Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Ellis County
A Justice of the Peace for Ellis County hears small claims court cases for Ellis County.
Can I file my small claims case in Ellis 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).
Ellis County Court Clerk
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.
Do I need to hire an Attorney?
Small claims court litigants in Texas normally 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. Small Claims Court cases for Ellis are heard in 4 LOCATIONS throughout Ellis County. 
How are trials conducted?
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. 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. It will likely be pretty quick. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Can I file my case in small claims court?
The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of money). You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable relief. For example, if you pay a painter $1,000 to paint your house and the painter does not even begin, you cannot ask the court to issue an order for the painter to paint your house. This would be called injunctive relief.
Types of Cases
Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle accident. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.
Are there appeals in small claims court?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Ellis County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Ennis
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 (972)825-5319. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Waxahachie
This courthouse is located at:
701 S I-35 E, Ste 1 Waxahachie, TX 75165This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (972)825-5022.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Waxahachie
This courthouse is located at:
101 W Main St, Ste 106 Waxahachie, TX 75165This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (972)825-5030. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Midlothian
This courthouse is located at:
1150 N Hwy 67, Ste 100 Midlothian, TX 76065-2308This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (972)825-5312. And you can email the court by clicking here.