Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee Service and Proof of Service Rules
55 rules from official source documents
17 of 55 checked against the court's document. Each rule says how far it was checked. A value with a question mark is not in the court's wording on its card.
E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements. This page is scoped to Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL
Civil cases
The executed acknowledgment must be served on all parties within three days of execution.
This acknowledgment shall be filed with the court and served on all parties within three (3) days following its execution.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL
Civil cases
The disclosure must be served on all parties within thirty days of the interview.
Said disclosure shall be signed by the person expressing the opinions and shall be filed with the court and served on all parties within thirty (30) days of the interview.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
The certificate of service must state the date, method, and persons served.
All filings except fully agreed orders must include a certificate of service showing date, method, and persons served.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Petition and summons
When service of process is required, parties must serve the petition and summons under Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 4.
When required, parties must serve a petition and summons under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 4.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
When notice is required, it may be given by mail, fax, e-service, email, or hand delivery; e-service is limited and requires confirmed enrollment, and additional rules apply to specified recipients.
When required, Notice must be given by mailing, faxing, e-serving, emailing, or hand‑delivery. Additional rules apply to minors, incompetent persons, and parties under disability. E‑service is limited and requires confirmation of enrollment.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
Petitions must be set for hearing unless review on the record is used, and Interested Parties must receive notice.
Petitions must be set for hearing unless review on record is used. Notice must be served to Interested Parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
Service of process is required only for solemn-form probate.
Required for solemn form probate only.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
Guardianship petitions must be verified; service of process must be made on the minor unless performed by a guardian ad litem, and notice must go to closest relatives, custodians, and Interested Parties.
Verified petitions are required. Service of Process must be effected on the minor unless performed by a guardian ad litem. Notice must be given to closest relatives, custodians, and Interested Parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL
Adversary proceedings require service of process and notice to non-party Interested Parties.
Proceedings require Service of Process and Notice to non‑party Interested Parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL
Civil cases
- Applies to
- Certificate
- Service
- Mail to opposing party
I hereby certify that a true and exact copy of the foregoing has been forwarded via U.S. Mail to the (Defendant/Respondent)(Counter-Defendant/Respondent) (opposing party) at (address of opposing attorney or party) on this the _____ day of ________, 20____.
I hereby certify that a true and exact copy of the foregoing has been forwarded via U.S. Mail to the (Defendant/Respondent)(Counter-Defendant/Respondent) (opposing party) at (address of opposing attorney or party) on this the _____ day of ________, 20____.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL
Civil cases
- Service
A certification states that a true and correct copy was mailed first-class, U.S. Mail, postage prepaid on a specified date to a named attorney.
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was mailed, first-class, U.S. Mail, postage prepaid on this the _ day of , 20 to the following: (Name of Attorney)
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL
Civil cases
Service of the affidavit may be made via U.S. Mail, efile notification, or email pursuant to TCRP 5.
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Affidavit has been forwarded via U.S. Mail, efile notification or email pursuant to TCRP 5 to the following on the ______ day of _____________________ 20_______.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING
Civil cases
- Service
Upon a non-indigency determination, the Clerk must mail a letter to the litigant informing them of the applicable timeframes.
Upon a determination of non-indigency by a Circuit Court Special Master, the Clerk shall mail a letter to the litigant informing the litigant of the timeframes set forth below.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING
- Service
- Mail to opposing party
Post-hearing briefs must be filed with the Civil Court Clerk, a copy delivered to the Judge, and a copy contemporaneously mailed to opposing counsel or pro se party.
All Post-Hearing Briefs or Memoranda of Law shall be filed with the Civil Court Clerk of the Court, and a copy shall be delivered to the Judge in open Court or in the General Sessions office in the A. A. Birch Building to the Judge before whom the case is pending and a copy contemporaneously mailed to the opposing Counsel of party, or to the pro-se party.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING
When a continuance is granted in the defendant's absence, the plaintiff must give written notice of the new court date, time, and place, and be prepared to exhibit a copy to the court upon request.
If a continuance to a date certain is requested by the plaintiff and granted but the defendant is not present at the hearing, the plaintiff shall give written notice to the defendant of the new court date, time, and place. Plaintiff should be prepared to exhibit to the court a copy of said written notice upon request.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING
Civil cases
Rule 5A does not itself authorize service by fax; the advisory comment directs readers to Rule 5, which permits fax service when fax filing is permitted.
