Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-6-160: Stay of judgment

(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.