Texas Small Claims Court Information

Small-claims cases are types of civil cases that are not criminal in nature. They involve plaintiffs who bring lawsuits against defendants and ask the court to require defendants to pay an amount owed, according to Texas Courts Online.

Features

According to Texas Courts Online website, Justice Courts preside over small-claims cases. These cases involve disputes up to $10,000. These courts are local courts set up in precincts in each county. A judge presides over the case, and there is no jury.

Benefits

In small-claims suits plaintiffs and defendants may represent themselves, according to the Denton County Small Claims Court web page. Since there is no jury, once a court date is set, both parties appear before the judge, present their cases and usually receive a judgment the same day.

Considerations

There is a filing fee that includes court costs and a county service fee, according to the Denton County Small Claims Court web page. The small-claims case is for money damages only and does not involve reclaiming personal property. People should check with their counties for filing costs.

References

• Texas Courts Online: Overview of Court System Structure and Jurisdiction
• Texas Courts Online: Texas Judicial System
• Denton County Government webpage: Small Claims and Justice Court Suits