State and indigent parties and their legal representatives.

“E-Filing Fee” is the fee an attorney or pro se litigant pays for using the E-Filing system. This fee is $5.00 per filing up to a maximum of $50.00 per case or a $300.00 flat subscription fee per lawyer, law firm, or pro se litigant for a one-year period starting on the date the flat fee is paid. The flat fee pays all the E-Filing fees for all cases filed by that lawyer or pro se litigant participates in, in any Court in the State using the Tybera E-Filing System. This fee is in addition to the Convenience Fee charged by the credit card processor. The E-Filing Fee shall not be assessed against the State, a party declared indigent or to that indigent party’s legal representative. Tybera will keep an account of the amount of fees paid in each case;

Civil cases

Page 52 | 3. DEFINITIONS

A statutory convenience fee is charged for electronic filing in addition to statutory filing fees, and its amount appears with each credit card transaction.

“Convenience Fee” is a statutory fee charged in connection with electronic filing that is in addition to statutory filing fees. See T.C.A. § 9-1-108(c)(4)&(5). The Convenience Fee covers the cost of processing the credit card. The amount of that fee will appear with each credit card transaction;

Civil cases

Page 52 | 3. DEFINITIONS

Statutory filing fees and court costs for E-Filed cases are due immediately upon filing by credit card unless the Court excuses payment.

All E-Filed cases subject to statutory filing fees/court costs shall require payment of such filing fees immediately upon filing unless excused by the Court. These filing fees must be paid with a credit card at the time of E-Filing.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

The E-Filing fee is $5 per filing up to $50 per case or a $300 one-year subscription, with exemptions for the State and indigent parties and their legal representatives.

E-Filing Fee. The E-Filing fee is in addition to the statutory filing fees. This fee is $5.00 per filing up to a maximum of $50.00 per case or a $300.00 flat subscription fee per lawyer or pro se litigant for a one (1) year period starting on the date the flat fee is paid. The flat fee pays all the E-Filing fees for all cases filed by that lawyer or pro se litigant in any Court in the State using the Tybera E-Filing System. This fee is in addition to the Convenience Fee charged by the credit card processor. The E-Filing fee shall not be assessed against the State or to a party declared indigent or to that indigent party’s legal representative.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

The sender must pay the trial court clerk $5 plus $1 per page, counting the cover sheet, for each email filing.

(1) The sender of the email filing shall pay to the trial court clerk a service charge for each email filing in the amount of five dollars ($5.00) plus one dollar ($1.00) per page of the email filing (including the cover sheet).

Page 4 | C. EMAIL SERVICE CHARGE

For an improperly collected fee, the E-Filer must contact the Clerk’s Office directly; refunds are issued by check to the credit-card owner.

Refunds due to improper collection will require the E-Filer to contact the Clerk’s Office directly. The Clerk will issue checks for refunds. Refunds on a case will be paid to the owner of the credit card used to make the payment.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

The ECF system does not calculate fees in release one, and the Clerk remains responsible for fee calculations even when later system estimates are available.

The ECF system will not calculate the fees in this release of the E-Filing system (release one). When the ECF system provides an estimate in later releases, the Clerk is still responsible for calculation of the fees which may be different from the estimates. This can occur when the Clerk makes corrections to information entered by the filer.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

Use of the E-Filing website constitutes the E-Filer’s consent to process or change the credit card supplied.

Use of the E-Filing website constitutes the E-Filer’s consent to process or change the credit card supplied.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

A clerk may charge transaction fees for copies of documents maintained in an electronic filing or document management system, in addition to the E-Filing or subscription fee.

Transaction Fees for Obtaining Copies. Neither the E-Filing Fee nor the subscription fee shall limit a clerk’s authority to charge transaction fees for obtaining copies of documents maintained by the clerk as part of an electronic filing system or a separate document management system.

Civil cases

Page 58 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

The credit-card vendor charges a convenience fee at the time of payment: 2.39% for credit cards, $2 for charges under $83.74 or debit cards, and $1 for online e-checks.

