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). 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 type of relief would be injunctive relief.
Small Claims Court Clerk
We recommend contacting the Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. 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.
Do I need A Lawyer?
In Texas, small claims parties generally 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). Hidalgo County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 9 courthouses in Hidalgo 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. Furthermore, the judge is allowed and often ask questions of witnesses and parties to help understand 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.
Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?
The justice of the peace for Hidalgo County presides over small claims court actions for Hidalgo County.
Types of Small Claims 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. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.
Small Claims Court Venue
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).
Are Appeals Allowed?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Hidalgo County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Weslaco
This courthouse is located at:
1902 Joe Stephens, Ste 301 Weslaco, TX 78596This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)447-3995. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 1 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Weslaco
This courthouse is located at:
1902 Joe Stephens, Ste 302 Weslaco, TX 78599This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)968-0707. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Pharr
This courthouse is located at:
300 W Hall Acres Rd, Ste F Pharr, TX 78577-2563This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)784-3540. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Pharr
This courthouse is located at:
300 W Hall Acres Rd, Ste D Pharr, TX 78577This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)787-1986. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Mission
This courthouse is located at:
730 N Breyfogle Rd, Ste C Mission, TX 78574This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)519-8422. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Mission
This courthouse is located at:
730 N Breyfogle Rd, Ste A Mission, TX 78574This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)581-2124. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Edinburg
This courthouse is located at:
212 N 12th Ave Edinburg, TX 78541This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)380-4473.
Precinct 4 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Edinburg
This courthouse is located at:
224 N 12th Ave Edinburg, TX 78541This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)383-0921. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Elsa
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 238 Elsa, TX 78543This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)292-7015.
I have around 500 people who owe me around $518 Each person,
I have a personal loan business and those 500 people each owe me that amount, that is of course with the accumulated interest of “ONLY” 3 months, it has been more than 6 months but i didn’t add interest due that i didn’t know if it is in the legal parameters, but please let me know if there i a fee for me to file this 500 cases, i have all personal information of the delinquent customers like Social security number, Texas ID, and contracts.
I moved in to an apartment on oct 1 2016 . I have had nothing but problems with plumbing insects water temperature and it has caused a great deal of inconvenience. As soon as I moved in I complained about water temperature it took management 24 dsys to fix my water heater.I have complaibed about roaches and ants I am allergic to roaches my son is allergic to anys and managment stated they cannot make appointment till a week later but this is what they always say for any other problem..I want my deposit back and I need to move out immediately
I would like to know who can help to me i need somebody help absolutely to be clear payment issue with property owners association inc because they charged extra fee continuously and unfairly.
I really feel bad argue with them because they just do their own way doesn’t listen my conclusion
I need to file a small claims suit against a business in Edinburg, TX but am unable to obtain the correct form to fill out to start the process. Could someone please email me a form and instructions including fees due for this? Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Diane
We live in Palmview. Do we use Place 1 or Place 3 to file a Small Court Claim?
I would like to file a small claims action against South Texas Eco. They came and installed an “insulation blanket” in our attic, that was supposed to save us between 20-40% on our electric, only they installed a material that was much inferior and thinner than what they demonstrated, and we are not saving anything on our electric. They charged us nearly 10,000 dollars. I have called the company several times. They have set up appointments three times, but never showed to any of them. I sent a certified and regular mail letter. They called when they received the regular mail letter, but they sent back the certified one.
Do you have a form that I can fill out to file this small claims action? Thanks. I can also be reached at 956-566-1353.