Baylor County Court Clerk
We recommend contacting the Baylor County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice.
What is the trial like?
Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Additionally, the judge is allowed to ask questions of the parties and witnesses, and generally takes a more proactive role in determining the facts of a case. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Can I file my small claims case in Baylor County?
The action is generally filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside (where they live) or where location where the Defendants contracted themselves to perform. (Texas Government Code Section 28.011).
Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?
A Justice of the Peace for Baylor County hears small claims court cases for Baylor County.
Can I hire an attorney?
You are allowed to hire an attorney (Texas Government Code Section 28.003), however, most small claims court parties choose to represent themselves. This is largely because the amount at issue in the case is not large enough to justify the hiring of an attorney. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).
Can I file my case in small claims court?
A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. For example, you could sue a dry cleaner for ruining your clothes and ask for money to replace the clothes, but you cannot ask the judge for an order for the dry cleaner to repair your clothes. You could only ask the court for an award of money. Baylor County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 2 courthouses in Baylor County. 
Types of Cases
Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. The only types of cases that are prohibited are an assignment of a claim (whereby you transfer your interest in a case for someone else to collect), a divorce, or a case filed by a collection agency or agents.
Can I appeal my case?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Baylor County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Seymour
This courthouse is located at:
101 S Washington St, Ste 2 Seymour, TX 76380-2556This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (940)889-2662. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Seymour
This courthouse is located at:
101 S Washington St, Ste 3 Seymour, TX 76380-2556This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (940)889-3300. And you can email the court by clicking here.