How to File a Small Claims Case in Harris County

Claim limit

$20,000

Filing fee

$54

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Harris County, step by step

Every step below happens at Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Harris County small claims handles claims up to $20,000 (excluding statutory interest and court costs, but including attorney fees, if any). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Harris County uses Small Claims Petition (Harris County JP), Justice Court Civil Case Information Sheet (OCA, Rule 502). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Harris County accepts filings in person at the justice court of the precinct and place with proper venue; by mail to that justice court; electronically via efiletexas.gov. The fee is $54.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. Harris County charges $85 per defendant. The plaintiff pays for service; the court or clerk issues the citation after filing, then the plaintiff chooses the method (usually the constable). Clerks do not perform physical service.

Where to file in Harris County

• In person at the Justice Court of the precinct and place with proper venue
• By mail to that Justice Court
• Electronically via eFileTexas.gov

Walk-in filing is available at 8 locations: Precinct 1, Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4, Precinct 5, Precinct 6, Precinct 7, Precinct 8.

What happens after you file

The court sets your date after the defendant is served. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 14 days to move for a new trial and 21 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $54 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Harris County?

Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts, 7300 North Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77091. Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding county holidays).

Can I file small claims online in Harris County?

Yes. Harris County accepts filings through eFileTexas.gov (Odyssey File & Serve), and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Harris County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. The court sets the date once service is complete.

How much can I sue for in Harris County?

Up to $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs, but including attorney fees, if any.