Convenience Fee. The credit card vendor will charge a convenience fee for using the credit card services. That fee is paid to the vendor at the time of the charge. Currently the Clerk & Master’s Office uses LexisNexis as its credit card vendor. The convenience fee is 2.39% for credit cards. Any charges less than $83.74 will have a standard convenience fee of $2.00. The convenience fee for debit cards is a standard $2.00, and the convenience fee for online e-checks is $1.00.

Civil cases

Page 58 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

The sender generally pays the email filing service charge and it is not taxed as court costs, but payment is suspended and the charge is taxed as costs for a party proceeding on a pauper’s oath or that party’s attorney.

(2) The email filing service charge shall be paid by the sender as provided in this rule and shall not be taxed as court costs. However, if the sender is either a party who has been allowed to proceed on a pauper's oath or an attorney for such a party, timely payment of the email filing service charge under this rule is suspended, and the charges shall be taxed as court costs.

Page 4 | C. EMAIL SERVICE CHARGE

Court costs are determined by the pleadings filed, not courtroom attendance, and the judge assesses all costs.

Answer: Court costs are determined by the pleadings filed in the Circuit Court – not an appearance in the Courtroom. The Judge assesses all costs.

Page 1 | Costs & Money

Copies cost $0.50 per page; certified copies cost $5.00 plus $0.50 per page.

Answer: Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified Copies are $5.00 plus $0.50 per page.

Page 1 | Costs & Money

Costs for an order of protection are taxed at the conclusion of the case.

Answer: The costs are taxed at the conclusion of the case.

Page 1 | Costs & Money

Court costs are charged to the parties rather than their attorneys.

Answer: Court costs are taxed to the parties, not attorneys

Page 1 | Costs & Money

Clerks are authorized to adopt reasonable service charges for email filings.

As such, effective November 24, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court adopted Supreme Court Rule 46B, which specifically authorizes the adoption of Local Rules that would allow for acceptance of court filings via email and, further, authorizes clerks of courts to adopt reasonable service charges applicable to such filings.

Page 1 | Order and Protocols for Implementing Email Filing Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 46(B)

Do not provide the Judge a copy of a paper unless the Judge requests one.

No copy of any paper shall be provided to the Judge unless the Judge so requests.

Civil cases

Page 10 | 6.02 SUBMISSION OF PAPERS AND COPIES

The Court may request social security or taxpayer identification numbers for administrative purposes, but any requested numbers must be kept out of the public record.

Social security and taxpayer identification numbers may be requested by the Court for administrative purposes. Such numbers, if requested, shall not be part of the public record.

Civil cases

Page 7 | 4.01 FUNDS PAID INTO COURT

If a document must include an individual’s date of birth, only the year may be used.

(b) Dates of Birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a document, only the year must be used;

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

E-Filers must refrain from including or redact personal identifiers in publicly filed documents and exhibits, unless a statute requires their inclusion or the Court orders otherwise.

E-Filers must be sensitive to confidential and personal information filed publicly, not under seal. E-Filers shall refrain from including, or shall redact as follows where inclusion is necessary, the following personal identifiers from all documents filed publicly with the Clerk, including exhibits thereto, unless required by statute or otherwise ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

The Authorized User is responsible for redacting all e-filed documents.

It is the responsibility of the Authorized User to redact all documents that are E-Filed.

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

For a document containing sensitive data that would otherwise be redacted, the E-Filer must hand-file the original, e-file the redacted version, and file the original with a motion to seal it.

When a document includes sensitive data that otherwise would be redacted, the E-Filer must hand-file the original and e-file the redacted version. Only the redacted version will be stored for public access. The original must be filed with a motion to place the original unredacted document under seal.

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

If a document must include a Social Security number, only its last four digits may be used.

(a) Social Security Numbers. If a social security number must be included in a document, only the last four digits of that number must be used;

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

An entire document to be placed under seal, when no redacted version is e-filed, must be hand-filed with the Clerk with a motion to seal.

If an entire document is required to be placed under seal, when no redacted document is E-Filed, it must be hand-filed with the Clerk and accompanied by a motion to place that document under seal.

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

If financial account numbers are relevant, only their last four digits may be used.

(c) Financial Account Numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers must be used;

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

E-Filers alone must ensure compliance with redaction rules and laws; the Clerk will not review each document for redaction.

