Appealing a Small Claims Court Case Nashville TN

The legality on if and when you can appeal your small claims case.

Local Companies

Tennessee Alliance For Legal Services
(615) 627-0956
1808 W End Ave Ste 1216
Nashville, TN
800Divorce Tn Inc
(615) 460-0006
Nashville, TN
Success Center Tn Advantage Group
(615) 360-1013
1101 Kermit Dr
Nashville, TN
Artist Law Group
(615) 242-5660
1600 Division St
Nashville, TN
Legalbill Com Llc
(615) 661-5570
500 Wilson Pike Cir
Brentwood, TN
Tri Tex Legal Services
(901) 332-6140
5134 Millbranch Rd
Memphis, TN
Nonkarta
(901) 682-9191
1770 Moriah Woods Blvd
Memphis, TN
Parsley Bob Atty
(423) 785-8211
832 Georgia Ave
Chattanooga, TN
Litigation Data Management
(901) 682-9191
1770 Moriah Woods Blvd
Memphis, TN
One Legal Inc
(901) 322-4308
119 S Main St
Memphis, TN

Provided By:


If you are unhappy with the outcome of your small claims court trial, you usually have the right to file an appeal.

How Much Time Do I Have to Appeal?

Many states allow either party to appeal a small claims court decision within a short period of time, usually between 10 and 30 days. In some states, appeals must be based solely on the contention that the judge made a legal mistake, and not on the facts of the case.

Other states have their own unique rules. In California, for example, a defendant may appeal a small claims court decision to the Superior Court within 30 days and receive a new trial -- in which the judge addresses both the law and the facts of the case. And except in very limited circumstances, a plaintiff may not appeal at all.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

You are entitled to have an attorney in formal court, where small claims court appeals are heard. But because by definition your small claims case is not worth big bucks, you will probably decide it is not wise to hire one. But what if your opponent hires a lawyer? Aren't you at a disadvantage if you represent yourself? Not necessarily. In many states, the appeals court must follow informal rules, similar to those used in small claims court. This places you on a relatively equal footing with your opponent, even if your opponent has a lawyer.

Jury Trial Note: A few states, including North Carolina and Virginia, permit jury trials on appeals of small claims court decision. Most states don't. Check with your county court clerk.

Need Some Help?

For more information on appealing a small claims court case, see Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court, by attorney Ralph Warner.


Copyright 2008 Nolo

Related Local Event
Annual IACP/Law Enforcement Information Management (LEIM) Section Training Conference/Expo
Dates: 10/3/2009 - 10/7/2009
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, TN
View Details