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 $10,000, 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 confict 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

FORMS NEEDED:

* Indicates three copies need to be submitted

1. Debt Claim Petition*

2. Military Affidavit (if applicable)

• To provide proof of Military status, please visit Single Record Request to verify Active Duty Status.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

1. File with Justice Court 1 and serve in Tarrant County

• Fees
• $46 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

For more information on filing online, please visit E-File.

Appeal Information

Accessibility Notice: Due to the complexity of the preceding documents, these documents are scanned images. If you require assistance in accessing the information, please contact Justice Court One at 817-884-1395.