A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by an assignee of a claim, a debt collector or collection agency, a financial institution, or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest.
The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees if any. Debt claim cases in justice court are governed by Rules 500-507 and 508 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 508 and the rest of Part V, Rule 508 applies.
To search the Justice Court Precinct for your case, please visit Tarrant County Comprehensive Address Information Directory.
For information on Justice Court Rules, please visit Texas Judicial Branch Rules and Forms website.
Self-Help Legal Information Packet: When a Debt Claim Case Has Been Filed Against You
Cuando se ha presentado un caso de reclamación de deuda en su contra
FORMS NEEDED:
1. Debt Claim Petition
2. Military Affidavit (if applicable)
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. File with Justice Court 1 and serve in Tarrant County
- Fees
- $54 filing fee
- $75 Constable fee for each person being served
2. File with Justice Court 1 and serve outside Tarrant County
- The plaintiff is responsible to provide the court with the following information: name, address, phone number, and separate payment for the service fee for the Constable, Sheriff, or other agency that will be serving the citation.
- Out of County Service Instructions
CLICK HERE TO FILE A DEBT CLAIM
Note: Cases filed with a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs cannot be filed using "Guide and File." These cases MUST be filed through EFileTexas.
-For more information on filing online, please visit E-File.
Appeal Information
Justice of the Peace Court 1