In addition, the Commission points out that Rule 5A does not authorize the service of documents by facsimile transmission. See Rule 5A.02(5) (requiring, in pertinent part, compliance with all applicable rules of court governing service of papers). Please refer to Rule 5, Tenn. R. Civ. P., for the provisions in these Rules governing the service of pleadings and other papers after the filing of the original complaint; amended Rule 5.02 permits service by fax if filing by fax is permitted.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING
Civil cases
- Applies to
- Affidavit
- Service
The Affidavit must be served via U.S. Mail, efile notification, or email pursuant to TCRP 5, as evidenced by a completed certificate of service.
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Affidavit has been forwarded via U.S. Mail, efile notification or email pursuant to TCRP 5 to the following on the ______ day of _____________________ 20_______
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Deadline
- 7 calendar days
- Service
- Other to opposing party ?
All proposed orders must be filed with the Clerk and served on opposing counsel within 7 calendar days of the court’s ruling.
Summary: Proposed orders must be served on opposing counsel within 7 calendar days of the court's ruling.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Other to other ?
If an Interested Party is a minor or incompetent person, Notice must also be given to the minor's legal guardian or guardians or custodial parent or parents and to the adult person's conservator or attorney in fact under a power of attorney.
Summary: Notice must also be given to guardians or custodial parents of minor or incompetent Interested Parties and to conservators or attorneys in fact of adult Interested Parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Electronic service ?
When relying on e-service as a means of providing Notice, parties are responsible for confirming whether an Interested Party is enrolled to receive e-service. Another approved method of Notice must be used for Interested Parties who are not enrolled to receive e-service.
Summary: Parties using e-service must confirm that Interested Parties are enrolled to receive e-service; non-enrolled parties must be served by another approved method.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Electronic service ?
E-service is not an effective method of Notice for documents filed under seal. If a party files a document under seal, another approved method of Notice must be used.
Summary: E-service is not effective for documents filed under seal; another approved method of Notice must be used for sealed filings.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Court service ?
Adversary Proceedings require Service of Process. The court conducts Adversary Proceedings under the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, the Tennessee Rules of Evidence, and these Local Rules.
Summary: Adversary Proceedings require Service of Process and are conducted under the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, the Tennessee Rules of Evidence, and the Local Rules.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Personal service ?
Petitions to probate testamentary instruments in common form or to administer intestate estates are not Adversary Proceedings and do not require Service of Process. Petitions to probate testamentary instruments in solemn form are Adversary Proceedings and require Service of Process.
Summary: Petitions to probate in common form or administer intestate estates do not require Service of Process; petitions to probate in solemn form are Adversary Proceedings requiring Service of Process.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition
- Service
- Personal service to respondent ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on the respondent as required by statute unless a guardian ad litem is appointed and agrees to serve the petition on the respondent. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 34-1-106(a).
Summary: Petitioner must personally serve the respondent unless a guardian ad litem is appointed and agrees to serve the petition.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition ?
- Service
- Other to other ?
The petitioner must provide Notice to the respondent’s closest relatives, defined by statute, and the person or institution having care and custody of the respondent, or with whom the respondent lives. The petitioner must also provide Notice to any other Interested Parties. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 34-1-106(b).
Summary: Petitioner must provide notice to the respondent's closest relatives, caretakers, and any other interested parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition
- Service
- Personal service to respondent ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on the minor as required by statute unless a guardian ad litem is appointed and agrees to serve the petition on the respondent. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 34-1-106(a).
Summary: Petitioner must personally serve the minor unless a guardian ad litem is appointed and agrees to serve the petition.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition ?
- Service
- Other to other ?
The petitioner must provide Notice to the minor’s closest relatives, defined by statute, and the person or institution having care and custody of the minor, or with whom the minor lives. The petitioner must also provide Notice to any other Interested Parties. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 34-1-106(b).
Summary: Petitioner must provide notice to the minor's closest relatives, caretakers, and any other interested parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition to bring real property into estate ?
- Service
- Personal service to other ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on all beneficiaries of the real property under the instruments admitted to probate and anyone else who claims an interest in the real property, and give Notice to all Interested Parties.
Summary: In an adversary proceeding to sell real property from an insolvent testate estate, the petitioner must serve all beneficiaries and interest-claimants and notify all interested parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition to bring real property into estate ?
- Service
- Personal service to other ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on all heirs and anyone else who claims an interest in the real property, and give Notice to all Interested Parties.
Summary: In an adversary proceeding to sell real property from an insolvent intestate estate, the petitioner must serve all heirs and interest-claimants and notify all interested parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition to sell real property ?
- Service
- Personal service to other ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on anyone who claims an interest in the real property, and give Notice to all Interested Parties, including the respondent.
Summary: Petitioner must serve all interest-claimants and notify all interested parties, including the respondent, in a conservatorship real property sale.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition to sell real property ?
