Chambers County Small Claims Court, Texas

Small Claims Court Case Types

Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.

Small Claims Court Venue

In order to follow correct procedure, a small claims case needs to be filed in the proper county and precinct. In Texas, the action is filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside or where a contract was to be performed. (Government Code Section 28.011). Small Claims Court cases for Chambers are heard in 6 LOCATIONS throughout Chambers County.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. 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.

Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court

The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. You cannot seek injunctive relief. 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.

What can I expect at trial?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Furthermore, the judge is allowed and often ask questions of witnesses and parties to help understand the facts of a case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.

Can I appeal my case?

Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.

Judge

Small claims cases in Chambers County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Chambers County.

Do I need to hire an Attorney?

In Texas, small claims parties generally represent themselves without an attorney. This is because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.

Chambers County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Winnie

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 332

Winnie, TX 77665

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)267-2641. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Anahuac

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 971

Anahuac, TX 77514

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)267-2519. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Anahuac

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 1407

Anahuac, TX 77514

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)252-4212.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Mont Belvieu

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 827

Mont Belvieu, TX 77580

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)267-2610.

Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Wallisville

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 2

Wallisville, TX 77597-0002

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)389-8232. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 6 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Baytown

This courthouse is located at:

7711 Hwy 146

Baytown, TX 77523

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 6 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (281)383-3641. And you can email the court by clicking here.