Texas
Small claims court in Texas
Texas handles small claims in Justice of the Peace courts, with a $20,000 cap. Lawyers are permitted but not required. The losing party can appeal de novo to County Court at Law within 21 days.
Important: Texas combined its old 'small claims' procedure with the broader Justice Court rules in 2013; all consumer claims under $20,000 now follow the Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure.
Max claim (individual)
$20,000
Filing fee
$54.00
Filing → judgment: 8-14 weeks
Court
Justice of the Peace Court
In person; remote available
The rules at a glance
- Lawyers allowed?
- Yes
- Corporations allowed?
- Yes
- Right of appeal?
- Yes — 21 days
- Appeal goes to
- County Court at Law (de novo trial)
Official resources
Frequently asked
- How much can I sue for in Texas small claims?
- Up to $20,000, plus court costs, in Justice of the Peace court.
- Are lawyers allowed in Texas Justice Court?
- Yes, both sides may have lawyers, but the rules are simplified and self-representation is common.
Other states
Alaska
$10,000
Alabama
$6,000
Arkansas
$5,000
Arizona
$3,500
California
$12,500
Colorado
$7,500
Connecticut
$5,000
District of Columbia
$10,000
Delaware
$25,000
Florida
$8,000
Georgia
$15,000
Hawaii
$5,000
Iowa
$6,500
Idaho
$5,000
Illinois
$10,000
Indiana
$10,000
Kansas
$4,000
Kentucky
$2,500
Louisiana
$5,000
Massachusetts
$7,000
Maryland
$5,000
Maine
$6,000
Michigan
$7,000
Minnesota
$15,000
Missouri
$5,000
Mississippi
$3,500
Montana
$8,000
North Carolina
$10,000
North Dakota
$15,000
Nebraska
$3,800
New Hampshire
$10,000
New Jersey
$5,000
New Mexico
$10,000
Nevada
$10,000
New York
$10,000
Ohio
$6,000
Oklahoma
$10,000
Oregon
$10,000
Pennsylvania
$12,000
Rhode Island
$5,000
South Carolina
$7,500
South Dakota
$12,000
Tennessee
$25,000
Utah
$15,000
Virginia
$5,000
Vermont
$10,000
Washington
$10,000
Wisconsin
$10,000
West Virginia
$10,000
Wyoming
$6,000
Not legal advice. Procedures vary by court and change
periodically. Always confirm details with the clerk's office or the
official court website (linked above) before filing.