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Texas Small Claims Court Limits
Texas has one of the highest small claims limits in the country at $20,000 for all parties.
Court Name: Justice Court (Justice of the Peace Court)
Official Website: https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/justice-courts/
Filing Fees in Texas
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $25-100 |
Filing fees vary by county. Harris County (Houston) charges around $54. Additional fees for service.
Serving the Defendant
Service by constable is most common and costs $75-100 depending on county.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by constable/sheriff
- Certified mail
- Private process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-45 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Texas Justice Court (small claims), but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party can appeal within 21 days to County Court for a new trial.
Texas Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | 4 years |
| Oral Contract | 4 years |
| Property Damage | 2 years |
| Personal Injury | 2 years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter before filing shows the judge you tried to resolve the matter and often leads to faster settlements.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Texas?
Texas small claims court (Justice Court) limit is $20,000 for all types of plaintiffs, one of the highest limits in the country.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Texas?
Filing fees vary by county, typically $25-$100. You'll also pay $75-$100 for service by constable.
Can I have a lawyer in Texas small claims court?
Yes. Unlike California, Texas allows attorneys in Justice Court. However, most people represent themselves to save money.
What is small claims court called in Texas?
In Texas, small claims cases are heard in Justice Court, also called Justice of the Peace Court or JP Court.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup