Texas Justice Court
Use the county JP form first whenever possible. Statewide forms are useful fallbacks, not a substitute for local verification.
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
Many JP courts publish local petition packets, answer forms, service requests, default packages, and eviction forms.
If the county does not publish a useful form, statewide resources from TexasLawHelp, TJCTC, or the Texas State Law Library can help you find a fallback.
Starting a general small claims case.
Use the county JP form first, then a statewide self-help packet if no local form is available.
Source: Texas Justice Court Training Center: Filing a Small Claims CaseStarting a debt-claim case by a qualifying plaintiff.
County JP form first.
Source: Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, March 1, 2026 PDFResidential tenant repair case under Property Code Chapter 92.
County JP form first, then TJCTC or TexasLawHelp resources.
Source: Texas Property Code Chapter 92Landlord possession case.
County JP eviction packet for the precinct where the property is located.
Source: Texas Property Code Chapter 24Responding to a non-eviction Justice Court lawsuit.
County answer form or TexasLawHelp answer guide.
Source: TexasLawHelp: I want to file an answer in a civil caseResponding to an eviction case.
TexasLawHelp eviction answer guide plus county form if available.
Source: TexasLawHelp Eviction Answer and Defense GuideRequesting waiver of court costs, service fees, jury fee, appeal bond, or cash deposit when eligible.
Approved Texas form through TexasLawHelp or the county JP page.
Source: TexasLawHelp: I cannot afford my court feesRequesting a jury trial in Justice Court.
County form if provided.
Source: Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, March 1, 2026 PDFDraft a plain demand letter you can review, edit, and verify before sending.
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]
Build a starter checklist for filing or responding.
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.
Hearing Prep Pack
$19Walk into your JP court hearing organized, not overwhelmed.
Self-help templates, not legal advice. County court forms always come first when your JP court publishes one.