In the Small Claims Court, a person may represent himself or herself, and may, if he or she so chooses, be represented by an attorney. See Section 28.012, Texas Government Code. A corporation does not have to be represented by an attorney in the Small Claims Court. See Section 28.003, Texas Government Code.
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.
This is done by putting your request in writing and sending it to the court and to the plaintiff. Once you have been served with the citation, you have 14 days to file an answer, which is your response to your lawsuit. You must give your answer to the court and also send it to the plaintiff.
(1) by appearing in person before the Justice of the Peace or the clerk and filing a statement of the claim under oath; or, (2) by filing a sworn Small Claims Petition with the Justice of the Peace or clerk of the court.
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/.
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).
In most cases, you must bring your lawsuit within two years of when the problem arises. There are some cases, however, that have a four-year statute of limitation. It is recommended that you file suit within six months to a year after you have suffered a wrong.
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.
On a separate page or pages, write a short and plain statement of the answer to the allegations in the complaint. Number the paragraphs. The answer should correspond to each paragraph in the complaint, with paragraph 1 of the answer corresponding to paragraph 1 of the complaint, etc.