{"id":376677,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-small-claims-courts.html"},"modified":"2024-03-19T07:48:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T12:48:17","slug":"texas-small-claims-courts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-small-claims-courts.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Small Claims Courts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Texas Small Claims Courts<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 19, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Texas abolished its small claims courts in 2013. Now, people file civil claims that do not exceed $20,000&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.txcourts.gov\/media\/1457461\/about-texas-courts.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas&#8217; Justice Courts<\/a>. The Justice Courts provide people with a quick and inexpensive way to resolve certain civil disputes.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following links provide more information and self-help resources for people filing a small claims case in Texas:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjctc.org\/srl\/small-claim-plaintiff.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Filing a Small Claims Case<\/a>: The Texas Justice Court Training Center provides information and necessary court forms for Justice Courts.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjctc.org\/SRL\/small-claim-defendant.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When a Small Claims Case Has Been Filed Against You<\/a>: The Texas Justice Court Training Center provides information for defendants who have received notice of a small claims case filed against them.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Consumer_and_Tenant_Rights1&amp;Template=\/CM\/ContentDisplay.cfm&amp;ContentID=24859\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Sue in Justice Court<\/a>: The State Bar of Texas publishes a guide to filing a claim in its Justice Courts.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guides.sll.texas.gov\/small-claims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Claims Cases &#8211; General Information<\/a>: The Texas State Law Library provides a guide to small claims cases filed in the Justice Courts. It also provides a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/guides.sll.texas.gov\/small-claims\/filing-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">detailed guide on&nbsp;how to file<\/a>&nbsp;a case.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jp.hctx.net\/civil\/about.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">About the Small Claims Court<\/a>: The Harris County Justice Court provides information about&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.jp.hctx.net\/civil\/filing.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">small claims rules and procedures<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/texaslawhelp.org\/article\/how-to-sue-in-justice-court-small-claims-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Sue in Justice Court (Small Claims Court)<\/a>: Texas Law Help provides information about filing a claim in the Justice Court and answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the process.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jp.hctx.net\/info\/TEXAS%20RULES%20OF%20CIVIL%20PROCEDURE.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas Rules of Civil Procedure: Part V &#8211; Rules of Practice in Justice Courts<\/a>: This link provides the rules of civil procedure in the Justice Courts.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/selfhelp.efiletexas.gov\/SRL\/SRL\/ExecuteInterview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">E-File Your Case<\/a>: E-File Texas Self-Help allows parties to file their court forms electronically.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This article describes Texas&#8217; Justice Courts and how to file a small claims case in them. For more information, contact a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>&nbsp;near you.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Texas Justice Courts and Small Claims Cases Explained<\/h2>\r\n<p>Texas used to have a small claims court for minor civil disputes. It offered parties a quick and inexpensive option to&nbsp;resolve their disputes compared to formal litigation in a superior court.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, the Texas Legislature abolished the small claims court in 2013. Now, people with certain&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/the-differences-between-a-criminal-case-and-a-civil-case.html\">civil disputes<\/a>&nbsp;under $20,000&nbsp;may file their claims in the state&#8217;s Justice Courts.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/justice-of-the-peace.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Justice of the Peace<\/a>&nbsp;presides over small claims cases. Any party may request a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/jury-trial.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">jury trial<\/a>, although they must request it at least 14 days before their scheduled trial. Each county has at least one Justice Court. Contact your local county court or county clerk&#8217;s office if you have questions about filing a small claims case.<\/p>\r\n<p>Anyone 18 or older may file a small claims case in the Justice Court. A minor with a small claims case must have their parent or guardian file the case on their behalf. Corporations and businesses may also file small claims cases. In general, money lenders and collection agencies&nbsp;cannot file small claims cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>The small claims process is&nbsp;informal compared to cases in a superior court. The informality allows many parties to represent themselves instead of hiring an attorney. However, any party may hire an attorney if they wish. The $20,000&nbsp;jurisdictional limit includes attorney&#8217;s fees.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Claims Can the Justice Court Hear?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Justice Courts have limited&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/jurisdiction.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">jurisdiction<\/a>, meaning they can only hear certain types of cases. The Justice Court may only award money to a prevailing party. It cannot, for example, force a contractor to finish fixing your roof.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Instead, it can award you money for the expenses related to the contractor&#8217;s damage to your house, payments you made to them, and the cost of finding another contractor.<\/p>\r\n<p>Examples of cases the Justice Court can hear include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>You lent&nbsp;someone money&nbsp;and they refuse to pay you back<\/li>\r\n<li>A plumber charged you for repairs they did not make<\/li>\r\n<li>Someone damaged your personal property and refuses to compensate you for the damage<\/li>\r\n<li>Your landlord has not returned your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html\">security deposit<\/a>&nbsp;since you moved out several months ago<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/eviction.html\">Eviction cases<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Examples of cases the Justice Court cannot hear include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A claim that someone has to remove the fence they allegedly built on your property<\/li>\r\n<li>A claim requesting someone you hired to paint your house finish the job after they quit halfway through painting<\/li>\r\n<li>A claim that exceeds $20,000<\/li>\r\n<li>A claim involving a dispute over the ownership of real property<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you have questions about whether you can file a small claims case in the Justice Courts, contact a civil litigation attorney.