It is the sole responsibility of E-Filers to be sure that all documents comply with the rules of this Court and the law requiring redaction of personal identifiers. The Clerk will not review each document of redaction.

Civil cases

Page 56 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

The filer is responsible for redacting or limiting access to electronic evidence containing personally identifiable, confidential, or proprietary information.

The Clerk of the Court will not remove or redact any electronic evidence containing personally identifiable information, confidential information or proprietary information. The filer submitting electronic evidence is responsible for redaction of such information, or limiting access to such information.

Civil cases

Page 61 | Redaction

When a minor’s identifying information must be protected from the public, the Authorized User should use a pseudonym in documents and file the actual names under seal.

(d) Names of Minors. If a case includes a minor this information needs to be protected from the public, the Authorized User should use a pseudo name in the documents and then file a sealed document with the actual names.

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

E-Filers are advised to exercise caution with documents containing the listed personal, medical, financial, employment, proprietary, or trade-secret information; specific redaction directions apply to the listed identifiers and minor names.

Exercise caution when filing documents that contain the following: (a) Social Security Numbers. If a social security number must be included in a document, only the last four digits of that number must be used; (b) Dates of Birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a document, only the year must be used; (c) Financial Account Numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers must be used; (d) Names of Minors. If a case includes a minor this information needs to be protected from the public, the Authorized User should use a pseudo name in the documents and then file a sealed document with the actual names. (e) Personal identifying number, such as a driver’s license number; (f) Medical records, treatment and diagnosis; (g) Employment history; (h) Individual financial information; (i) Proprietary or trade secret information;

Civil cases

Page 55 | e. Redaction and Under Seal Documents.

When the parties reasonably anticipate ESI discovery, counsel or pro se parties must meet and confer before, or no later than 10 days after, serving requests for production about the specified ESI discovery topics.

If the parties reasonably anticipate a likelihood of discovery of ESI, counsel for the parties – or, if proceeding pro se, the parties themselves – shall meet and confer prior to or no later than ten (10) days after propounding any requests for production to address: (a) the sources and types of ESI to be exchanged, including the use of search terms, date restrictions, custodian identities, and the strategies to reasonably limit the scope of ESI to be collected, reviewed, and produced, as well as information that is not readily accessible; (b) the format of the electronic production (e.g., native files, TIFF or searchable PDF, etc.) or, upon written agreement of the parties or a showing to the Court that electronic production would unduly burden the producing party, the format of paper production; (c) the steps the parties will take to segregate and preserve relevant ESI; (d) the procedures to be used if privileged ESI is inadvertently disclosed; and (e) the allocation of costs associated with gathering, producing, and preserving the ESI.

Civil cases

Page 16 | Rule 7.03 E-Discovery

Parties are to confer about admissibility of electronic evidence before the event and designate stipulated exhibits in ECF 48 hours beforehand.

Parties are to confer concerning the admissibility of electronic evidence, and 48 hours before a trial, hearing, or motion docket designate in ECF exhibits to be admitted by stipulation.

Civil cases

Page 60 | Document Management Protocol (DMP)

Parties must attempt to mediate parenting-plan disputes before coming to court, except that mediation is not required in the stated abuse cases; the legislation’s requirements exclude Title IV-D cases.

Must attempt to mediate all disputes over the parenting plan before coming to court. The requirements of the legislation will apply to all cases involving the custody or support of minor children except Title IV-D cases. Mediation is not required prior to court in cases where it is found that a parent has engaged in physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of emotional abuse of a child or a person living with the child.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Exceptions

The judge expects counsel and pro se litigants to make a good-faith attempt to resolve discovery disputes before moving to compel and may consider compliance when applying Rule 37.01(4).

Each Judge expects counsel, as well as pro se litigants, experiencing a discovery dispute to engage in a good faith attempt to resolve any such dispute before a motion to compel is filed, and may take into consideration counsel’s and/or pro se litigant’s compliance with this rule when applying Rule 37.01(4) of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.

Civil cases

Page 16 | Rule 7.01 Discovery Disputes

Non-jury matters may be heard on a motion day, but motions take priority over them.

Non-jury matters may be heard on a motion day, but motions in any Court take priority over non-jury matters.

