Gray County Small Claims Court, Texas

Small Claims actions are heard in 3 courthouses throughout Gray County.

Can I file my small claims case in Gray 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).

Can I file my case in small claims court?

You cannot demand or ask for more than $10,000 in a small claims court case. (Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable 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 would be called injunctive relief.

Are Appeals Allowed?

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

Small Claims Court Clerk

We recommend contacting the Gray County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Gray 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.

Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?

The justice of the peace for Gray County presides over small claims court actions for Gray County.

How are trials conducted?

Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. There are no rules of evidence. Generally the judge will ask questions to help develop the facts and understand the context and circumstances surrounding the case. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. However, if a party wishes for a jury trial, it will likely last a few hours.

Small Claims Court Case Types

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. This is largely because the amount at issue in the case is not large enough to justify the hiring of an attorney. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.

Gray County Court Locations

Precincts 1 & 3 Courthouse in the City of Pampa

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 1558

Pampa, TX 79066-1558

This courthouse handles cases for Precincts 1 & 3. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)669-8032. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Courthouse in the City of Pampa

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 2054

Pampa, TX 79066-2504

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)669-8015.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of McLean

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 261

McLean, TX 79057

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)779-2721. And you can email the court by clicking here.