Zoom Instructions
Fourth and Fifth Judicial Districts of Tennessee
Chancellor James H. Ripley
Counties Served: Sevier, Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Blount
***UPDATED ZOOM.GOV INSTRUCTIONS AS OF JUNE 1, 2026***
FOR ZOOM.GOV MEETING LINK, MEETING ID AND PASSCODE, PLEASE CONTACT DONNA BURCHELL, JUDICIAL ASSISTANT to Chancellor James H. Ripley at Donna.Burchell@tncourts.gov or by phone (865) 397-3497 at least 2 business days before your scheduled hearing.
****ALL PARTIES APPEARING BY ZOOM MUST HAVE CAMERA ACCESS AND SHOW A NAME ON THE SCREEN****
****YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE ZOOM HEARING WITH ONLY A PHONE NUMBER AND A BLANK SCREEN****
What can and cannot be heard via Zoom:
1. Will hear AGREED matters via Zoom.
2. Will hear UNCONTESTED matters via Zoom.
3. Will NOT hear any matters involving testimony via Zoom.
4. Will NOT hear trials via Zoom.
5. Will hear DEFAULTS by Zoom. The Defendant my appear in person or by Zoom. You will need to state in your Notice that they may appear in person or via Zoom and attach these Zoom instructions to your Notice.
6. May hear short, contested Motions that involve Legal Argument only, unless it is a complicated legal matter. Please call Chancellor Ripley’s Assistant at (865) 397-3497 if you have questions regarding these matters. The decision to hear complicated legal argument-only matters via Zoom will be made on a case-by-case basis.
7. When participating by Zoom, please be in the Zoom waiting room by 9:00 am and wait to be admitted by the Chancellor, Clerk, or a designated Deputy Clerk.
8. Please mute your device until Chancellor Ripley calls your case and then speak up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I represent myself in Court (particularly in a divorce action)?
Yes, all citizens have the right to represent themselves in Court.
Are forms available from the Court for filing a divorce?
The Supreme Court of Tennessee has adopted forms for filing a divorce with or without minor children. You can access these forms online or come to our office. If you do not use the Supreme Court approved forms or forms provided, you must prepare your own paperwork and you are responsible for the correctness and compliance with Tennessee Law.
When are property sales held? And where?
The sale date is set by the Delinquent Tax Attorney for the County, but not more frequently that once a year.
How do I place a bid on the property?
The sale is a public auction, held at the Courthouse, and all bidders must appear in person and register as a bidder prior to the sale.
When can I get a list of the property that will be sold?
A list will be published in the Standard Banner 30 to 45 days prior to the sale. It is the responsibility of the bidder to make an investigation as to all matters concerning the property.
When do I take possession of the property?
Pursuant to Statute, the owner(s) has l year from confirmation of the sale by the Chancery Court to redeem the property. Should the owner choose to redeem the property, the purchaser at the sale will receive the amount of his bid plus 1% per annum, and will also be reimbursed for any additional taxes paid at the time of the purchase.
Will I be required to make payment the day of the sale?
Yes, payment is required the day of the sale, either by cash, cashier’s check or personal check.
202 W. Main Street, Suite 207, Dandridge, TN 37725
Mailing
PO Box 5, Dandridge, TN 37725
865-397-2404
865-397-5645
Office Fax