Small Claims Court in Texas
State-specific overview · Courtroom Procedure
Texas Justice Court handles small claims up to $20,000 with informal procedures and no appeal to a jury trial.
How Texas treats Small Claims Court
Texas small claims are filed in Justice Court and are limited to $20,000 or less. The process is intentionally informal, with relaxed rules of evidence and procedure to allow self-representation. Parties cannot demand a jury trial in small claims; the judge decides the case. Appeals go to District Court, where the case is retried rather than reviewed for legal error.
The general definition of Small Claims Court
A court that handles minor civil disputes involving small amounts of money, usually without lawyers.
Small claims court is a simplified court system designed for people to resolve minor disputes without the expense and complexity of regular civil court. These courts typically handle cases involving amounts under $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the state. The process is informal, and people can represent themselves without hiring a lawyer. Small claims courts handle disputes like unpaid debts, security deposit disagreements, property damage claims, and contract breaches involving small amounts.
Read the full Small Claims Court entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Texas.