Below are some of the library resources that can provide further guidance on this topic. The Texas State Law Library has many other resources in addition to the highlights we present below. Please call us at (512) 463-1722 if you have any questions about these materials.

American Bar Association Guide to Resolving Legal Disputes - American Bar Association Staff

Call Number: KF 9084 Z9 A54 2007

ISBN: 9780375721410

Publication Date: 2007-02-13

This resources from the American Bar Association has information on the small claims system as well as strategies to resolve a dispute before it necessitates a lawsuit.

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court - Ralph Warner

Call Number: REF DESK KF 8769 W37 2010

ISBN: 1413311024

Publication Date: 2010-04-02

This comprehensive guide to the small claims system provides insight and advice for preparing and filing your small claims suit successfully.

Small claims court is a part of the justice court system in Texas that allows people to resolve legal disputes on their own without having to hire a lawyer. Small claims court is more informal than district or county courts and does not require extensive knowledge of the law or court rules and procedures. The limit to the amount that a person can sue for in small claims court is $10,000 in Texas.

Before filing a lawsuit in small claims court, attempt to resolve your problems with the other party. It is always better to come to a solution that both parties can agree to than to have to file suit.  Should you decide to file a lawsuit in small claims court, information on how to do so can be found on this page.

Below you will find references to areas of the Texas Government Code and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure that govern small claims court and issues related to small claims court. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the "plain English" resources on this page or speak to an attorney.

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in "plain English."

Below are links to filing information for nine of the most populous counties in Texas. If you do not see your county listed here, contact the clerk of your county court for more information.

The Texas State Law Library reference librarians have compiled legal research guides for specific areas of the law. These guides contain resources that can help you research a legal issue. The American Association of Law Libraries has a guide for Non-Lawyers on How to Research a Legal Problem. If you have any questions, please contact us at (512) 463-1722 or at library@sll.texas.gov.

Important:

The information provided on this page has been prepared for general information purposes only and should not be construed as, nor substituted for, legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney for advice specific to your fact situation. Your local bar association or the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Information Service (1-800-252-9690) can assist you with locating an attorney.

If you need help with a reference question, you may ask a librarian...

• in person: 205 W. 14th Street in Austin, TX
• by telephone: (512) 463-1722
• by mail: P.O. Box 12367, Austin, TX 78711-2367
• by fax: (512) 463-1728
• by email: click here to submit a question online