Tennessee Code Title 29. Remedies and Special Proceedings § 29-17-703

(a) The presiding judge may thereupon make an order requiring all persons concerned to appear at a time and place therein named, and make known their objections, if any, their rights, if any, their claims as to the value of the property or of their interest therein, and any other matters material to their respective rights, upon a day certain, not later than thirty (30) days after the issuance of process, which day shall be as early as may be convenient, having due regard to the necessities of notice, and shall in such order give appropriate directions for such notice and the service thereof.

(b) Such process shall be returned within twenty (20) days after its issuance.

(c) No service of a copy of the petition shall be necessary.

(d) Upon the return of process by the sheriff, if it shall appear that any of the defendants cannot be found or that they are nonresidents of the state, publication shall be made for them in the same manner as provided in §§ 21-1-203 -- 21-1-205 for publications for nonresidents and parties unknown in chancery suits.