How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Tennessee
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Tennessee, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: 6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts. T.C.A. 28-3-109(a)(3)
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts. Tennessee's official code is published only through LexisNexis; text read on a public mirror (FindLaw). Source: T.C.A. 28-3-109(a)(3) |
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| How long a judgment lasts | An action on a judgment must be brought within 10 years. (Certain judgments for injury or death caused by the debtor's criminal conduct, and restitution judgments, have no time limit.) Public mirror (FindLaw, marked current as of Jan. 2, 2024). How a judgment is renewed (Tenn. R. Civ. P. 69.04) was not read. Source: T.C.A. 28-3-110(a)(2), (b) |
Where to get help in Tennessee
- Tennessee Collection Service Board, Department of Commerce and Insurance (licenses collection services)
- File a complaint or claim
More Tennessee debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Tennessee
- Wage Garnishment in Tennessee
- What Creditors Can't Take in Tennessee
- All Tennessee debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Tennessee?
6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts.
How long does a court judgment last in Tennessee?
An action on a judgment must be brought within 10 years. (Certain judgments for injury or death caused by the debtor's criminal conduct, and restitution judgments, have no time limit.)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.