- 01Confirm the filing fee, claim deadline, and correct courthouse before you prepare your petition.
- 02Sign the petition in ink and complete every address in the caption.
- 03Organize your Statement of Facts and Attachments before the hearing.
Before You File: Know the Cost and the Deadline
The small claims court hearing process can feel complicated when you are trying to recover money from a contractor who took a deposit and never returned to the job. Before you file, you need to know the filing fee, the deadline for your claim, and which courthouse handles the dispute. The court sets the fee, so check the current schedule with the clerk. The amount you can recover in Texas Justice Court is generally $20,000 or less, excluding interest and costs. If your claim is larger, another court may be the right place to start.
You can represent yourself in Texas Justice Court, and you do not need a lawyer for a claim within the small claims limit. Keep in mind that filing only one case does not prevent you from filing another. Rules and local procedures can change, so the court's current instructions control.
Start with the Texas court page for your jurisdiction to confirm the courthouse and review what the clerk requires. Then use the guided preparation flow to organize your facts before you draft the petition.
Related reading
Check the filing format before you file
See what the court in your region asks for, and what a prepared package contains.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Texas?
The court sets the filing fee, and the amount can vary, so check the current schedule with the clerk. If you cannot pay, you may file a completed Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs instead of paying the fee.
Can I go to a small claims hearing without a lawyer?
Yes. Self-representation is allowed in Texas Justice Court for claims within its limit. You still need to follow the filing, service of process, and evidence rules.
What should I bring to my hearing?
Bring your organized court file, including your signed petition, Statement of Facts, and numbered Attachments. Bring your own pen, paper, and any supporting items that help explain your claim.
What happens if the Defendant does not appear?
The court may enter a default judgment under Rule 502.6 if the Defendant was properly served and failed to appear. The judge still decides whether the judgment is appropriate, so do not assume the hearing is automatic.
Official sources
General information about court filing formalities. Not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Filing rules change; check the court's current published instructions before you file.