Debt & Small Claims

Debt Claims

A Debt Claims Case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by an assignee of a claim; a debt collector or collection agency; a financial institution; or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, including attorney fees, if any, but excluding statutory interest and costs. Debt Claims Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 to 507, and Rules 508.1 to 508.3 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Small Claims

A Small Claims Case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, personal property, or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, including attorney fees, if any, but excluding statutory interest and costs. Small Claims Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 to 507, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Additional information can be found on the Self Help Resources Page.

Related Documents

  1. Certificate Last Known Address (PDF)
  2. Civil Defendants Answer - Spanish (PDF)
  3. Debt Claim Petition (PDF)
  4. Defendants Answer (PDF)
  5. Demand for Jury Trial (PDF)
  6. Justice Court Civil Rules (Texas Rules of Civil Procedure) (PDF)
  7. Justice Court Fees New fees effective January 01, 2022 (PDF)
  1. Military Service Affidavit (PDF)
  2. Motion for Continuance (PDF)
  3. Motion for Dismissal (PDF)
  4. Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment (PDF)
  5. Motion to Transfer Venue (PDF)
  6. Request for Post-Judgement Process (PDF)
  7. Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs or Appeal Bond (Civil) (PDF)