Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court
A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (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 cannot seek injunctive 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 type of relief would be injunctive relief.
Can I appeal my case?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
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. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours. Small Claims actions are heard in 4 courthouses throughout Hudspeth County. 
Types of Small Claims Cases
Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. 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.
Hudspeth County 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 specific local procedures for Hudspeth County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.
Judge
A Justice of the Peace for Hudspeth County hears small claims court cases for Hudspeth County.
Can I file my small claims case in Hudspeth 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).
Do I need A Lawyer?
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. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).
Hudspeth County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sierra Blanca
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (915)369-4141.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Fort Hancock
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 88 Fort Hancock, TX 79839-0088This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (915)769-3887. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of El Paso
This courthouse is located at:
19900 Hwy 62-180, RR 3 El Paso, TX 79938This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (915)988-2457. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Dell City
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 52 Dell City, TX 79837This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The phone number for the court is (915)964-2678. And you can email the court by clicking here.