Texas Justice Court

Before Trial

A clear timeline and organized evidence help the court understand what happened without turning the site into a strategy coach.

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

Courtroom and exhibit procedures vary by precinct. Check your hearing notice and court page.

Step-by-Step Starting Point

1Make a timeline of key dates.
2Collect contracts, notices, messages, photos, receipts, estimates, and payment records.
3Prepare a damages worksheet or rent/repair calculation if relevant.
4List witnesses and check subpoena timing with the court if needed.
5Ask early about interpreter, disability accommodation, remote-hearing, or exhibit-submission procedures.

Evidence is about clarity

Bring copies when the court requires them. Label exhibits in a way that makes dates, people, and amounts easy to follow.

Do not assume you can show everything from your phone. Some courts require paper copies or pre-submitted exhibits.

Evidence Checklist Builder

Create a starter evidence, timeline, and damages checklist based on case type.

This checklist is organizational only. It does not decide what evidence is admissible or what arguments to make.

Case typeShort fact summary

Documents you have

Contract, lease, invoice, or written agreementTexts, emails, letters, or noticesReceipts, bank records, checks, or payment app recordsPhotos or videoRepair estimates, bids, or invoicesCitation, petition, judgment, or court noticesWitness names and contact information

Printable checklist draft

Evidence checklist Case type: Small claims Fact summary: [add a short summary] Timeline worksheet: - Date event started: - Date payment, notice, service, or court paper happened: - Date the other side responded or failed to respond: - Hearing or deadline date: Documents selected: - Contract, lease, invoice, or written agreement - Texts, emails, letters, or notices Case-specific items to verify: - Demand letter and proof of delivery - Damages worksheet - Before-and-after photos if property is involved Damages / relief worksheet: - Amount requested: - How calculated: - Receipts, estimates, or ledger support: - Court costs and service costs to ask about: Verification: - Check local court exhibit rules. - Bring or submit copies in the format the court requires. - This checklist is not legal advice.

Templates & kits for this task

Hearing Prep Pack

$19

Walk into your JP court hearing organized, not overwhelmed.

Full Texas Small Claims Starter Kit

$49

Every template and guide, from first demand letter to collecting a judgment.

Self-help templates, not legal advice. County court forms always come first when your JP court publishes one.

Official Sources

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, March 1, 2026 PDFCurrent Texas Judicial Branch rules PDF found from the Rules & Forms page. Part V contains Rules 500-510 for Justice Courts.Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 TexasLawHelp: I want to file an answer in a civil casePlain-language answer deadline guidance.Last reviewed: 2026-05-01