Tennessee § 47-12-101 - Notice requiring creditor to sue — Creditor's inaction.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-12-101 — Notice requiring creditor to sue — Creditor's inaction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-12-101. Notice requiring creditor to sue — Creditor's inaction.
When any surety by bill, bond, covenant, or nonnegotiable note for the payment of money or note for specific articles, other than the surety of a guardian, executor, administrator, or public officer, or guarantor of negotiable paper, apprehends that the principal is likely to become insolvent, or to migrate from the state, without previously discharging the debt or obligation, the surety may, if the debt or security be due, by notice in writing, require the creditor forthwith to put it to suit. Unless, within thirty (30) days thereafter, the creditor commences an action, and proceeds with due diligence in the ordinary course of law to recover judgment for the debt or obligation, and by execution to make the amount due thereon, the creditor shall forfeit the right which the creditor would otherwise have to recover it from the surety. Code 1858, § 1968 (deriv. Acts 1801, ch. 18, §§ 1, 5); Shan., § 3517; mod. Code 1932, § 7526; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 47-701. Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 717. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 23 Tenn. Juris., Suretyship, §§ 20, 21. Comparative Legislation. Discharge of sureties: Ala. Code § 8-3-1 et seq. Ark. Code § 16-107-301 . Ga. O.C.G.A. § 11-3-601 et seq. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.220 et seq. Miss. Code Ann. § 87-5-1 et seq. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 433.010 et seq. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 26-1 et seq. Va. Code § 49-25 et seq.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 47-12-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-12-101 cover?
Section 47-12-101 ("Notice requiring creditor to sue — Creditor's inaction.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 47-12-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-12-101" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 47-12-101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.