Texas Small Claims
Everything you need to know about filing in Texas Justice Courts
General Information Only: This page provides general educational information as of January 2025. Court rules and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Justice of the Peace Court or the Texas Courts website.
Texas
Justice of the Peace Courts
$20,000
Highest in US
$50-$100
Varies by county
Allowed
But not required
Available
To County Court
Key Information
1Justice Courts
- Each county has multiple precincts
- File in defendant's precinct
- Informal procedures
- No jury in most small claims
2Who Can File
- Individuals 18 or older
- Businesses of any type
- Corporations can use attorneys
- No limit on number of claims
Common Case Types
Security Deposits
Landlord-tenant disputes
Auto Accidents
Property damage claims
Unpaid Debts
Loans and services
Contract Disputes
Broken agreements
Home Repairs
Contractor issues
Consumer Issues
Refunds, warranties
Statutes of Limitations
You must file your claim within these time limits from when the issue occurred:
Filing Process Overview
Find the Right Court
File in the precinct where defendant lives or incident occurred
Complete Petition
Fill out small claims petition form from the Justice Court
Pay Filing Fee
$50-$100 depending on claim amount; fee waivers available
Serve the Defendant
Constable, sheriff, or certified mail with return receipt
Attend Trial
Present evidence and testimony; judge decides your case
Highest Small Claims Limit
Texas has the highest small claims limit in the United States at $20,000. This makes it possible to resolve larger disputes without hiring an attorney or going to district court.
Note: Eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer) are also handled in Justice Courts.
Find Your Justice Court
Texas has 254 counties, each divided into precincts with their own Justice of the Peace Court.
View Texas CountiesLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may be outdated. Laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Justice Court or consult a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.