(a) Where the defendant does not appear, the court may, and a general sessions judge shall, stay final judgment or decree, not exceeding twelve (12) nor less than six (6) months from the time of the return.(b) Where the attachment is sued out because the defendant is a nonresident, the stay shall be allowed, unless sufficient cause appear to the contrary.Code 1858, §§ 3527, 3528 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 25; 1835-1836, ch. 43, § 5; 1845-1846, ch. 108, § 2); Shan., §§5287, 5288; Code 1932, §§ 9479, 9480; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 23-660.
Tennessee Legal Code