Tennessee Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in Tennessee — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official Tennessee government websites.
How Tennessee ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in Tennessee before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $300 in state filing fees , with a $300 annual report due each year after. If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $25,000 — and filing costs between $93.75 and $250. Divorce filing in Tennessee starts at $184, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official Tennessee government and court websites and updated for 2026.
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LLC Formation Costs in Tennessee
Full detailsForming an LLC in Tennessee requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $300 state fee. After formation, Tennessee LLCs must file an annual report and pay $300 each year to stay in good standing. Your estimated first-year total including filing, and franchise tax is $400+.
Tennessee has a $300 annual report fee AND a minimum franchise/excise tax — one of the pricier states to maintain.
No personal income tax and a growing business-friendly environment in Nashville.
Small Claims Court in Tennessee
Full detailsTennessee's small claims court — the General Sessions Court — handles disputes up to $25,000 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $93.75 and $250 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
Tennessee has the highest small claims limit in the US at $25,000 — a major advantage for plaintiffs.
Divorce Filing Costs in Tennessee
Full detailsFiling for an uncontested divorce in Tennessee starts at $184 in court filing fees. Cases involving minor children add a $25 surcharge. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $50. Tennessee requires divorcing parents to complete a parenting class before the divorce is finalized. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
Tennessee fees vary by county. Urban counties like Shelby (Memphis) and Davidson (Nashville) may add minor surcharges.
Notary Fees in Tennessee
Full detailsTennessee does not set a statutory cap on notary fees. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in Tennessee and costs up to $25 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
No state maximum for in-person acts. RON capped at $25.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in Tennessee
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official Tennessee filing costs.
How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee ◀ | $300 | $184 | $25,000 | No cap |
| Kentucky | $40 | $148 | $2,500 | No cap |
| Virginia | $100 | $86 | $5,000 | $10 |
| North Carolina | $125 | $225 | $10,000 | $10 |
| Georgia | $100 | $200 | $15,000 | $2 |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states
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