Lee County Small Claims Court, Texas

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

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Lee County

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

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).

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). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. 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.

Are Appeals Allowed?

A party can appeal a ruling if the amount of the judge’s award is in excess of $250.00.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your 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.

Do I need to hire an Attorney?

You are allowed to hire an attorney (Texas Government Code Section 28.003), however, most small claims court parties choose to represent themselves. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.

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.

How are trials conducted?

Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil 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. 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.

Lee County Court Locations

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Giddings

This courthouse is located at:

200 S Main St, Rm 114

Giddings, TX 78942

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)542-3030. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Lexington

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 587

Lexington, TX 78947

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)773-2267. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Dime Box

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 141

Dime Box, TX 77853

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)884-4001. And you can email the court by clicking here.