Free Legal Resources
Tennessee Legal Resources
Your complete guide to free and low-cost legal help in Tennessee. Find legal aid organizations, court self-help centers, and pro se filing resources.
Free Legal Aid Organizations
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
Counties: 48 Middle Tennessee counties
Services: Civil legal aid for low-income families
Eligibility: Must meet federal poverty guidelines
Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS)
Counties: Shelby, Tipton, Fayette
Services: Housing, family law, consumer protection
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET)
Counties: 26 East Tennessee counties
Services: Family law, housing, public benefits
West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS)
Counties: 17 West Tennessee counties
Services: Housing, consumer, family law
Tennessee Justice Center
Counties: Statewide
Services: Healthcare access, public benefits
Court Self-Help Centers
| County | Circuit Court | General Sessions | Chancery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson (Nashville) | 615-862-5182 | 615-862-5195 | 615-862-5160 |
| Shelby (Memphis) | 901-222-3800 | 901-222-3800 | 901-222-3800 |
| Knox (Knoxville) | 865-215-2400 | 865-215-2400 | 865-215-2500 |
| Hamilton (Chattanooga) | 423-209-6700 | 423-209-6700 | 423-209-6700 |
| Montgomery (Clarksville) | 931-648-5700 | 931-648-5730 | 931-648-5710 |
| Williamson (Franklin) | 615-790-5426 | 615-790-5426 | 615-790-5426 |
| Rutherford (Murfreesboro) | 615-898-7820 | 615-898-7820 | 615-898-7820 |
Tennessee Court Structure
- General Sessions: Small claims, preliminary hearings, evictions
- Circuit Court: Divorce, personal injury, criminal felonies
- Chancery Court: Equity matters, probate, name changes
Pro Se Filing Resources
"Pro se" means representing yourself in court without an attorney. In Tennessee, you have the right to represent yourself in most civil matters.
| Filing Type | Typical Cost | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | $200-400 filing fee | Circuit Court |
| Name Change | $150-200 filing fee | Chancery Court |
| Expungement | $50-550 (varies) | Circuit Court |
| Eviction Answer | $50-150 filing fee | General Sessions |
| Small Claims | $50-100 filing fee | General Sessions |
| Power of Attorney | No filing required | N/A |
| LLC Formation | $300 state fee | Secretary of State |
Pro Se Tips
- 1. File on time — Tennessee has strict deadlines (e.g., 30 days to answer a divorce complaint)
- 2. Use correct forms — Courts may reject incorrect forms
- 3. Make copies — Always keep copies of everything you file
- 4. Follow formatting rules — Tennessee courts have specific requirements
- 5. Consider limited scope representation — Some attorneys offer unbundled services
Tennessee Court Forms: tncourts.gov/forms | Self-Help Center
When Legal Aid Can't Help
Legal aid organizations have income limits and case type restrictions. If you don't qualify, jurisdiction-correct document templates provide an affordable alternative.
Court-Ready Tennessee Documents
Attorney-drafted templates with instant download
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a court-appointed attorney for civil cases?
Generally, no. In Tennessee, court-appointed attorneys are only provided for criminal cases where jail time is possible. For civil matters (divorce, custody, housing), you must hire an attorney or represent yourself.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk about a pauper's affidavit (also called an affidavit of indigency). If you qualify based on income, the court may waive your filing fees.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Tennessee?
With children: Minimum 90 days from filing. Without children: Minimum 60 days from filing. Reality: 3-6 months is typical for uncontested cases.
Can I file for expungement myself?
Yes. Tennessee allows pro se expungement filings. However, the process requires determining eligibility (TCA § 40-32-101), filing the correct petition, paying required fees, and attending the hearing if required.
What's the difference between Circuit Court and General Sessions Court?
General Sessions handles smaller claims (up to $25,000), evictions, and preliminary criminal matters. Circuit Court handles larger civil cases, divorces, and felony criminal cases.
Additional Resources
Tennessee State Government
Federal Courts in Tennessee
This resource guide is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or advice.
Last updated: March 2026