How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Texas?

Displayed filing fee: $54 + service. Displayed maximum claim amount: $20,000. Verify the official court source before filing.

What is the small claims court limit in Texas?

Displayed maximum claim amount for Texas: $20,000. Verify the current Justice Court rule before filing.

Justice Court in Texas is designed for self-represented claimants. CollectNow is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

A practical filing guide for small claims cases in Texas. Designed for self-represented claimants. Not a law firm and not legal advice.

Verified

Source checked: 2026-04-29

Filing Fee

$54 + service

Max Claim

$20,000

Court

Justice Court

Statute

Texas Gov't Code §27.060

File a petition at the Justice Court in the precinct where the defendant resides

Pay filing fee

Court will issue citation for service

Defendant has 14 days to respond after service

Served by constable, sheriff, or authorized process server. No self-service.

-Bring ALL documentation - contracts, invoices, texts, emails, photos

-Arrive early and dress professionally

-Be concise - judges hear dozens of cases per day

-Stick to facts, not emotions

-Bring copies of everything (one for you, one for the judge, one for the defendant)

-Know the limit - current display: $20,000. Verify with the court source before filing.

-Send a demand letter first to document the claim before escalating

CollectNow is designed for self-represented claimants. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

From filing to hearing, typically 30-60 days in Texas. Many cases settle before the hearing after receiving the demand letter.

You can use enforcement tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens to collect. CollectNow provides all these documents.

Generally, you must file in the state where the defendant lives or where the transaction/incident occurred.

We generate your demand letter and pre-fill all Texas court forms automatically.