Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Texas
The most you can sue for in Texas small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Texas
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $20,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | ~$54–$86 per county (a base fee plus local add-ons), plus citation/service of about $20–$100 per defendant |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed |
| Statute / court rule | Tex. Gov’t Code §27.031(a)(1) |
Where to file in Texas
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Texas's official court self-help resource.
→ Texas State Law LibraryWhat Texas filers get wrong
Texas has the highest small-claims ceiling of the fifteen states here: $20,000, heard in the justice courts (the old "small claims court" was folded into justice court in 2013, but people still call it that). Government Code §27.031 fixes the figure at "not more than $20,000, exclusive of interest," and it applies the same to individuals and businesses. Lawyers are allowed but not required — plenty of people appear on their own. The one number to treat with care is the filing fee: Texas sets it locally, so a base of around $54 climbs with county-specific add-ons and per-defendant service costs, and the official statewide fee schedule was not machine-readable at review time. The $20,000 limit has held since September 1, 2020 (up from $10,000).
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Texas?
Texas justice courts hear claims up to $20,000, exclusive of interest, under Government Code §27.031. The same limit applies whether you are an individual or a business.
Is small claims court the same as justice court in Texas?
Effectively yes. Texas abolished the separate "small claims court" in 2013 and moved those cases into the justice courts, which now hear claims up to $20,000. Many people still use the older name.
Can I use a lawyer in Texas small claims (justice) court?
Yes. Texas allows attorneys in justice court, though they are not required and many litigants represent themselves. This is different from states like California that bar lawyers from the hearing.
How much is the filing fee in a Texas justice court?
It varies by county — roughly $54 as a base, plus local add-ons and a citation/service charge of about $20–$100 per defendant. Check the fee schedule for the specific justice court where you will file.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.