- Service
- Personal service to other ?
The petitioner must effect Service of Process on anyone who claims an interest in the real property, and give Notice to all Interested Parties.
Summary: Petitioner must serve all interest-claimants and notify all interested parties in a guardianship real property sale.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Motion to set support
- Service
- Other to opposing party ?
All motions to set support should include the movant’s sworn income and expense statement and income documentation must be provided to the adverse party by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the motion hearing.
Summary: The movant must provide income documentation and a sworn income/expense statement to the adverse party by 5 p.m. the Monday before the support motion hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Motion to set support ?
- Service
- Other to opposing party ?
The non-movant shall provide a sworn income and expense statement and income documentation to the adverse party by 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the motion hearing.
Summary: The non-movant must provide a sworn income/expense statement and income documentation to the movant by 12 p.m. on the Thursday before the support motion hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Deadline
- 5 business days
- Applies to
- Contempt petition ?
- Service
- Other to clerk ?
Contempt proceedings will only be heard if the summons verifying service has been effectuated and filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
Summary: Contempt proceedings require proof of summons service filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at least five business days before the hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Other ?
Sworn income and expense statements are required for motions requesting support and will generally serve as testimony as to need and ability to pay. The movant’s sworn income and expense statement, along with documentation supporting their income, must be provided to the adverse party by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the motion hearing. The non-movant shall provide a sworn income and expense statement, along with documentation supporting their income, to the movant by 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the motion hearing. These timelines may be waived by agreement. Both parties must provide sworn income and expense statements to the Court at the time of the motion hearing, along with documentation supporting their respective incomes.
Summary: Movant must provide sworn income and expense statement to adverse party by 5:00 p.m. Monday before hearing; non-movant by 12:00 p.m. Thursday before hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Mail to all parties ?
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office shall electronically file the Domestic Status Conference Order and serve a copy of the order by mail to all self-represented litigants and counsel of record.
Summary: The Clerk must electronically file the status conference order and serve it by mail to all parties and counsel.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Service
- Other ?
All status conference orders should be e-filed with the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and served according to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.
Summary: Status conference orders must be served according to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Deadline
- 11 calendar days ?
- Service
- Other ?
Proof of service at least 11 days prior to the final hearing date, unless it is an Agreed Order and an earlier date has been approved by the Court.
Summary: Proof of service must be at least 11 days before the final hearing, unless an Agreed Order with court approval allows an earlier date.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Deadline
- 10 calendar days ?
- Applies to
- Order to set ?
- Service
- Other to other ?
The consenting parents must be served a copy of the order and given the required 10 days’ notice to appear at the hearing.
Summary: Consenting parents must be served a copy of the order and given 10 days' notice to appear.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Personal service ?
When required by statute or these Rules, a party must effect Service of Process by serving a petition and a summons under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 4.
Summary: Service of process in probate matters must be effected by serving a petition and summons under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 4.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Other ?
When required by statute or these Rules, a party must give Notice to all Interested Parties by mailing, faxing, e-serving, emailing, or hand delivering the
Summary: Notice to Interested Parties in probate matters may be given by mail, fax, e-service, email, or hand delivery.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Other to court ?
If an Interested Party is under disability and has no custodial parent, legal guardian, conservator or attorney in fact under a power of attorney, the petitioner must bring that fact to the court's attention.
Summary: The petitioner must bring to the court's attention the fact that an Interested Party under disability has no custodial parent, legal guardian, conservator, or attorney in fact.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Electronic service ?
Self-represented litigants are not automatically enrolled to receive e-service. If the court appoints an attorney to serve in a fiduciary capacity, the attorney is not automatically enrolled to receive e-service. In cases involving a self-represented litigant or an attorney serving in a fiduciary capacity, parties should take special care to ensure that Notice is effective.
Summary: Self-represented litigants and court-appointed fiduciary attorneys are not automatically enrolled for e-service; parties must take special care to ensure effective notice in such cases.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Other ?
It is not necessary to serve Notice or Service of Process on an Interested Party who is also a petitioner or who files a sworn waiver or consent.
Summary: Notice or Service of Process is not required for an Interested Party who is also a petitioner or who files a sworn waiver or consent.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Service
- Other to all parties ?
All petitions must be set for hearing under Local Rule § 39.11, unless the attorney requests review on record. The petitioner must serve Notice of the hearing to all Interested Parties.
Summary: All petitions must be set for hearing under Local Rule § 39.11 unless review on record is requested, and the petitioner must serve Notice of the hearing on all Interested Parties.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Applies to
- Motion to set support ?
