Small Claims actions are heard in 6 courthouses throughout Denton County. This County serves the following places: Argyle, Aubrey, Bartonville, Carrollton, Copper Canyon, Corinth, Corral City, Cross Roads, Dallas, Denton, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Hackberry, Haslet, Hebron, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Justin, Krugerville, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lakewood Village, Lewisville, Lincoln Park, Little Elm, Marshall Creek, Northlake, Oak Point, Pilot Point, Ponder, Roanoke, Sanger, Shady Shores, Southlake, The Colony, Trophy Club, Westlake, and unincorporated parts of Denton County.
Denton County Small Claims Court
Can I file my small claims case in Denton County?
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).
What can I expect at trial?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. 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). If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Denton County
Small claims cases in Denton County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Denton County.
Small Claims Court Clerk
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specfic local procedures for Denton County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice.
Do I need to hire an Attorney?
Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).
Types of Cases
Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. 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.
Limit (or Jurisdiction) of 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. You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable relief. Say your landscaper breaks a sprinklerhead. You can ask the court for money to replace the sprinklerhead, but you cannot ask the court for an order requiring the landscaper to physically replace the sprinklerhead. This would be called injunctive relief.
Are there appeals in small claims court?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Denton Courthouse
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1. The Denton courthouse is located at:
401 W Hickory, Ste 227 Denton, TX 76201-9006The court’s website is here. This court can be reached at (940)349-3170. You can email the court here.
The Colony Courthouse
The The Colony courthouse is located at:
6301 Main St, Ste 100 The Colony, TX 75056-1634The Denton courthouse is located at:
6301 Main St, Ste 100 The Colony, TX 75056-1634The court’s website is can be found here. This court can be reached at (972)434-7200. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Lewisville Courthouse
This courthouse is located at:
190 N Valley Pkwy, #100 Lewisville, TX 75067-3466This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3. The court’s website is here. The phone number for the court is (972)434-4750. You can also contact the court via email by clicking here.
Roanoke Courthouse
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4. This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4. The website is located here. This court can be reached at (972)434-3910. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Cross Roads Courthouse
The Cross Roads courthouse is located at:
1400 FM 424, Ste 124 Cross Roads, TX 76227This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5. The court’s website is here. This court can be reached at (940)349-3460. You can email the court here.
Carrollton Courthouse
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 6. The Denton courthouse is located at:
1029 W Rosemeade Pkwy Carrollton, TX 75007-6251The court’s website is here. This court can be reached at (972)434-7100. And you can email the court by clicking here.