JP 4-1 | Small Claims

A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Small claims cases are governed by Rules 500-507 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Self-Help Information Packets

Venue

Generally, a case can be filed:

In the precinct and county where the defendant lives,
In the precinct and county where the contract was going to be performed, if it is a contract case,
In the precinct and county where the damage to property or injury to the plaintiff occurred, or
In the precinct and county where the personal property the plaintiff is suing for is located.

Find Out Which Precinct Your Case May be Filed In

Note: There are two Justice of the Peace courts assigned for each precinct, you may choose either court. Each court has its own process, please contact the appropriate court if you have further questions.

File Your Case Online

Allows filers to simply answer a series of questions to help prepare and file your court forms online.

Use eFile Texas to file new cases and add additional documents to existing small claim, eviction, debt claim, along with other types of cases. Documents have to be scanned into the program before filing.

Step-by-Step Guides:

Acceptance of an e-filed document by the court clerk does not constitute a determination of legal sufficiency, accuracy, or compliance with applicable law. Filers remain responsible for the content of all submitted documents.

Please allow at least 3-5 business days for acceptance and processing of all e-file documents. Some documents may require longer processing time.