DeKalb County, Tennessee Small Claims Filing Fee
The small claims filing fee in DeKalb County is $152.50, depending on the amount you are claiming. From the court's own published fees. Verified October 2026.
Small Claims Filing Fee in DeKalb County
| Amount you claim | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $25,000 | $152.50 |
Civil summons, one defendant, clerk fee without service: $152.50; sheriff service is $52 per defendant ($204.50 total with service). General Sessions civil fee sheet effective January 1, 2026.
Source: DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk fee schedule (General Sessions civil, eff. 1-1-2026). Verified October 2026. Court page: dekalbtennessee.com/court-fee-schedule.html.
Fees can change during the year and exclude any service-of-process charge unless the table says it is included. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file.
Court contact for DeKalb County
- Court
- DeKalb County General Sessions Court
- Address
- 1 Public Square, Room 201, Smithville, TN 37166
- Phone
- 615-597-5711
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
Enter your state and claim amount to see the official court filing fee.
Fees in this state depend on the county where you file.
Each court in this county sets its own small claims fee.
How DeKalb County compares in Tennessee
Across the 26 Tennessee counties where we have verified the fee, small claims filing fees run from $93.75 to $250. DeKalb County charges $152.50: 12 verified counties are cheaper and 13 are more expensive.
DeKalb County had 21,873 residents in the Census population estimates we use, which is a rough guide to how busy the local court is.
The most you can claim in Tennessee small claims court is $25,000. If you win, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment so the other side repays it.
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Frequently Asked Questions: DeKalb County
How much does it cost to file small claims in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
Is the DeKalb County fee the same as the rest of Tennessee?
Can I get the DeKalb County small claims fee waived?
Where do I file a small claims case in DeKalb County?
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