- Service
- Other to court ?
Both parties must provide their respective sworn income and expense statements and income documentation to the Court at the time of the motion hearing.
Summary: Both parties must submit their sworn income/expense statements and income documentation to the Court at the support motion hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Applies to
- Proposed parenting plan
- Service
- Mail to opposing party ?
Service may be effectuated by mailing a copy of the Proposed Parenting Plan to the adverse party at their last known address. The same should be reflected in a certificate of service on the Proposed Parenting Plan.
Summary: The Proposed Parenting Plan may be served by mailing it to the adverse party's last known address, and the mailing must be reflected in a certificate of service on the Plan.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Applies to
- Proposed order ?
- Service
- Mail to opposing party ?
The Order may not be submitted or mailed to opposing counsel or self-represented litigant prior to the date of the scheduled motion hearing and must reference the date of the hearing.
Summary: An Order for a resolved motion may not be submitted or mailed to the adverse party before the scheduled hearing date.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?
- Applies to
- Sworn income and expense statement
- Service
- Other to court ?
Both parties must provide sworn income and expense statements to the Court at the time of the motion hearing, along with documentation supporting their respective incomes.
Summary: Both parties must bring sworn income and expense statements supporting each party's income, to the Court at the time of the motion hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?
These proceedings require Service of Process and are governed by Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, Evidence, and local rules.
Summary: Adversary proceedings require service of process and are governed by the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, Evidence, and local rules.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?
Verified petitions are required, with Service of Process on respondents unless a guardian ad litem serves the petition. Notice must be provided to closest relatives and other Interested Parties.
Summary: Conservatorship and expedited limited healthcare fiduciary petitions must be verified; respondents must receive service of process unless a guardian ad litem serves the petition, and notice must go to closest relatives and other Interested Parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?
Notice is required to all Interested Parties.
Summary: Notice must be given to all Interested Parties in proceedings concerning elective share, year’s support, homestead, and exempt property.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Petition for order of protection ?
- Service
- Court service ?
Petitions for Ex Parte Orders of Protection are to be filed with the Judicial Commissioner in Night Court who shall issue the Ex Parte Order if the allegations meet statutory requirements. All applications shall be forwarded to the General Sessions Civil Clerk's office and sent to the Davidson County Sheriff's Office for service of process and setting for a hearing.
Summary: Petitions for ex parte orders of protection are filed with the Judicial Commissioner, forwarded to the clerk, and sent to the Sheriff for service of process.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.CRITICAL?
All pretrial motions, other than motions for summary judgment, must be filed and served on the opposing party with all supporting material, including all of the documentary evidence of the motion to the contrary, including without limitation, all affidavits, deposition excerpts, discovery responses, proposed temporary parenting schedules, and all other factual material in which the moving party relies, at least 14 days (including weekends and holidays) before the motion hearing.
Machine summary
Pretrial motions, except summary judgment motions, must be served on the opposing party with all supporting material at least 14 days before the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?
Prior to trial all parties must exchange exhibits and prepare copies for the opposing party and the court.
Summary: Before trial, all parties must exchange exhibits and prepare copies for the opposing party and the court.
What rule applies to serving all parties in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. The executed acknowledgment must be served on all parties within three days of execution.
4 more rules answer this question in the list above.
What service or proof of service rules apply in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee: Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. The certificate of service must state the date, method, and persons served.
Judge Corletra Mance: Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Service of the affidavit may be made via U.S. Mail, efile notification, or email pursuant to TCRP 5.
Judge Stephanie Williams: The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Movant must provide sworn income and expense statement to adverse party by 5:00 p.m. Monday before hearing; non-movant by 12:00 p.m. Thursday before hearing. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
13 more rules answer this question in the list above.
What rule applies to service for petition and summons in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. When service of process is required, parties must serve the petition and summons under Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 4.
What rule applies to service by mail in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee: The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by mail. Upon a non-indigency determination, the Clerk must mail a letter to the litigant informing them of the applicable timeframes.
Judge Corletra Mance: Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: method: service by mail. A certification states that a true and correct copy was mailed first-class, U.S. Mail, postage prepaid on a specified date to a named attorney.
What rule applies to service by mail for the opposing party in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by mail, recipient: the opposing party. Post-hearing briefs must be filed with the Civil Court Clerk, a copy delivered to the Judge, and a copy contemporaneously mailed to opposing counsel or pro se party.
What rule applies to serving the opposing party in Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee?
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. When a continuance is granted in the defendant's absence, the plaintiff must give written notice of the new court date, time, and place, and be prepared to exhibit a copy to the court upon request.
1 more rule answers this question in the list above.
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Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
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