Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Culberson County
Small claims cases in Culberson County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Culberson County.
Small Claims Court Case Types
Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. This could be an action to get your security deposit back, or an action to recover money for damage done to your vehicle after a car accident. 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. Small Claims actions are heard in 4 courthouses throughout Culberson County. 
Small Claims Court Clerk
The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Culberson County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.
Can I file my small claims case in Culberson 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).
Do I need to hire an Attorney?
In Texas, small claims parties generally represent themselves without an attorney. This is largely because the amount at issue in the case is not large enough to justify the hiring of an attorney. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).
What is the trial like?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. There are no rules of evidence. 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. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Are there appeals in small claims court?
Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.
Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court
You cannot demand or ask for more than $10,000 in a small claims court case. (Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. You cannot seek injunctive relief. Say your landscaper breaks a sprinkler head. You can ask the court for money to replace the sprinkler head, but you cannot ask the court for an order requiring the landscaper to physically replace the sprinkler head. This type of relief would be injunctive relief.
Culberson County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Van Horn
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)283-2609.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Van Horn
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 1584 Van Horn, TX 79855This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)283-8439.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Van Horn
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 395 Van Horn, TX 79855This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)283-1101. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Van Horn
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 1394 Van Horn, TX 79855-2245This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)283-2999.