Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $20,000
- Filing fee
- $54
- Court
- Justice Court
- File online
- Yes
Harris County filing fees
Source: jp.hctx.net (Harris County Justice Courts), txcourts.gov, and statutes.capitol.texas.gov
| Your claim | You pay |
|---|---|
| Under $20,000 | $54 |
Fees change. Confirm the current amount with the clerk at 713-274-0695 before you file.
Where to file
Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
7300 North Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77091
713-274-0695
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding county holidays)
- 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.
The forms you need
Harris County requires 2 forms to open a small claims case:
- Small Claims Petition (Harris County JP)
- Justice Court Civil Case Information Sheet (OCA, Rule 502)
We keep the current Harris County versions of both. The forms are not the hard part — filling them out is. The Statement of Claim has to describe what happened in the language the court expects, and that is where most first-time filers get sent home to try again.
Serving the 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.
- Sheriff or constable (for a fee, per county constable fee schedule)
- Private process server certified under order of the Texas Supreme Court
- Clerk of the court by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested
- Any other person authorized by written court order who is 18 or older and not a party to or interested in the outcome (Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.2)
Service by certified mail is not complete unless the return receipt is signed by the addressee; an unsigned or unreturned green card will stall the case.
Why not just download the free form?
The forms are free. Why pay?
The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.
Can't I just hire a lawyer?
Most attorneys will not take a $20,000 case, and the ones who will cost more than the claim.
What if I get it wrong?
You refile and pay the fee again. That is the actual cost of guessing.
What happens next
Your trial is scheduled after the defendant is served. If the defendant loses, they have 14 days to move for a new trial and 21 days to appeal.
The Harris County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Both Harris County forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- Filing checklist with this court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your trial
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Harris County?
A flat $54 to file, regardless of the amount you are claiming, plus $85 per defendant for service.
What is the small claims limit in Harris County?
$20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs, but including attorney fees, if any.
Where do I file a small claims case in Harris County?
Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts, 7300 North Shepherd Dr., Houston. Also at Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4, Precinct 5, Precinct 6, Precinct 7, Precinct 8. You can also file online.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Harris County?
No. Small claims is designed for people to represent themselves.
Who serves the 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.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-20 · Sourced from jp.hctx.net (Harris County Justice Courts), txcourts.gov, and statutes.capitol.texas.gov and Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 27 (Justice Courts) — §27.031 (civil jurisdiction, $20,000), §27.031(d) (corporation need not be represented by attorney), §27.060 (small claims). See how we verify.