Step-by-step guide to filing a small claims case in Texas. Learn the process, required forms, fees, and how to prepare your case — max claim $20,000.
Filing a small claims case in Texas is designed to be accessible to anyone without a lawyer. Whether you're suing a landlord, contractor, or someone who owes you money, the process follows these key steps. The maximum claim amount in Texas is $20,000, and cases are heard in the Justice of the Peace Court.
Texas allows claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest and court costs). Confirm your dispute falls within this limit.
File in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the contract was to be performed. Texas has multiple JP precincts per county.
Fill out the small claims petition. Include the defendant's name, address, and a clear explanation of what you're owed and why.
Pay the filing fee at the JP court clerk's office. Fees range from $46 to $143 based on claim amount and county.
The court will issue a citation (summons) to be served on the defendant by constable or process server.
Appear on your trial date with all evidence. JP court hearings are informal. The judge will hear both sides and issue a ruling.
Texas has the highest small claims limit in the US at $20,000.
File in the Justice of the Peace Court in the precinct where the defendant resides or where the dispute arose.
Fees range from about $46 to $143 depending on the county and amount claimed.
4 years for written contract disputes; 2 years for personal injury claims.
In some contract cases, Texas law may allow recovery of attorney fees, but this varies case by case.
CourtLinked prepares and files your Texas small claims case for you. No courthouse visits, no forms to decipher.
File Your Claim NowCourtLinked guides you through every step of filing your Texas small claims case — from paperwork to court-ready documents.
File with CourtLinked