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How To File a Small Claims Case<\/h2>\r\n<p>The plaintiff, who is&nbsp;the person or entity filing a lawsuit,&nbsp;begins their small claims case by filing a petition in an appropriate Justice Court. The petition lists the following information:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The parties to the lawsuit and their contact information<\/li>\r\n<li>The plaintiff&#8217;s explanation of why they are suing the defendant(s)<\/li>\r\n<li>The amount of money claimed<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The court will charge a filing fee when the plaintiff files their petition. If the plaintiff cannot afford the filing fee, they may ask the court clerk about a fee waiver (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjctc.org\/srl\/small-claim-plaintiff.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs<\/a>). If the plaintiff wins their case, the court may include these court costs in the award.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is critical that a plaintiff correctly names&nbsp;the defendants, who are&nbsp;the people or entities they are suing. If they provide incorrect information about a defendant, the court cannot enter a judgment against the defendant. If the plaintiff is suing a business or corporation, they may want to contact the county clerk&#8217;s office or the secretary of state to find out a business&#8217;s assumed name.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Where and When To File Suit<\/h3>\r\n<p>The plaintiff must file their case in a proper&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/venue.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">venue<\/a>. The nature of your case and the parties involved will determine where to file the case. In general, a&nbsp;proper venue is&nbsp;one of the following precincts and counties:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Where the defendant lives<\/li>\r\n<li>If the dispute involves a contract, where the performance occurred or where the non-performance was supposed to occur<\/li>\r\n<li>If the case involves a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-law-the-basics.html\">personal injury<\/a>&nbsp;or property damage, where the injury or damage occurred<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If the plaintiff does not file in a proper venue, it may delay their case and add extra expense. It is essential to file in the correct precinct and county.<\/p>\r\n<p>Each civil claim in Texas has a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/statute-of-limitations.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">statute of limitations<\/a>. The statute of limitations is a&nbsp;period within which the plaintiff must file their claim. State law sets the statute of limitations, and it varies between claims. Read FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Texas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a>&nbsp;article for more information.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Serving the Defendant<\/h3>\r\n<p>After the plaintiff files their suit, the court will prepare a citation. The plaintiff must ensure the defendant receives the petition and citation. This process,&nbsp;known as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/service-of-process.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">service of process<\/a>,&nbsp;ensures the defendant becomes aware of the lawsuit against them.<\/p>\r\n<p>The plaintiff cannot serve the defendant. Instead, they must arrange for someone else to serve the defendant. They have several options, including the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The plaintiff may ask the court to mail the documents via certified mail with a return receipt requested.<\/li>\r\n<li>The plaintiff may contact the sheriff&#8217;s office and pay them a fee to serve the defendant.<\/li>\r\n<li>The plaintiff may hire a professional process server to serve the defendant.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Each of these options will cost the plaintiff a service fee. If they win their case, the court may award these fees to them.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have questions about how to serve the defendant, contact the clerk of the court. They can provide you with information about the service of process, but they cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions. For more information, read the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sll.texas.gov\/faqs\/small-claims-jurisdiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas State Law Library&#8217;s guide to filing<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Responding to a Small Claims Case<\/h2>\r\n<p>A defendant must respond to the petition and citation within 14 days of receiving it. To respond, they must file an answer with the court. They must also serve the plaintiff with their answer.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the defendant does not file an answer within 14 days, the plaintiff may ask the court for a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/judgment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">default judgment<\/a>. The court will hold a default judgment hearing determining if the plaintiff is entitled to their claimed amount of money. If the court enters a default judgment in the plaintiff&#8217;s favor, they win the case. The defendant will likely have to pay the plaintiff&#8217;s claimed amount.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the defendant has claims against the plaintiff, they may file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/counterclaim.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">counterclaim<\/a>. The court will hear the counterclaim in the same trial as the plaintiff&#8217;s claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once the defendant files their answer, the court will schedule a trial or pre-trial hearing on its docket.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Before the Trial<\/h2>\r\n<p>The parties may&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/settle.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">settle<\/a>&nbsp;their dispute at any time before the trial. If the parties settle, they should inform the court clerk as soon as possible. The court will enter a judgment reflecting the settlement agreement.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the parties do not settle their dispute, they should prepare for the trial. This may include gathering evidence to introduce at the trial, such as copies of contracts or photographs. They may also secure witnesses to testify at the trial. If a witness does not willingly appear for the trial, a party may request a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\">subpoena<\/a>&nbsp;from the court. A subpoena is a court order compelling a witness to appear and testify at the trial.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the court schedules a pre-trial hearing, parties must attend and discuss the case. Issues to discuss may include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Whether either party needs an interpreter<\/li>\r\n<li>Whether the court needs to issue a subpoena to a witness<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>As noted above, either party may request a jury trial. They must request it at least 14 days before the scheduled bench trial. Requesting a jury trial will cost the requesting party additional fees.