You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
Ignoring debt collectors is like hitting snooze on a loud alarm. It quiets things temporarily, but the problem remains. Ignoring them often escalates collection attempts. They may contact you more frequently, file a lawsuit, garnish wages, or put liens on assets.
A writ of garnishment allows a creditor to seize property from a debtor that is being held by a third party. While some property is exempt from garnishment in Texas, such as wages, other property such as bank accounts and stocks may be subject to garnishment.
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/.
If you are trying to resolve a dispute, you may want to send a demand letter. You can write one yourself, but hiring an attorney will help you navigate legalities and show the recipient the seriousness of the matter.
In Texas, credit card companies can file lawsuits in the county where you reside or where you signed the agreement. They typically file these lawsuits in a Justice of the Peace Court, County Court, or District Court, depending on the claim amount.