Representing Yourself in General Sessions
If you are handling your legal case without a lawyer, this means you are “representing yourself.” It's best to get advice and information about your case from a lawyer, even if you do not have one. The resources below will provide helpful information about going to court and representing yourself in General Sessions court.
Learn More About Going to Court
No Lawyer? You can speak for yourself in General Sessions Court
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands provides information on representing yourself if you are being sued for money or property in General Sessions court.
Pro Se Guide: Representing Yourself in Court
This guide, provided by Justice For All, lists Court and Legal Aid resources if you are representing yourself in court.
Dress Codes for Going to Court
When going to General Sessions Court, make sure that you are following their dress code.
What to Expect in General Sessions (Videos)
Getting Ready for a General Sessions Civil Court Case
This video provided by Justice For All gives instructions on how to get ready for trial including explanations of legal concepts.
Preparing for Your Day in Court | Preparándose Para Su Día de Corte
In these video, Legal Aid of East Tennessee outlines general information on how to prepare for General Sessions court when representing yourself. This information is available in English or Spanish
The following videos, provided by Legal Aid of East Tennessee, contain general legal information on how to represent yourself when filing a lawsuit in General Sessions Court. This information is available in both English and Spanish.
Finding Representation or Legal Help
Memphis Area Legal Services: Attorney of the Day Project
For those seeking help in Memphis, volunteer attorneys meet with litigants at the Courthouse one afternoon a week to provide help and make referrals. Every Thursday starting at 1:30 PM in room 134 of the Shelby County Courthouse, volunteer attorneys meet with walk-in clients and provide advice, counsel, referrals and sometimes extended services if needed. Paralegals and students provide supportive services at this clinic.
If you are in Tennessee, the website, Free Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer for help with a legal issue at no cost. It is fast and easy, and all you need is a computer. This is a FREE service for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
How it works:
- You will answer a few questions to see if you qualify for their service. If you qualify, you will have the option to create an account.
- If you are eligible, you can ask their volunteer attorneys a non-criminal question.
- Once your question receives a response, you will get an email. You will need to sign into the website to read your response and ask any additional questions.
Visit https://tn.freelegalanswers.org/ to sign up.
The Statewide Directory provides information regarding Legal Aid Attorneys and other agencies by county in Tennessee
Additional Resources
http://www.tncourts.gov/forms-publications
This resource contains standard court forms that are approved for all counties of Tennessee. If you need help filing one of these forms, you can ask a lawyer in your area.
