Jim Wells County Small Claims Court, Texas

Are there appeals in small claims court?

Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.

Can I file my case in 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 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money. Small Claims Court cases for Jim Wells are heard in 5 LOCATIONS throughout Jim Wells County.

Jim Wells County Small Claims Court
Jim Wells County Small Claims Court

Where do I file my small claims court case?

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 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. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).

Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?

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

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their 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. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

Types of 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.

How are trials conducted?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. 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. However, if a party wishes for a jury trial, it will likely last a few hours.

Jim Wells County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Alice

This courthouse is located at:

200 N Almond St, Rm B-103
Alice, TX 78332

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)668-5719. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sandia

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 150
Sandia, TX 78383

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)547-9796. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Premont

This courthouse is located at:

Drawer H
Premont, TX 78375

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)348-2773. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Orange Grove

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 331
Orange Grove, TX 78372

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)384-2486.

Precinct 6 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Ben Bolt

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 647
Ben Bolt, TX 78342

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 6 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)664-9987. And you can email the court by clicking here.

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