Civil cases

Page 18 | 8.08 PRIORITIES

Motions requiring oral testimony are heard after motions that do not require such evidence.

Motions requiring oral testimony will be heard after motions not requiring such evidence.

Civil cases

Page 18 | 8.08 PRIORITIES

Before filing a motion concerning a substantive issue, parties are expected to attempt to resolve it at mediation, except for discovery issues, child support pendente lite requests, and emergency requests.

With the exception of discovery issues, child support pendente lite requests, and emergency requests, parties are expected to attempt to resolve substantive issues at mediation prior to filing a motion concerning such an issue.

Civil cases

Page 23

Before filing a motion or requesting a hearing, lawyers should consult opposing counsel or a pro se litigant in an attempt to resolve the matter by agreement.

3.1 I will consult with opposing counsel or pro se litigant in an attempt to resolve matters by agreement before filing motions or requesting hearings.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 3. DISCOVERY

Lawyers should make a good-faith effort to resolve discovery issues without protracted negotiation or unnecessary litigation and bring unresolved issues to the Court efficiently.

3.2 I will attempt in good faith to resolve discovery issues with opposing counsel or pro se litigant without protracted negotiation or unnecessary litigation. I will strive to present those issues that cannot be resolved efficiently and without needless litigation to the Court.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 3. DISCOVERY

Parties may use any mediator, but if they cannot agree, the court will appoint only a certified Rule 31 mediator.

The parties will be free to use any mediator, but if they are unable to agree, the courts will only appoint certified Rule 31 mediators.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

A case may be continued only by leave of the Court in a written order, or, if referred to the Master, by leave of the Master as provided in LRCP 12.03.

Cases may be continued only by leave of the Court by written order or if the case is one referred to the Master, by leave of the Master as provided in LRCP 12.03.

Civil cases

Page 8 | 5.03 CONTINUANCES

If counsel will arrive late or attend another court, counsel may request a continuance, but must do so before the hearing and notify other counsel.

If there is to be a late arrival or attendance in another Court, counsel shall notify the Judge’s office and other counsel or request a continuance of the motion and notify other counsel thereof before the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 18 | 8.07 FAILURE TO APPEAR; LATE APPEARANCE

An uncontested divorce passed for good cause must be reset to a date certain by order, with at least 10 days' notice to the other party.

Any uncontested divorce passed for good cause must be passed to a day certain by order with at least ten (10) days’ notice to the other party.

Civil cases

Page 22 | 10.04

A hearing may be continued only with the Master’s leave for good cause, which must be brought to the Master’s attention as soon as practicable before the hearing; a witness’s absence is not grounds unless the witness was subpoenaed under Rule 45, and requests must be made by telephone conference call involving all interested parties.

Hearings will only be continued by leave of the Master for good cause, which shall be brought to the attention of the Master as soon as practicable before the hearing date. The absence of a witness shall not be grounds for a continuance unless the witness has been subpoenaed in accordance with Rule 45 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. Requests for continuances shall be made by telephone conference call involving all interested parties.

Civil cases

Page 26 | 12.03 CONTINUANCES

If the estate remains open more than two years after the personal representative qualifies, additional time to file accountings is granted only upon motion and notice to interested parties.

If an estate is not closed within two (2) years from the date of qualification of the personal representative, additional time to file accountings will be granted only upon motion and notice to interested parties.

Civil cases

Page 34 | 17.09 INVENTORIES AND ACCOUNTINGS

Failure to complete discovery or prepare for trial does not necessarily constitute grounds for a continuance.

Failure to complete discovery or prepare for trial shall not necessarily constitute grounds for a continuance.

Civil cases

Page 8 | 5.03 CONTINUANCES

If a requested court reporter cannot be secured despite a diligent, good-faith search, the hearing may be continued.

If a court reporter is requested, and the party seeking a court reporter fails to secure a court reporter after a diligent and good faith search, the hearing may be continued.

Civil cases

Page 26 | 12.06 COURT REPORTER OR STIPULATION

Additional time may be requested by conference call with the Court and all counsel or any pro se party, or by agreement of the parties.

