Texas Justice Court
After Judgment
A judgment is not the same as payment. The next steps depend on whether someone pays, appeals, seeks a new trial, or collection begins.
Legal information only: This site provides legal information for Texas Justice Court users. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not replace advice from a licensed Texas attorney or instructions from your court. County and precinct practices vary. Filing methods, local forms, service fees, court closures, and clerk procedures can change. Always verify details with the correct Justice of the Peace court before filing or relying on a deadline.
Important
- Collection law is a high-risk area. This page gives vocabulary and source links, not a recommendation to pursue a collection method.
Step-by-Step Starting Point
- 1Read the signed judgment and date it was signed.
- 2Calendar any appeal or post-judgment motion deadlines.
- 3If payment is made, ask the court about release or satisfaction procedures.
- 4If collection is being considered, learn the difference between abstract, execution, turnover, and garnishment.
- 5Check exemptions and protected income/property rules before assuming money can be collected.
Common post-judgment words
An abstract of judgment can create a public record and may create a lien on nonexempt real property in the county where recorded.
Execution, turnover, and garnishment are separate tools with different rules and exemptions.
Templates & kits for this task
Self-help templates, not legal advice. County court forms always come first when your JP court publishes one.