Harris County
Small Claims Court
Professional help filing your case in the correct Harris County Justice Court. We handle the paperwork, e-filing, and service coordination for just $29.
Harris County Justice Court Information
Texas abolished standalone small claims courts in 2013. Small claims cases are now heard by the Justice of the Peace Courts under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 500 to 507.
Where to File
File in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the obligation arose. Harris County has 16 Justice Courts across 8 precincts. See the precinct finder below for every courthouse address.
Court Hours
Forms & E-Filing
Pro Tip: Harris County is the most populous county in Texas, and its 16 Justice Courts each cover a specific area. Filing in the wrong precinct can delay or dismiss your case, so confirm the correct court before you submit.
What Can You File in Harris County?
Money Owed
- Unpaid loans or debts
- Breach of contract
- Unpaid rent or utilities
- Bad checks up to $20,000
Property Disputes
- Security deposit returns
- Property damage claims
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Repair and remedy cases
Consumer & Business
- Contractor disputes
- Service complaints
- Product defects
- Warranty claims
Harris County JP Court Precinct Finder
Harris County has 16 Justice of the Peace Courts: 8 precincts with 2 places each. File in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the obligation arose.
| JP Court | Courthouse Address |
|---|---|
| Precinct 1, Place 1 | 7300 North Shepherd, Houston, TX 77091 |
| Precinct 1, Place 2 | 1302 Preston, Houston, TX 77002 (downtown) |
| Precinct 2, Place 1 | 10851 Scarsdale, Houston, TX 77089 |
| Precinct 2, Place 2 | 101 South Richey, Suite B, Pasadena, TX 77506 |
| Precinct 3, Place 1 | 14350 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049 |
| Precinct 3, Place 2 | 701 W. Baker Road, Baytown, TX 77521 |
| Precinct 4, Place 1 | 6831 Cypresswood Drive, Klein, TX 77379 |
| Precinct 4, Place 2 | 7900 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338 |
| Precinct 5, Place 1 | 6000 Chimney Rock, Houston, TX 77081 |
| Precinct 5, Place 2 | 16715 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084 |
| Precinct 6, Place 1 | 333 Lockwood, Houston, TX 77011 |
| Precinct 6, Place 2 | 1001 Macario Garcia, Houston, TX 77011 |
| Precinct 7, Place 1 | 5737 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77021 |
| Precinct 7, Place 2 | 5300 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021 |
| Precinct 8, Place 1 | 7330 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505 |
| Precinct 8, Place 2 | 16603 Buccaneer, Houston, TX 77062 |
Not sure which precinct covers your defendant? Our service confirms the correct court for you before filing.
Harris County Filing Fees & Costs
The $20,000 Texas limit lets you recover more than most states, excluding interest and court costs.
DIY Filing Costs
If you do everything yourself
Our Full Service
We handle everything for you
Fees last verified July 2026. Court costs are approximate and change if you sue more than one defendant. Always confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
How to File in Harris County: Step by Step
Find the Right Precinct (Day 1)
Identify the precinct where the defendant lives or where the obligation arose. Use the precinct finder above to confirm the correct Justice Court and courthouse address.
Prepare and File Your Petition (Day 1-2)
Complete the Justice Court petition, pay the $49 filing fee, and submit online through eFileTexas.gov. With our service, this takes about 5 minutes from anywhere.
Serve the Defendant (Days 3-14)
The constable or a private process server delivers the papers, usually for about $75 per defendant. The server files a return of service with the court to prove delivery.
Attend Your Hearing (Court Date)
Present your evidence to the Justice of the Peace. Bring copies of contracts, receipts, photos, and any messages. We provide a preparation checklist so you walk in ready.
Service of Process in Harris County
After you file, the defendant must be formally served with the court papers. In Harris County, the constable for the precinct typically handles service, and the standard cost is about $75 per defendant. You may also use a private process server or a person authorized by the court. You cannot serve the papers yourself because you are a party to the case.
