Texas small claims — responding to a claim

About this state

In Texas, small claims are filed in Justice Court before a Justice of the Peace. Each county has multiple precincts, and filing in the correct precinct matters.

• Find the correct precinct for the defendant's residence or where the events occurred before filing.
• Texas Justice Courts also hear eviction and debt claim cases — tell the clerk which type yours is.
• Representation rules are more relaxed than in some states; parties may appear with or without a lawyer.
• Ask the clerk about the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs if fees are a barrier.