Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b) instructs, “The citation shall direct the defendant to file a written answer to the plaintiff's petition on or before a.m. on the Monday next after the expiration of twenty days after the date of service thereof.”
To file online, go to E-File Texas ( ) 11 and follow the instructions. To file in person, take your answer (and copies) to the district clerk's office in the county where the plaintiff filed the case. At the clerk's office: Turn in your answer form (and copies).
The Defendant's Answer For most defendants, the answer is due by the end of the 14th day after the day the defendant was served with the citation and the petition. For defendants that were served by publication, the answer is due by the end of the 42nd day after the day the citation was issued.
You are welcome to mail your answer in to 201 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77002, file in person at 201 Caroline St., or file electronically via efiletexas.
Releases of Liens can be filed in person or by mail in the Real Property Department. The nine annex offices can accept them for filing, however it may take 5 -7 business days to be filed based upon delivery of the work to the downtown office.
In Harris County, you can file your pro se petition and waiver in-person at the Harris County Civil Intake Office located on the first floor of the Civil Courthouse located at 201 Caroline Street. Civil intake office hours are 8 AM - PM Monday to Friday.
Chattel paper is an asset type over which an entity can grant a security interest under Article 9 of the UCC. For more information on security interests in chattel paper, see Practice Note, UCC Creation, Perfection, and Priority of Security Interests.