Kaufman County Small Claims Court, Texas

Can I file my small claims case in Kaufman 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).

Are there appeals in small claims court?

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

Small Claims Court Case Types

Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle accident. The only types of cases that are prohibited are an assignment of a claim (whereby you transfer your interest in a case for someone else to collect), a divorce, or a case filed by a collection agency or agents.

What is the trial like?

Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. 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. A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.

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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose. Kaufman County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in Kaufman County.

Kaufman County Small Claims Court
Kaufman County Small Claims Court

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Kaufman County

A Justice of the Peace for Kaufman County hears small claims court cases for Kaufman County.

Small Claims Court Jurisdiction

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. 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.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

We recommend contacting the Kaufman County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. 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.

Kaufman County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Courthouse in the City of Kaufman

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 457
Kaufman, TX 75142

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (469)376-4620. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Courthouse in the City of Forney

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 1324
Forney, TX 75126

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (972)564-4054. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Courthouse in the City of Terrell

This courthouse is located at:

408 E College
Terrell, TX 75160

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (972)563-9723.

Precinct 4 Courthouse in the City of Kemp

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 191
Kemp, TX 75143

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (469)376-4620. And you can email the court by clicking here.

7 thoughts on “Kaufman County Small Claims Court, Texas”

  1. Hi, we, the company, hired a concrete contractor to pour a foundation. The contractor unfortunantly created a “bird bath” which allows water to pour into the middle of the pad site. I tried to get the contractor to fix his problem and his response was, it just happens. I have had a second opionion check it out, and the independent source says the concrete job was done incorrectly and that the contractor should fix it. However, the contractor has said he will not fix it, so I am considering taking him to Small Claims Court. Do you have a recommendation of what I should do?

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  2. Where do I file a small claims. I live in Terrell, kaufman co. I have a plumbing issue, the contractor’s office is in sunnyvale, tx dallas county

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  3. I would like to file a claim & need assistance. I loaned $1,000.00 and it has not been paid back. Do I need to send a demand letter or request to the person before I file? Is it necessary to have the agreement in writing & signed? Do I need
    witnesses?

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  4. I have a case when I paid 650$ to rent a bedroom and bathroom for May 1st. My name was not on the lease, I was only renting the room. I fully expected all utilities to work by May 1st. We knew we From April 2nd we were moving in. When I moved in the electricity did not work in the bathroom nor did it work in my bedroom. Again I paid 650$ for rent. After asking my roommate to contact the landlord to get the electricity fixed in order for me to use it. He then explained that the landlord does not know I live there and he also did not want to contact the landlord because he had burned the back porch with a cigarette and he did not want the landlord to see how irresponsible he is. He also would not call the landlord because the landloard specifically told Brad and Kandi they could not paint the house under no circumstance. They painted the Master bedroom gray anyway thus making it impossible to contact the landloard without her noticing the ill advised restorations and ruined porch they had created in the first place. I just want my 650$ back. The initial first months rent. I gave them 2 weeks to fix my electricity and I couldn’t live there anymore after he told me that if my lamp and sunlight were good enough then he couldn’t help me. My 650 was stolen from me. Brad Roberson also has s conviction of credit card fraud he has served time for. This is not out of his character.

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