This legal research guide provides information about small claims cases in justice court and provides links to filing information for select Texas counties.
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Small claims are cases filed in the county justice of the peace courts (also referred to simply as "justice courts") in Texas. Justice courts provide a more informal setting than the higher-level courts, so parties will often represent themselves rather than hiring an attorney. The limit to the amount that a person can sue for in small claims cases is $20,000. Justice courts can also settle landlord/tenant disputes such as evictions and repairs.
It is always recommended you try and resolve your problems with the other party on your own. It is always better to come to a solution that both parties can agree to than to have to file a lawsuit. Professional mediators at a dispute resolution center might be able to help you come to an agreement. If you do decide to file a lawsuit in justice court, information on how to do so can be found in this guide.
On this page, you will find a general overview on how to file a small claims case in the justice courts. The other pages in this guide explain specific parts of the process in a bit more detail.
For those who are filing a small claims case, this information packet from the Texas Justice Court Training Center provides a general overview of the small claims process as well as provides answer to common questions and forms.
For those who have had a small claims case filed against them, this information packet from the Texas Justice Court Training Center provides a general overview of the small claims process as well as provides answer to common questions and forms.
If you have been sued by a creditor, the forms compiled on this page by the Texas Justice Court Training Center may be useful in responding to the lawsuit.
This publication from the Texas Young Lawyers Association answers many common questions about the types of cases that can be tried in justice court and the procedure for doing so. Please note that since this article was last updated, the monetary limit on small claims cases has been increased to $20,000.
A Nolo Press article answering some commonly asked questions regarding small claims cases in Texas.Professor Richard M. Alderman has prepared this informational page about small claims courts and what happens during the suit.
