Texas Justice Court
I Want to File a Case
Before filing, confirm the case type, correct court, defendant identity, service address, forms, fees, and evidence.
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
- Naming and serving the wrong defendant can delay or damage a case. Verify official business records before filing.
Step-by-Step Starting Point
- 1Choose the likely Justice Court case type.
- 2Find the county and precinct.
- 3Identify the defendant correctly, especially for businesses.
- 4Use the county form and current fee schedule.
- 5Arrange service through an authorized method.
- 6Prepare a timeline, evidence checklist, and damages worksheet.
Service is separate from filing
The filing fee opens the case. Service is the formal delivery of citation and petition to each defendant and often costs extra per defendant.
If the defendant is outside the county, the serving agency and cost may be different.
Business Defendant Helper
Use official Texas business lookup resources before naming or serving a business defendant.
Research checklist
- Search SOSDirect for the legal entity name, file number, registered agent, and registered office.
- Use the Comptroller franchise-tax account status search as a companion check, not as a substitute for SOSDirect.
- Compare the business name on contracts, invoices, receipts, websites, trucks, and payment records.
- Confirm whether the service address is a proper registered office or another authorized service address.
Demand Letter Generator
Draft a plain demand letter you can review, edit, and verify before sending.
Draft letter
Date: 6/13/2026 From: [Your name and mailing address] To: [Other party name and mailing address] Re: Demand for resolution Dear [Name], This letter is a demand to resolve the following dispute: [Briefly describe what happened, using dates and amounts where possible.] I am requesting [the specific amount or action requested] by [response deadline]. If you believe this request is incorrect, please respond in writing before that date and identify the facts or documents you believe I should review. If this matter is not resolved by the deadline, I may consider filing in the appropriate Texas Justice Court. I prefer to resolve this without filing if possible. Delivery method planned: certified mail Sincerely, [Your name]
Printable Case Packet Checklist
Build a starter checklist for filing or responding.
Checklist
Case packet checklist Case type: Small claims Role: May file a case Starter items: - Petition or complaint form - Service request and defendant address - Filing and service fee or Statement of Inability - Evidence and damages worksheet Forms / source checks: - Small Claims Petition: Use the county JP form first, then a statewide self-help packet if no local form is available. - Civil Answer: County answer form or TexasLawHelp answer guide. - Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs or an Appeal Bond: Approved Texas form through TexasLawHelp or the county JP page. - Jury Demand: County form if provided. Verification: - Official county JP page and fee page saved or printed. - Last-reviewed date and source URL checked before filing. - County packets can require additional forms, copies, or evidence attachments. - This checklist is not legal advice.
Templates & kits for this task
Full Texas Small Claims Starter Kit
$49Every template and guide, from first demand letter to collecting a judgment.
Demand Letter Pack
$19Four Texas-specific demand letters plus sending instructions.
Self-help templates, not legal advice. County court forms always come first when your JP court publishes one.