Circuit Court Clerk's Office

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

APPEAL QUESTIONS

Q: How long do I have to appeal a case to the Court of Appeals?
	A: 30 days from the date of the order of judgment
Q: How much does it cost to Appeal a case FROM Circuit Court? TO Circuit Court?
	A: An Appeal FROM Circuit Court is $1,300.00. An Appeal TO Circuit Court is $211.50.
Q: After I have filed my appeal, are there any other requirements that must be met before my case can be mailed to the Court of Appeals?
	A: Yes. You must file either a Notice of Transcript or Statement of Evidence.
Q: Can I represent myself?
	A: Yes

COST QUESTIONS

Q: Who assesses the court cost of a case?

A: The judge assesses court cost to the appropriate party. Court costs consist of all applicable state and county taxes and various court related fees. (there is a charge for each pleading filed in case.)

Q: May I set up an installment plan for my cost bill?

A: Contact our Cost Department to arrange payment plans.

Q: Shouldn't my attorney handle this bill?

A: It is the party's responsibility to pay the bill, not the attorneys. It is the party's responsibility to contact the attorney regarding such matters.

Q: What will happen if I don't pay this bill?

A: All efforts will be made to collect before turning the account over to a collection agency or the sheriff's department.

Q: Can I expect a refund of my filing fees?

A: A refund will be issued after 30 days of cost being paid in full.

DIVORCE QUESTIONS

Q: Can I obtain a copy of my divorce decree through Shelby Co. Circuit Court if I was divorced in another state?

A: No. You must contact the state/county which granted the divorce.

Q: How far back can I research divorce records?

A. Our File Room will research divorces as far back as 1895.

Q: Can I get a copy of the divorce decree by mail?

A: Yes. Please mail in your request along with a check or money order.

Q: What is the cost of obtaining a copy of a divorce decree?

A: Certified copies - $5.00 for Certification (per decree) + $.50 copy fee per page.

Non-certified copies are $.50 per page

For more information, call our File Room at (901) 545-4730

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my divorce decree?

A: Provide a docket number or the names of both parties and the approximate date the divorce was granted. Our File Room will make the copies.

GARNISHMENT QUESTIONS

Q: When can I issue a garnishment to collect on the judgment granted?

A: 30 days after judgment is awarded.

Q: What is the cost of issuing a garnishment and will I be refunded this amount?

A: $49.00 per garnishment, $69.00 per levy. If funds are collected you will be reimbursed any prepaid cost.

Q: How many garnishments may I issue at one time?

A: Garnishments may be issued to unlimited locations.

Q: When can I re-issue garnishments?

A: There is a 30-180 day waiting period after previous issuance of garnishment (pending status of garnishment).

Q: What can I file to stay or stop a garnishment?

A: A motion for installment payments ($24.50) stays the garnishment until the motion is set for a court hearing and ruled upon.

Q: What if I don't owe the judgment and a garnishment has been issued?

A: File a motion to quash garnishment, if done when you object to the garnishment. The motion is set for a court hearing and ruled upon. A stay is not given when this motion is filed.

Q: How many days does the garnishee have to answer?

A: It is best to allow 30 days.

Q: What can I do if the garnishment is not answered?

A: A motion for conditional judgment against the garnishee may be filed (forms not available).