<\/p>\r\n<h3>The Small Claims Trial<\/h3>\r\n<p>All parties should plan to attend the small claims trial. If the plaintiff fails to attend, the court may dismiss their case. The court may enter a default judgment in the plaintiff&#8217;s favor if the defendant fails to appear.<\/p>\r\n<p>On the trial date, the plaintiff will present their arguments first. They can introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. If a party calls a witness to testify, the other party can cross-examine them. Once the plaintiff rests, the defendant will have an opportunity to present their arguments and evidence.<\/p>\r\n<p>Unless the parties request a jury trial, a Justice of the Peace will preside over the trial. After the trial, the Justice of the Peace will announce their decision. The court will issue a written judgment as well.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Appeals and New Trials<\/h3>\r\n<p>The non-prevailing party may file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjctc.org\/SRL\/small-claim-defendant.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">motion for a new trial<\/a>&nbsp;within 14 days of the judgment&#8217;s date. The party must show that the Justice Court committed an error to get a new trial. This will cost additional fees.<\/p>\r\n<p>Either party may appeal the Justice Court&#8217;s judgment. To appeal a case, the party must file one of the following within 21 days of the judgment&#8217;s date:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>An appeal bond<\/b>, in which the appealing party pays the court double the amount of the judgment. An appeal bond requires another person to act as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/surety.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">surety<\/a>&nbsp;and promise to pay the bond amount to the non-appealing party if the appealing party ultimately does not pursue the appeal.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Deposit double the amount of money<\/b> the judgment specifies with the court. If the appealing party does not&nbsp;appeal the case, the court will distribute the money to the non-appealing party.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjctc.org\/srl\/small-claim-plaintiff.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs<\/a><\/b>&nbsp;if they cannot afford the appeal bond or double the judgment&#8217;s amount.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A County Court will hear all appeals from the Justice Courts. You may need to hire an attorney if you appeal a case, as the County Courts do not follow the informal court rules and procedures of the Justice Courts.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Enforcing a Judgment<\/h2>\r\n<p>Suppose the plaintiff prevails in the small claims case, and the defendant owes them money. The plaintiff is responsible for collecting the money from the defendant. The court does not collect the money for the prevailing party.<\/p>\r\n<p>The parties may discuss how the non-prevailing party will pay the prevailing party. If the non-prevailing party can&#8217;t or won&#8217;t satisfy the judgment, the prevailing party has several options. These options include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Discovery<\/b>: They may send&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/interrogatories.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interrogatories<\/a>&nbsp;or other questions to the non-prevailing party. The questions focus on what assets the non-prevailing party has that could satisfy the judgment. If the non-prevailing party does not respond within 30 days or if they object to the questions, the court may hold a hearing on whether they must respond.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Abstract of Judgment<\/b>: The prevailing party may request the court give them a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/lien.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lien<\/a>&nbsp;on the non-prevailing party&#8217;s real property. If the non-prevailing party sells the property, the prevailing party can take some of the proceeds to satisfy the judgment.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Writ of Execution<\/b>: The prevailing party may obtain a writ of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/execution.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">execution<\/a>. This allows the sheriff to seize non-exempt property from the non-prevailing party and sell it at a public auction. The prevailing party may use the auction&#8217;s proceeds to satisfy the judgment.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Writ of Garnishment<\/b>: The prevailing party may obtain a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/writ-of-garnishment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">writ of garnishment<\/a>. This allows them to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/garnish.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garnish<\/a>&nbsp;the non-prevailing party&#8217;s wages or bank accounts to satisfy the judgment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Enforcing and satisfying a judgment involves many steps and could cost quite a bit in additional fees. Consider contacting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>&nbsp;if you need to use these methods to enforce a judgment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Contact an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Texas small claims cases often&nbsp;involve a small amount of money, and the informal court rules allow parties to represent themselves. However, these civil cases may involve complicated questions of law. Consider contacting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>&nbsp;near you for help with your small claims case.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You want an attorney to represent you in court or during appeals\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex court cases (such as contract disputes, real estate, family law, personal injury, or employment) generally need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The court process for many cases, such as intellectual property or probate, can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court.html\">\n                        What To Expect When Going to Court\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/civil-court-basics.html\">\n                        Civil Court Basics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/alternative-dispute-resolution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/class-actions-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Class Actions  Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Products Liability Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Protection Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Civil cases in Texas involving less than $20,000 can be settled in small claims courts, which are called Justice Courts. Learn about summons, complaints, judgments, and much more regarding Texas small claims courts at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":376523,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-376677","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376677"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376677\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376677"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=376677"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=376677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}