Frequently Asked Questions: Circuit Court

Attorney

Question: Can I file a case without an attorney?
Answer: Yes. This office cannot give you any legal advice. This office does not have any forms.

Question: Can I change attorneys?
Answer: Yes, but you need to discuss this with your current attorney.

Question: Can the court recommend an attorney for my case?
Answer: No. You may call the lawyer Referral Service at (423) 266-5950.

Question: How can an attorney issue a garnishment without notice?
Answer: Garnishments are issued only if a judgment has been entered.

Contact Information & Directions

Question: Where do I call for case information?
Answer: (423) 209-6700

Question: Who do I call concerning jury duty in Hamilton County?
Answer: Call the phone number listed on your jury summons, NOT the judge's name that appears on the summons.

Question: What is the phone number and FAX number for the Circuit Court?
Answer: Phone: (423) 209-6700, Fax: (423) 209-6701

Question: Where is the Circuit Court Clerk located?
Answer: On the fifth floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Courthouse is located between 6th & 7th Streets and Walnut and Georgia Avenue.

Question: What is the mailing address:
Answer: Circuit Court Clerk 500 Hamilton County Courthouse 625 Georgia Avenue Chattanooga,Tennessee 37402-1911

Logistics

Question: How are the cases assigned to a Judge?
Answer: Cases are randomly assigned each Thursday at the close of business.

Question: Can I talk to a Judge about my case?
Answer: No. Judges do not speak with individuals concerning matters they will have to rule on.

Question: What is the difference between a restraining order and an order of protection?
Answer: A restraining order is obtained by an attorney filing a petition. An order of protection can be obtained without an attorney – further information may be obtained from the Circuit Court by calling 423-209-6700.

Question: How can I get a marriage annulled?
Answer: Any legal information regarding grounds for annulment or divorce will have to be answered by an attorney.

Question: Can I access case information from the Internet?
Answer:Not at this time

Costs & Money

Circuit Court Costs

Question: What is the charge for filing a suit?
Answer: Click the button above

Question: What is the charge to file a divorce?
Answer: The cost depends on several factors including whether you have children, whether a restraining order is required, and where you will have the divorce published.

Question: Why did I receive a statement for court costs when I have never been to Court?
Answer: Court costs are determined by the pleadings filed in the Circuit Court – not an appearance in the Courtroom. The Judge assesses all costs.

Question: Why didn’t my attorney pay the court costs?
Answer: Court costs are taxed to the parties, not attorneys

Question: Where do I go to collect rent or for an eviction? (detainer)
Answer: General Sessions Court – Civil Division (423) 209-7630.

Question: What is the cost of an order of protection?
Answer: The costs are taxed at the conclusion of the case.

Question: How much are copies?
Answer: Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified Copies are $5.00 plus $0.50 per page.

Order of Protection Form

Order of Protection Tennessee Code Annotated 36-3-604(b) forms are available here at the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts Website.(Forms are provided in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, and English)

What is the difference between a restraining order and an order of protection?

A restraining order is obtained by an attorney filing a petition. An order of protection can be obtained without an attorney – further information may be obtained from the Circuit Court by calling 423-209-6700.