Additional time may be requested by conference call with the Court and all counsel (and/or any pro se party) or by agreement of the parties.

Civil cases

Page 27 | 13.01 PREPARATION OF ORDERS; PROPOSED ORDERS

The Court may enlarge or shorten briefing deadlines on a party's motion or on its own motion.

Upon motion of a party or upon its own motion, the Court may enlarge or shorten the time for filing briefs.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF BRIEFS

Lawyers should not use consent to an extension to try to preclude an opponent’s substantive rights.

I will not, by consenting to extensions, seek to preclude an opponent’s substantive rights.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Lawyers should not seek extensions or continuances to delay proceedings or harass another party.

2.5 I will not seek extensions or continuances for the purpose of delay or harassment.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Lawyers should not attach unfair or extraneous conditions to extensions, but may impose conditions to preserve potentially jeopardized rights and seek reciprocal scheduling concessions.

2.7 I will attach no unfair and extraneous conditions to extensions. I may impose conditions to preserve rights that an extension might otherwise jeopardize and seek reciprocal scheduling concessions.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Lawyers should consult opposing counsel or a pro se litigant before scheduling a proceeding when practical and be willing to reschedule an inconvenient deposition or hearing if prior consultation was not possible.

2.1 I will respect the scheduling commitments of opposing counsel or pro se litigant, clients, and the Court. I will consult opposing counsel or pro se litigant, when practical, before scheduling a trial, deposition, or other Court proceeding. Alternatively, if I am unable to communicate with opposing counsel or pro se litigant prior to scheduling a deposition or hearing, I will be willing to reschedule that deposition or hearing if the time selected is inconvenient for opposing counsel or pro se litigant.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Lawyers should consent to the first reasonable request for an extension to respond to a litigation deadline unless time is truly of the essence.

2.2 I will consent to the FIRST request for a reasonable extension of time to respond to a litigation deadline unless time is truly of the essence.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

When considering later extension requests, lawyers should consider the opponent’s schedule and balance it against the requested extension’s length, reciprocal extensions, time needed, and likelihood of court approval.

With later requests for extensions of time, I will continue to give consideration to an opponent’s schedule. I will balance that consideration against the reasonableness of the length of extension requested, opposing counsel’s or pro se litigant’s willingness to consent to reciprocal extensions, the time actually needed for the task, and whether the Court would likely grant the extension if asked to do so.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Lawyers should immediately notify opposing counsel or a pro se litigant and the Court if they need to seek a continuance or cancel a trial, hearing, or deposition to avoid unnecessary preparation and expense.

2.6 I will notify opposing counsel or pro se litigant and the Court immediately if I need to seek a continuance or cancellation of a trial, hearing, or deposition to avoid unnecessary preparation and expense to opposing counsel or pro se litigant, the Court, and other parties.

Civil cases

Page 38 | 2. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

The Court and opposing counsel or the pro se litigant should be promptly notified of a need for a continuance or cancellation of a trial, hearing, or other court proceeding.

I will promptly notify the Court and opposing counsel or pro se litigant of any need for a continuance or cancellation of a trial, hearing, or other court proceeding to avoid unnecessary preparation and expense to the Court and other parties.

Civil cases

Page 40 | 6.2

If counsel will arrive late or attend another court, counsel must notify the Judge’s office and other counsel, or request a continuance and notify other counsel before the hearing.

If there is to be a late arrival or attendance in another Court, counsel shall notify the Judge’s office and other counsel or request a continuance of the motion and notify other counsel thereof before the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 18 | 8.07 FAILURE TO APPEAR; LATE APPEARANCE

Counsel must inform the Court’s Clerk or administrative staff if a surrender concerns more than one child or circumstances require an unusually lengthy hearing.

Counsel shall inform the Court’s Clerk or administrative staff if more than one (1) child is the subject of surrender or circumstances exist that will require an unusually lengthy hearing.

Civil cases

Page 24 | 11.01 Surrenders

Counsel may waive oral argument by agreement and, if they do, must notify the Chancellor’s office in writing after all briefs are filed.

Oral argument may be waived by agreement of counsel. If oral argument is waived, counsel shall notify in writing the Chancellor’s office after all briefs are filed.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.04 WAIVER OF ORAL ARGUMENT

When the administrative record is filed, one or both parties must notify the Court through its administrative assistant so the matter can be set for a hearing.

