How to File a Civil Suit in Texas
File in Texas Justice Court for claims up to $20,000 - one of the highest limits in the US. No lawyer needed.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
Find the Right Court
File in Justice Court (JP Court) in the precinct where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the obligation was to be performed.
Prepare Your Petition
Complete the Small Claims Petition with your name, defendant's legal name and address, claim amount, and brief explanation of why they owe you.
File Your Case
File online via eFileTexas.gov or in person at the clerk's office. Pay the filing fee based on your claim amount.
Serve the Defendant
Have papers served by constable ($40-75), certified mail ($8-15), or process server ($50-125). File proof of service with the court.
Attend Your Hearing
Arrive early with organized evidence. Texas Justice Courts are informal - present your case clearly to the judge.
Texas Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 - $500 | $54 |
| $501 - $1,000 | $71 |
| $1,001 - $2,500 | $111 |
| $2,501 - $5,000 | $141 |
| $5,001 - $10,000 | $201 |
| $10,001 - $20,000 | $500 |
*Fees vary slightly by county. Additional costs: constable service ($40-75), copies ($1/page).
Filing in Major Texas Cities
Harris County (16 precincts)
Dallas County (5 precincts)
Bexar County (4 precincts)
Travis County (5 precincts)
Tarrant County (8 precincts)
El Paso County (7 precincts)
Texas = 3x Damages for Bad Landlords
Under Texas Property Code § 92.109, landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits may owe:
Skip the Court - Start with a Demand Letter
We prepare a professional demand letter citing Texas law and send it via certified mail. 78% of Texas cases settle after receiving our demand letter.
About This Guide: Verified against Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Updated August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a civil suit in Texas?
To file a civil suit in Texas, you generally start by preparing a Petition (complaint) outlining your case, filing it with the correct court clerk (often a Justice Court for claims up to $20,000), paying the filing fee ($54-$500 depending on claim amount), and then having the defendant formally served. For claims under $20,000, Texas Justice Courts handle small claims with simplified procedures.
How do I file a lawsuit in Texas without a lawyer?
To file a lawsuit in Texas without a lawyer (pro se), you'll need to: 1) Identify the correct court (Justice Court for claims up to $20,000), 2) Draft a formal Complaint or Petition, 3) File it electronically via eFileTexas or in-person at the clerk's office, 4) Pay filing fees ($54-$500), 5) Have the defendant properly served, 6) Appear at your hearing. Texas Justice Courts are designed for self-representation.
What are the Texas small claims court limits?
Texas small claims (Justice Court) has a limit of $20,000 for most cases, which is one of the highest in the nation. There's no minimum claim amount. For claims over $20,000, you'll need to file in County Court or District Court, which have more complex procedures.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Texas?
Texas small claims filing fees range from $54-$500 depending on the claim amount. Additional costs include service of process ($40-75 for constable) and any certified mail fees. With PettyLawsuit, you can send a professional demand letter for $29 - 78% of cases settle without needing court.