Civil Division

The General Sessions Civil Court has CourthouseJurisdiction in the following actions:Civil cases up to $25,000

  • Forcible entry detainer actions (evictions)
  • Action to recover personal property
  • Emergency mental commitments
  • Denial petitions for handgun permits
  • Interpleaders
  • Drug Dealer Eviction Program

The General Sessions Civil Court consists of six (6) civil judges which preside in approximately 65,000 new cases annually.

The General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for the record keeping for the six civil divisions and nine criminal divisions in Shelby County, Tennessee.

Providing quality, efficient, and courteous service.

2021 Shelby County Government Holiday Schedule

General Sessions’ Hickory Ridge satellite location is closed. If you need to make a payment you are encourage to make your payment online or by telephone. If you have inquiries call 222-3400 for Civil matters or call (901) 222-3500 for Criminal Division matters. 

Otherwise, you are welcome to visit our Mullins Station Satellite location.


Online access to General Sessions scanned documents is now available. For more information please visit under Civil Division, Online Garnishment answer form Tab.

The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Order Modifying and Partially Lifting Suspension of In-Person Court Proceedings filed February 12, 2021, lifts the suspension of all non-jury in-person court proceedings in all state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts on Monday, March 15, 2021.

 The General Sessions Civil Court Judges obtained permission from the General Counsel of the Tennessee Supreme Court for an extension to re-open for in-person court proceedings on March 22, 2021 to ensure timely notices for all parties having cases in General Sessions Civil Court.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Order

By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court, dated 01/15/2021, the Court has extended the suspension of in-person court proceedings through March 31, 2021. writs can be processed on cases where a judgment has been rendered but no declaration has been filed, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.   As was previously announced, General Sessions Civil should also issue garnishments and levies.  Stays may be given on Motions to Set Payments with hearing dates set in April.  Releases may be given on Motions to Quash until hearing date, in April or as soon as the courts resume in-person proceedings. (See orders below.)”  


COVID-19 Order - 1-15-2021

Governor Lee Emergency Order  70

General Sessions Civil Courts will be closed from January 4, 2021 until January 29, 2021. For more information about resets,  Click Here.



By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court, dated 01/15/2021, the Court has extended the suspension of in-person court proceedings through March 31, 2021.  (Order attached below).

General Sessions Court Clerks Offices Will be Closed on Friday, April 2nd, 2021 through Monday, April 5th, 2021 in Observance of Good Friday and in Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . We will resume court on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.