Texas Justice Court
Unpaid Loans and Invoices
Personal loans to friends, unpaid freelance invoices, and customer balances are classic Texas small claims cases — when you can document the agreement and the unpaid amount.
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
- Most written contract claims carry a four-year limitations period and many other claims two years, but limitations rules are technical — do not wait, and verify what applies.
- If the borrower is judgment-proof (no nonexempt assets), winning may not mean collecting. Texas wage garnishment is generally unavailable for ordinary judgments.
Step-by-Step Starting Point
- 1Reconstruct the agreement: written note, texts, emails, or consistent payment history.
- 2Total the unpaid balance and credit every payment received.
- 3Send a written demand with a specific amount and deadline.
- 4If the deadline passes, file in the Justice Court precinct where the defendant lives (baseline rule).
- 5Keep collecting evidence: promises to pay made after the demand often help.
Informal loans still count
A loan does not need a notarized contract to be enforceable. Texts saying "I will pay you back the $2,000 next month," bank transfers, and witness testimony can establish the agreement.
The court will want to see a clear principal amount, what was repaid, and what remains.
Business invoices
For services or materials delivered under an agreement, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 38 can allow reasonable attorney fees on top of the debt in some contract claims — one reason a precise written demand matters.
Invoice late fees and interest are only recoverable if your agreement actually provides for them.
Templates & kits for this task
Demand Letter Pack
$19Four Texas-specific demand letters plus sending instructions.
Texas Small Business Collections Pack
$24Get paid: contracts, escalating demand letters, and a guide to suing a business.
Full Texas Small Claims Starter Kit
$49Every 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.