Electronic Filing While pro se litigants certainly have the option of filing a document in person, pro se litigants can also file documents electronically if it is more convenient or if the litigant must meet a deadline to file a document and the clerk's office is already closed.
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).
Parties without lawyers can also file case documents in person at the Court during normal business hours or by mail. Most case documents are posted to the Court's website, except clerk's records, reporter's records, and sealed documents. You can search for your case at search.txcourts/.
Small Claims Cases in Texas The limit to the amount that a person can sue for in small claims cases is $20,000. Justice courts can also settle landlord/tenant disputes such as evictions and repairs.
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.
Here are some tips for presenting a winning small claims court case. Make sure your case is appropriate for small claims court. Get your documents in order. Prepare your witnesses. Practice for your day in court. Be on your best behavior. Be prepared to go the distance.
In a county or district court, the defendant must answer “on or before a.m. on the Monday next after the expiration of 20 days after the date of service thereof.” Tex. R. Civ.
If you are served in person or by certified mail, you need to submit your answer by a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have gone by since you were served with papers.
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure state that if a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit by filing an answer or other pleading within the required time frame, the plaintiff can file a motion for default. If the court grants the motion, a default judgment will be entered against the defendant.
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.”