Service can be completed by personal delivery to the defendant. The server then files a return of service with the court, which proves the defendant received notice. Without proper service, the court cannot move your case forward, so this step matters. If the first attempt fails, you may need to try an alternate address or request substituted service from the judge.
Our service coordinates delivery with the correct constable or process server for your precinct and tracks the return of service, so you do not have to chase paperwork. This keeps your case on schedule and reduces the risk of a delay from an incomplete return.
Harris County Forms & Official Links
Justice Court Forms & Info
Petition forms, fee schedules, and precinct details for all 16 Justice Courts are posted on the official Harris County JP Courts website.
Visit jp.hctx.netStatewide E-Filing Portal
Texas courts use eFileTexas.gov for electronic filing. You can submit your Justice Court petition online without visiting the courthouse in person.
Visit eFileTexas.govHarris County Small Claims FAQs
What is the small claims limit in Harris County?
Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts hear claims up to $20,000. This limit is set by Texas Government Code 27.031 and excludes interest and court costs. Texas abolished separate small claims courts in 2013, so all small claims now go through the Justice Courts under Rules 500 through 507.
How much does it cost to file in a Harris County JP Court?
Filing costs about $124 for one defendant. That includes a $49 court filing fee plus $75 for constable service per defendant. Fees rise if you sue more than one person. Our service handles the paperwork, filing, and service coordination for a flat $29 on top of the court costs.
Which Harris County precinct should I file in?
File in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the obligation arose. Harris County has 16 Justice of the Peace Courts across 8 precincts, with two places each. If you pick the wrong court, your case can be moved or dismissed, so check the address before you file.
Do I need a lawyer for Harris County Justice Court?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Justice Court rules are written for regular people, and many parties represent themselves. A business may send an employee or owner instead of a lawyer. If you want help preparing your forms, our service handles the paperwork so you file correctly the first time.
How do I serve the defendant in Harris County?
The constable or a private process server delivers the court papers to the defendant. Standard constable service costs about $75 per defendant. You cannot serve the papers yourself. After service, the server files a return of service with the court. We coordinate service so your case stays on track.
Can I file my Harris County case online?
Yes, Harris County accepts electronic filing through eFileTexas.gov, the statewide e-filing portal. You can also find forms and court information at jp.hctx.net. Our service files your case online for you, so you do not need to visit a courthouse just to start your claim.
What kinds of cases can I file in Harris County JP Court?
You can file money disputes like unpaid debts, broken contracts, security deposit claims, property damage, and unpaid rent. Justice Courts also hear evictions and repair and remedy cases. The claim must be $20,000 or less. About 70% of demand letters resolve before court, so sending one first can save time.
About Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Houston. Since Texas abolished standalone small claims courts in 2013, small claims cases are heard by the Justice of the Peace Courts under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 500 through 507. The county operates 16 Justice Courts, organized as 8 precincts with 2 places each, spread from downtown Houston to Pasadena, Baytown, Humble, Klein, and other communities. Each court serves a defined geographic area, so choosing the correct precinct is one of the most important steps when you file.
The claim limit in a Texas Justice Court is $20,000, one of the higher small claims limits in the country, and that amount excludes interest and court costs while including attorney fees when they are allowed. This limit is set by Texas Government Code 27.031. The Justice Courts hear money disputes, evictions, and repair and remedy cases, and the rules are written so that people can represent themselves without a lawyer. Filing is available online through eFileTexas.gov, and official forms and precinct information are posted at jp.hctx.net.
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We have helped start 2,500+ cases nationwide. Let us handle the paperwork, e-filing, and service coordination for your Harris County case for just $29 plus court costs.
PettyLawsuit is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a self-help filing service that prepares and submits your documents based on the information you give us. Court fees, forms, and procedures were last verified July 2026 and can change at any time. Always confirm the current requirements with the Harris County Justice Court before you file.