Upon the filing of the administrative record, one or both parties shall notify the Court through the Court’s administrative assistant that the administrative record has been filed so that the matter can be timely set for a hearing.

Civil cases

Page 30 | 15.05 FILING OF ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD

An attorney or litigant seeking investment of funds must call the Clerk to alert the Clerk that the funds are to be invested.

It is the duty of the attorney or litigant seeking investment of funds to call to alert the Clerk that the funds are to be invested.

Civil cases

Page 7 | 4.01 FUNDS PAID INTO COURT

Conferences, default hearings, and other uncontested matters must be scheduled by appointment with the Clerk, or, in Chancery Court, with the Court’s administrative staff.

Conferences, default hearings, and other uncontested matters shall be set by appointment with the Clerk (and, in Chancery Court, by appointment with the Court’s administrative staff).

Civil cases

Page 8 | 5.02 SETTING OF CASES

Probate Division sessions are by appointment only; callers may contact the Probate clerks to schedule one.

The daily session of the Probate Division of Part 2 shall be from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday through Friday, and shall be by appointment only. Please call or email the Probate clerks to set an appointment.

Civil cases

Page 33 | 17.01 HOURS

Notice of a deposition or hearing cancellation should be provided to the Court and opposing counsel or the pro se litigant as early as possible.

I will provide notice of cancellation of depositions and hearings to the Court and opposing counsel or pro se litigant at the earliest possible time to avoid unnecessary preparation and expense.

Civil cases

Page 39 | 3.7

A lawyer should not attempt to obtain an advantage through informal communication with the Court.

I will make no attempt to obtain an advantage by informal communication with the Court.

Civil cases

Page 40 | 6.6

Authorized Users must consult the Clerk and Master’s website or call the office during office hours for the fee table.

It is the responsibility of the Authorized User to refer to the Clerk and Master’s website (http://www.hamiltontn.gov/Courts/ClerkMaster/) or call the Clerk and Master’s office during office hours for a table of fees for cases and documents filed.

Civil cases

Page 57 | i. Payment of Filing Fees

For jury-duty questions, call the number listed on the jury summons rather than the judge's name shown there.

Answer: Call the phone number listed on your jury summons, NOT the judge's name that appears on the summons.

Page 1 | Contact Information & Directions

Individuals may not speak with judges about matters the judges will have to decide.

Answer: No. Judges do not speak with individuals concerning matters they will have to rule on.

Page 1 | Logistics

The listed ex parte approval matters may be scheduled by appointment with the Clerk, or, in Chancery Court, with the Court’s administrative staff.

These matters may be set by appointment with the Clerk (and, in Chancery Court, by appointment with the Court’s administrative staff).

Civil cases

Page 11 | 6.10 EX PARTE APPROVALS

Questions about the requirement may be directed by email to Linda Youngquist.

Question: Who do I contact if I have questions about this requirement? Answer: You can email Linda Youngquist or call 423-209-6657

Civil cases

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

The Circuit Court phone number is (423) 209-6700.

Phone: (423) 209-6700, Fax: (423) 209-6701

Page 1 | Contact Information & Directions

Call (423) 209-6700 for case information.

Answer: (423) 209-6700

Page 1 | Contact Information & Directions

For rent collection or eviction matters, contact the General Sessions Court Civil Division at (423) 209-7630.

Answer: General Sessions Court – Civil Division (423) 209-7630.

Page 1 | Costs & Money

Further information about obtaining an order of protection is available by calling the Circuit Court at 423-209-6700.

Answer: A restraining order is obtained by an attorney filing a petition. An order of protection can be obtained without an attorney – further information may be obtained from the Circuit Court by calling 423-209-6700.

Page 1 | Logistics

Further information about obtaining an order of protection is available by calling the Circuit Court at 423-209-6700.

What is the difference between a restraining order and an order of protection? A restraining order is obtained by an attorney filing a petition. An order of protection can be obtained without an attorney – further information may be obtained from the Circuit Court by calling 423-209-6700.

Page 1 | Order of Protection Form