Small Claims Court cases for Falls are heard in 4 LOCATIONS throughout Falls County. 
Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?
Small claims cases in Falls County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Falls County.
How are trials conducted?
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. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.
Types of Small Claims Cases
A variety of cases are handled 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.
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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.
Can I file my small claims case in Falls County?
You should file your action in the County and specific Precinct where the defendants reside or where the defendant has contracted to perform. (Government Code Section 28.011).
Can I appeal my case?
Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.
Can I file my case in small claims court?
The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money.
Small Claims Court Clerk
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is an excellent resource for the procedure for small claims court cases in Texas but also any procedures specific to that County or courthouse. It is recommended that you contact the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open during the hours you want to visit. While the clerk can help you with procedural issues, the clerk is not able to give legal advice. They will direct you to an attorney if answering your question would require that.
Falls County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Marlin
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 835 Marlin, TX 76661-0835This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (254)883-1427. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Marlin
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 834 Marlin, TX 76661-0834This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (254)883-1428.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Rosebud
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 748 Rosebud, TX 76570This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (254)583-7506. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Chilton
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 52 Chilton, TX 76632-0052This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (254)546-3700. And you can email the court by clicking here.